ICMA maintains affiliate relationships with many notable associations, including the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). The purpose of these affiliate relationships is to highlight the value of the relationship between ICMA and its affiliated associations, as well as the benefits of membership in both; and to enhance support and service delivery for local government management professionals.

ICMA and NFBPA are currently led by women, Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, and Marcia L. Conner, respectively, who have extensive experience in local government and track records of championing women in the profession. ICMA and NFBPA often collaborate on joint initiatives to offer leadership development and networking opportunities for their members.

Recently, as a member of both organizations and on behalf of ICMA’s SheLeadsGov Committee, I had the opportunity to moderate an education session highlighting the journeys of women leaders in local government management at NFBPA’s FORUM 2026. The session’s panelists were Chelsea Jackson, deputy city manager, Douglasville, Georgia; India Adams-Jacobs, town manager, Bowling Green, Virginia; and Alethea Predeoux, deputy city manager, Alexandria, Virginia.

Each panelist highlighted specific experiences from their backgrounds, including the impact of mentors, pivotal career moments, and the values that drew them to public service. Sharing these stories illustrated the diverse paths that can lead to meaningful work in local government and the importance of personal passion and commitment to serving others. Our discussion covered three main ideas about advancing and supporting women in local government:

Leverage mentorship and networking opportunities to advance your career and support the profession.

• Seek mentors (of all backgrounds) both within and outside your organization to gain diverse perspectives and guidance.

• Actively participate in networking events, professional associations, and workshops to build valuable connections.

• Foster mutually beneficial relationships by offering support and sharing knowledge with peers and mentors.

• Utilize mentorship and networking to identify growth opportunities, gain insights into career advancement, and stay updated on industry trends.

• Take advantage of the many training and professional development opportunities offered by ICMA, NFBPA, and other ICMA affiliate associations like the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the International Network of Asian Pacific Islander Public Administrators (I-NAPA), the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN), and more.

Leading roles also bring unique challenges that women in local government executive positions confront and overcome.

• Recognize and address gender biases by advocating for yourself and supporting other women in the workplace.

• Build resilience through continuous professional development and seeking allies among colleagues and leadership.

• Utilize support networks and affinity groups to share experiences and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

• Promote transparent communication and policy changes that foster inclusiveness and equal opportunities.

Step out of your comfort zone and focus on the future.

• Develop confidence by seeking leadership training and taking on challenging projects.

• Embrace opportunities to lead, even if they are outside your comfort zone, to build skills and visibility.

• Stay informed about current issues in local government and cultivate a strong professional network to support your journey.

• Be an active member of ICMA and its affiliates and volunteer your time and talents.

Sisterhood and Family Reunions

Our discussion also shed light on the fact that India and Chelsea met more than a decade ago as ICMA Local Government Management Fellows. Since that time, they have maintained a close sisterhood grounded in supporting one another’s professional and personal pursuits. Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Chelsea on ICMA’s Assistant Chief Administrative Officers (ACAO) Committee. I felt like a proud “big sister” when Chelsea succeeded me as a co-chair and helped take the committee to its next level. When I received a “cold email” from Alethea years ago about an initiative of mutual interest to our jurisdictions, I never envisioned that would eventually segue into a great friendship. After meeting India at a state association meeting years ago, I didn’t know that our initial introduction would lead to discussions today about planning efforts to increase the diversity of MPA students involved in our state association and other activities in local government.

I shouldn’t be surprised by these ongoing connections because they reflect a broader sisterhood in public management and of women’s deep contributions to the profession. Getting to see these women, as well as so many other cherished colleagues, at conferences is what makes those events so special. Each gathering feels less like a routine professional responsibility and more like a joyful reunion with extended family, where bonds are strengthened, stories are shared, and memories are created together.

By embracing mentorship, building strong networks (and nourishing your “sisterhood”), and leading with confidence, women in local government can continue to serve their communities and organizations with excellence, break barriers, and inspire future leaders while creating lasting, positive change.

MONICA N. SPELLS, ICMA-CM, is a deputy county administrator for Loudoun County, Virginia, and co-chair of the ICMA SheLeadsGov Committee.