In a world where change is the only constant, how do local governments transform challenges into opportunities? Resilience is more than survival—it's about strategic adaptation, unwavering strength, and the capacity to emerge stronger from every challenge. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with practical strategies to enhance resilience, ensuring they can serve their communities with confidence and stability, no matter what challenges arise.

What We Will Cover

Whether you're a CAO, ACAO, department head, or front-line staff, this 90-minute webinar deconstructs resilience as a multi-dimensional, actionable framework (strengthening community, personal, and organizational fortitude) that empowers local government professionals to:

• Ensure organizational adaptability
• Support communities in navigating crises and growth
• Cultivate personal well-being and strength
• Create organizations that can adapt and thrive in the face of adversity 

Don't just weather the storm—learn to harness its energy. Join us and discover how resilience can be your most powerful strategy for creating vibrant, dynamic, and unstoppable communities.

ICMA-CM: Participation in free coaching webinars qualifies for ICMA-CM (Voluntary Credentialing Program) credit.

Learning Objectives

Understand the Dimensions of Resilience – Learn the interconnection between community, personal, and organizational resilience and why each is vital for effective local governance.

Cultivate Personal Resilience – Discover techniques to manage stress, maintain well-being, and sustain motivation as a local government professional. 

Strengthen Organizational Fortitude – Learn how to foster a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and preparedness within local government teams.

Can't attend? Register and watch on-demand.

Visit the ICMA Coaching Program for more coaching and mentoring resources.

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Meet the Speakers

Peggy Merriss Executive Director, Georgia City-County Management Association

Read Peggy's Bio

Peggy Merriss has a passion for furthering local government excellence and innovation through service, teaching, and being a mentor and advisor. For 35 years she served the City of Decatur, GA including over 25 years as the City Manager and since retiring she has served as the Interim City Manager for Sandy Springs, GA and the Acting City Administrator for Pine Lake GA. Currently she serves as the Executive Director for the Georgia City-County Management Association and on the faculty of the Athenian Program and the Women in the Civic Arena. 

Peggy completed a MPA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was recognized with the “Distinguished Service Award” in January 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Converse College, Spartanburg, SC, where she was recognized with the “Career Achievement Award” in April 2012. In 2022, Peggy was elected as a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow. She was inducted into the Georgia Municipal Association Hall of Fame in 2018. She has also completed the SEI program at the UVA and received her ICMA Credential Manager designation in 2003. She previously served as the President of ICMA, having completed a term as President in 2002-03, the first woman, and youngest person, to ever hold the office.

 At the end of 2020, she completed ten-years of service on the ICMA-RC Board of Directors (now MissionSquare), serving as the first woman chair. The Georgia City/County Management Association recognized her with the Pillar of Professional Excellence Award, and she was awarded the “Georgia Excellence in Public Service Award” for a city appointed official. An avid traveler, she recently visited her seventh continent with a trip to Antarctica. She looks forward to completing her goal of visiting all 50 US states and all 10 Canadian provinces.

Ian Coyle President, Pracademic Partners

Read Ian's Bio - Coming Soon

 

Read Kathleen's Bio - Coming Soon

 

Mark Hoppen, ICMA-CM Retired

Read Mark's Bio - Coming Soon