Michael Cernech, city manager, Tamarac, Florida, has been selected by ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, 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. Cernech began his tenure with the City of Tamarac in 2001, when he became assistant city manager (2001-2004) followed by deputy city manager (2004-2011), and city manager (2011-present).
Cernech earned designation in 2004 as a Credentialed Manager though ICMA’s Voluntary Credentialing Program, which defines and recognizes members who are qualified by a combination of education and experience, adherence to high standards of integrity, and an assessed commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. He also received an ICMA Service Award in 2003 in recognition of his 10 years of service to local government.
Cernech earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit in 1991 and a Master of Public Administration from Trinity University in 1995.
An independent review panel comprised of ICMA members who have participated in the Harvard program in the past chose Cernech from among a candidate pool of 33 applicants. Direct questions to: TFGHarvardscholarship@icma.org, or to Felicia Littky at 202.962.3656.
About The Ferguson Group
Founded in 1982, The Ferguson Group (TFG) is the largest federal representative of local governments in Washington, D.C. The group also represents more irrigation districts, water districts, and local water agencies than any other Washington firm. The Ferguson Group has been an active strategic partner with ICMA since 2007. TFG promotes progress and delivers results through government relations services such as developing creative strategies for securing federal funding; Congressional, regulatory, and policy advocacy; coalition building; and events and logistics management.
About ICMA
ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government worldwide. Its mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advancing the professional management of local government. ICMA provides publications, data and information, peer and results-oriented technical assistance in the U.S. and other countries, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county management experts and other individuals throughout the world.
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
