ICMA Student Chapters from across Florida gathered for a productive round table discussion during the 2025 Florida City/County Management Association (FCCMA) Conference in Orlando, Florida, to discuss the future of city management, public service, and how ICMA Student Chapters can be part of the conversation. Participants included student chapter members, mentors, advisors, and other practitioners interested in the success of the next generation of local government professionals. 

“We wanted to bring together all the great ideas from the future of city management and public service. We reached out to FCCMA, and they supported the vision. All the hard work paid off,” said Josh Starr, ICMA Student Chapter President, University of South Florida (USF). 

The session was organized by the USF ICMA Student Chapter, with vital support from FCCMA. Josh Starr acted as the moderator, and led the discussions oriented around ICMA Student Chapters. FCCMA representatives John Boehm, assistant to the city manager, Palm Beach Gardens, and Jeff Tillman, city manager, Auburndale and USF ICMA Student Chapter mentor, led a discussion on FCCMA’s initiatives to support ICMA Student Chapters. There were between 35 to 45 participants during the round table discussion. 

(Left) USF ICMA Student Chapter President Josh Starr and (Right) FCCMA Representative John Boehm

The round table began with each ICMA Student Chapter President presenting updates on their Student Chapter, such as events, recruitment, membership, challenges, and other areas of interest. 

ICMA Senior Program Manager David Lang contributed a video presentation outlining the benefits of joining or creating an ICMA Student Chapter, including ICMA membership while in your university's program, access to ICMA's network of over 140+ student chapters, and members-only content. After this video, the discussion’s main topics were student chapter strengths, student chapter weaknesses, and cross-organizational collaboration. 

Participants discussed the possibility of bi-monthly virtual meetings among Florida’s ICMA Student Chapters or hosting in-person joint events. For example, students from St. Petersburg College, the University of South Florida, and the University of Central Florida explored the possibility of collaborating since these three institutions are in the same general vicinity.

“This was an amazing space to connect with students from across the state who are just as passionate about local government and public service as I am. I look forward to taking ideas back to my ICMA Student Chapter,” said Madeleine Gonzalez, ICMA Student Chapter President, Florida State University. 

USF ICMA Chapter Advisor Dr. John Daly

The round table shifted to FCCMA’s partnership with ICMA Student Chapters in Florida. FCCMA representatives Boehm and Tillman facilitated this portion of discussion, which included suggestions like providing an FCCMA liaison to coordinate strengthening and collaborating with ICMA Student Chapters.  “I am excited to see what the next generation of city managers has to offer the profession. Strengthening FCCMA’s relationships with Student Chapters and university faculty is important as it allows managers to support young professionals in the field,” said Jeff Tillman, FCCMA Next Gen Task Force.  

Students expressed concern about the stability of Student Chapters as leadership transitions due to graduations. Another raised concern was post-graduation pathways to a position in local government. FCCMA responded by offering resources and exploring options to support continuity through closer engagement with advisors and mentors.

USF MPA Student Kelliyah Cherubin

The final agenda item was an open discussion period. Students suggested ways to strengthen each other’s ICMA Student Chapters. A suggestion made was to tailor events based on compelling, relevant topics like artificial intelligence in the public sector. Another suggestion involved collaboration with a local municipality, such as the USF ICMA Student Chapter’s collaboration with the city of Temple Terrace to hold a mock city council event for students. The insights from this session will be reviewed by the FCCMA Next Gen Task Force, which oversees initiatives that encourage and educate young professionals on local government.

“This session was a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration between ICMA Student Chapters and FCCMA. Hearing directly from students offered key insights to enhance our support. I’m confident this dialogue will foster a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership as we work together to develop the next generation of local government leaders,” said John Boehm, FCCMA Next Gen Task Force.  

“The Florida ICMA Student Chapters session showed that young professionals are eager to be outstanding community leaders, and FCCMA is committed to  guiding and supporting us on this journey,” said Starr. 

Get more information about ICMA’s Student Chapters or email careers@icma.org or dlang@icma.org. Learn more about FCCMA Student Resources.