As ICMA's Future of Professional Management Fund turns 40 in 2026, we’re connecting with donors—both individuals and organizations—about why they give, their hopes for the future of the profession, and how the Fund can support that vision. 

This month, we spoke with Jim Malloy, ICMA-CM, ICMA past president, life member, and Massachusetts senior advisor.

What inspired you to become a donor?

Initially, it was the launch of the Life, Well Run campaign. The videos were exceptionally compelling and reinforced my pride in our profession and what we quietly accomplish every day. I firmly believe current managers owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors who built and strengthened our profession. Repaying that debt requires active investment to ensure the profession continues to thrive well into the future. I began regularly donating to the Life, Well Run campaign in 2012; the Fund for Professional Management in 2011; and ICMA’s Future of Professional Management Fund in 2017. I continue a monthly donation to this fund as a retired manager.

As an active manager, being a sustaining donor meant honoring those who came before me and recognizing their contributions not only to their communities but to the profession as a whole. It also allowed me to remain meaningfully engaged in ICMA’s work during times when my professional responsibilities limited my direct involvement. As a retiree, continuing as a sustaining donor keeps me connected to the profession and a career that I valued deeply and remain committed to supporting.

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

I would encourage them to reflect on how the profession developed and the central role that ICMA has played—and continues to play—in advancing and protecting the profession. Start with a manageable contribution, make it automatic, and increase it over time. Consistent, broad-based participation creates a stable and reliable base that allows ICMA to plan strategically and act effectively. There is also extensive information on ICMA’s website and staff at ICMA can clearly demonstrate where they have made an impact and other initiatives currently underway.

How do you envision the future of the council-manager form of government in the face of political and social change, and what are your hopes for the Fund given these challenges?

Local government has always been on the front lines between citizens and government. Residents can directly access their local officials, call the manager, or walk into their local city or town hall in ways fundamentally different than state and federal government offices. As politics becomes more divisive, local governments increasingly absorb public frustration. This often extends to challenges to the form of government itself, because it is the most accessible level of government for public engagement, regardless of whether it is the true source of concern.

The decline of local journalism and rise of social media further complicate public understanding. This is where ICMA plays a critical role. My hope is that the Fund is robustly and reliably funded, so ICMA does not have to choose when and where to engage, but instead has the capacity to act early, decisively, and wherever support is needed.

How do you see the role of ICMA evolving in the next decade in terms of advocacy and education around professional management?

Historically, ICMA has often been placed in a reactive position when the profession was challenged. The Life, Well Run campaign was a positive effort to define the profession and communicate its value directly to residents. ICMA should revisit that model, evaluate why it faded, and identify strategies that can be sustained and expanded. The focus should be on developing durable, modern programs that empower local government managers to clearly communicate the value of professional management to their communities in a positive, consistent, and visible way.

What impact do you believe the Fund has had on communities that adopted or retained the council-manager plan?

The impact has been substantial and well-documented, particularly in communities where the council-manager form has been considered or challenged. ICMA’s involvement has provided expertise, credibility, and timely support that has helped communities make informed decisions and, in many cases, initiate and preserve professional management.

Since 1986, the Future of Professional Management Fund has been the frontline defense for the council-manager government. As we celebrate this milestone, our goal is to raise $151,000 this year to fuel the advocacy and education that build the future of our profession. Your support ensures professional management remains the gold standard. Visit icma.org/fund40 to donate, and thank you for your support!