Michael Cernech, city manager, Tamarac, Florida, has been selected by ICMA as the 2013 recipient of The Ferguson Group scholarship to the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program. Cernech will attend the program this summer.

The HKS program provides a unique opportunity to challenge conventional thinking, thought processes, and the values that drive leadership decisions. It’s an opportunity for senior-level city and county managers and assistants to experience personal and professional renewal.

The Ferguson Group, which represents public and private interests across the country before Congress and federal agencies, committed to funding the full cost of tuition for an ICMA member to attend the HKS Program for three years beginning in 2011.

“The city of Tamarac is a high performance organization thanks, in large part, to the leadership of Mike Cernech,” said Mayor Beth Talabisco. “The HKS experience will help our city manager continue to effectively meet the changing needs of our constituents and our community.”

Cernech’s career in local government started in 1995, when he became assistant to the city manager of Belton, Texas; and in 1997, he was named city manager of Shavano Park, Texas. He began his tenure with Tamarac in 2001, when he became assistant city manager (2001–04) followed by deputy city manager (2004–11), and city manager (2011–present).

Cernech, an ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2004, earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Detroit in 1991 and a master of public administration from Trinity University in 1995. He also received an ICMA Service Award in 2003 in recognition of his 10 years of service to local government.

An independent review panel composed of ICMA members who have participated in the Harvard program chose Cernech from among a candidate pool of 11 applicants. Individuals with questions can send an e-mail to TFGHarvardscholarship@icma.org, or call Felicia Littky at ICMA at 202-962-3656.