As the ICMA Future of Professional Management Fund turns 40 in 2026, we’re connecting with longtime donors about why they’ve given so much to the fund for so long, their hopes for the future of the profession, and how the fund can support that vision. We spoke with Bob O’Neill, ICMA-CM, about his inspiration to give.

Bob is a former executive director of ICMA and served as city manager of Hampton, Virginia, and county executive for Fairfax County, Virginia. He is currently a fellow and executive in residence at the Riley Center, College of Charleston.

What inspired you to become a donor to the Fund?

Fundamentally, three reasons. First, this is a profession that has been very good to me. I have been able to channel the things that are important to me through both my work and the profession. I have worked in great places, and I believe we have an obligation to give back to the people, programs, and places that helped us.

Second, the work of local government has never been unimportant, but today the efforts of ICMA members and local government professionals are arguably more important than at any time since 1914. Building community, making connections, and fostering great places to live, work, and play help counter the challenges we are experiencing. Especially when people question the value of experience and expertise, professional managers demonstrate the importance every day when serving their communities.

Lastly, there is value to the structure of the council-manager form of government. It may not be right for every community, but it is right for many.

What advice would you give to younger professionals about supporting the Fund and the profession?

As long-term donors and tenured professionals, we should connect with younger members of ICMA about why the Fund should matter to them. Defending the council-manager form of government matters, but in today’s environment, that alone is not sufficient. I think promoting the profession is something we can get more people engaged in, like the work of Life, Well Run.

Given the increasing partisanship and incivility in public dialogue, we must do more to provide personal support and enhance the resilience of local government professionals.

There is extraordinary value in social networks for supporting personal resiliency. We should encourage everyone to leverage ICMA and state associations as much on the personal side as the professional. Contributing to your association through participation, including giving to the Fund, keeps you engaged and helps everyone grow together.

What are your hopes for the Fund given today’s challenges, including political and social change?

Political upheaval is a matter of when and not if, and therefore should be predictable. We need more research around early warning signs for community instability, including managing governing boards. Research on predictive indicators that could help managers navigate the rapid changes and political upheaval in their communities could allow us to be more proactive rather than reactive.

About ICMA’s Future of Professional Management Fund

The Future of Professional Management Fund empowers communities nationwide by advancing professional local government management. The Fund invests in advocacy, education, and leadership development, ensuring the adoption and retention of the council-manager form and professional administration to build public trust, raise public awareness, and cultivate current and future leaders. 

Contributions directly sustain research, outreach, and support for the vital work that keeps our communities efficient, accountable, and resilient. Learn more here.