Four of ICMA's six vice presidents-elect, incoming President Lee Feldman, and incoming President-elect David Johnstone came to the ICMA offices for an orientation on August 4 and 5.

The new board includes: Johnstone, director general, Candiac, Quebec, Canada as ICMA’s 2016–2017 president-elect, and regional vice-presidents- elect Patrick E. Klein, assistant city manager, Kansas City, Missouri, Charles M. Duggan Jr., city manager, Auburn, Alabama; Frans G. Mencke, city manager, Hoorn, Netherlands; Stephanie J. Mason, township manager, Doylestown, Pennsylvania; James G. Jayne, county manager, Navajo County, Arizona; and Martha J. Bennett, chief operating officer, Metro Council, Portland, Oregon.

For staff, the highlight is always the opportunity to hear from board members about what drew them to local government. Johnstone said that although he had aspired to a national level position, his goals changed, "I was astonished at the impact we can have on the lives of people.” The theme of making a difference in the lives of community residents ran through every story.

In addition to an all-staff breakfast, the orientation included an overview of ICMA finances and key issues, a review of board responsibilities, and an opportunity to share interests and priorities. 

The new board members will be inducted at the Wednesday morning general session at ICMA's 102nd Annual Conference in Kansas City/Jackson County, Missouri, in September.

ICMA will begin accepting candidate statements of interest for the 2017-2018 election in September 2016.

Watch: Lee Feldman shared his thoughts on why local government and ICMA.