WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is proud to announce the selection of Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM as its new CEO/Executive Director effective February 24, 2025. The ICMA Executive Board unanimously voted to select Novak to lead the organization following an extensive international search that relied heavily on the feedback and guidance of ICMA members, State Associations, ICMA staff, affiliate organizations, and other partners to identify the traits, qualities, and experiences necessary to serve in this critical role.

“Julia’s extensive experience as a local government professional, business owner, and senior executive with a passion for public service make her the ideal choice to lead ICMA,” said ICMA President Tanya Ange. “Her career demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting local government professionals and advocating for the work they do every day. She understands the importance of meeting the needs of our members, and the Executive Board is confident that ICMA will flourish under her leadership.”  

“I am honored to be selected as ICMA’s CEO/Executive Director, and I look forward to working with the talented team of ICMA staff to serve and support our members’ efforts to build thriving communities around the world,” stated Novak. “ICMA members do important work that impacts the lives of those they serve, and I am proud to stand with them and support them in serving their communities and delivering on the promise of democracy at the local level.”

As an ICMA credentialed manager since 2002, Julia has served communities in multiple regions and in a variety of positions including city manager and deputy city manager. As a successful business owner and senior executive, Novak applied her insights and entrepreneurial drive to build a thriving consulting practice where she and her team have become trusted advisors to counties, cities, villages, towns, townships, boroughs, and special districts with populations ranging from 8,000 to 1.3 million people. Her service extends internationally to include the United States, Iraq, China, and Africa. Beyond her impressive experience and talents, the ICMA Executive Board was impressed by Novak’s many outstanding personal qualities including her integrity and deep commitment to the highest ideals of good local governance.

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