In today's rapidly evolving work environment, it is crucial for women to navigate the challenges, break down barriers, and build bridges to success. "Finding Common Ground" serves as a beacon of inspiration and solidarity, bringing together accomplished women leaders and professionals from various local governments to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration.

During this webinar, we will delve into the core themes that impact women in their careers, addressing such pertinent issues as leadership development, work-life balance, overcoming gender biases, negotiating for success, personal branding, and fostering inclusive workplaces. Our esteemed panel of speakers, comprising trailblazing women who have shattered glass ceilings and achieved remarkable milestones, will share their unique journeys, strategies, and lessons learned.

Whether you are an aspiring professional, mid-career enthusiast, or a seasoned executive, "Finding Common Ground" is a must-attend event that will equip you with the tools, inspiration, and insights to take your career to new heights. Join us in this virtual gathering of ambitious women, where we will celebrate achievements, share stories, and empower each other to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This webinar is complimentary for all attendees thanks to the support of ICMA Strategic Partner Cigna Healthcare, who will have access to registration information.

Moderator 

Kimberly Funderburk

President, Government, Education and Health Systems, Cigna Healthcare

About Kimberly Funderburk

Kimberly Funderburk is Cigna’s President for Government, Education and Health Systems business and is responsible for the creation and execution of a national Government, Education and Health Systems strategy consistent with Cigna's overall value proposition. Kimberly also serves as a strategic and consultative resource to Cigna’s local market account teams, ensuring that Cigna's strategies, solutions and service deliver differentiated value and address the specific and unique needs of each government, education and health system client. She has over 20+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, many of which were previously spent at Cigna in a number of positions that spanned across operations and sales. Prior to her return, she led the sales and health & wellness teams at Anthem BCBSGA. She has extensive government and education experience, having worked with numerous public entities, school systems, colleges and universities across the country during her time at Cigna and at Anthem BCBSGA.

Kimberly is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where she received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. She lives in Atlanta and is passionately committed to community and health engagement and advocacy.

Panelists

Carla Bell Johnson

Deputy County Administrator, Orange County, Florida

About Carla Bell Johnson

Carla Bell Johnson is a native Central Floridian with 30 years of public sector experience serving our community. She is currently the deputy county administrator for Orange County, with responsibility for oversight of the Community and Family Services Department, Administrative Services Department, and several key internal support offices including Human Resources, Office of Management Budget, Information Systems and Services, Risk Management, and others – leading a team of more than 1,600 employees representing 23 operating units of county government. She most recently served as assistant county administrator and advised Mayor Jerry L. Demings on key regional transportation policy-related matters, including the Mayor’s Transportation Funding Initiative. Prior to this, she served as the director of Strategic Planning and Development for the Orange County Convention Center–with responsibility for overseeing convention center transportation, parking operations, market research, and business/stakeholder engagement. Johnson also managed the International Drive Community Redevelopment Area, a CRA focused on investments that support the economic vitality of the International Drive activity center. Johnson has held various leadership positions with the county’s Growth Management Department and the Public Works Department. And she previously served as manager of transportation planning for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. She holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and operations research from Princeton University.

Trish Stiles

Town Manager, Bennett, Colorado 

About Trish Stiles

Trish Stiles is the town manager of Bennett, Colorado. Prior to this, she has served in various management roles in Colorado, Illinois, and Florida. She is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, a past president of the Colorado City County Managers Association, served as an ICMA Welcome Ambassador and is also a past president of the Metro City/County Manager’s Association. Stiles' achievements include completion of many capital improvements including a successful sales tax for new roads in Bennett, new town hall and public works facility, elevated water storage tank, and a new waste water treatment facility. She is a proud Colorado native, recently celebrated her 16th wedding anniversary with her husband and is mom to a 14-year-old son and a golden retriever.

Samantha Tavares

President, Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN)
Special Projects Manager, City of Phoenix, Arizona 

About Samantha Tavares

Bold, creative, and inclusive. Those are just a few words to describe Samantha Tavares, a special projects administrator with Phoenix’s City Manager’s Office, whose current duties include managing $396 million American Rescue Plan Act funds comprising 67 programs across 17 city departments. She is also the president of the Local Government Hispanic Network Board of Directors. A simple passion of wanting to help those in need, she believes it is important to give more than you take in this life and to always be willing to learn. When she is not nerding out about local government, she is likely doing some outdoorsy thing, cuddling up with a good book, or playing with her German Shepherd, Korra.