Join us for a panel discussion series with current and former city managers to hear perspectives from leaders in our community. This is an event for folks at all levels in the public sector. Join us for a unique opportunity to meet city managers from various backgrounds, learn about their career paths, and understand what it takes to be a leader in the local government field. Whether you are an analyst, aspire to be a city manager, or just want to learn more about being a generalist in local government, this event is for you!

If you are a City of Palo Alto employee, please utilize this code for free registration: PA2024

When: Thursday, March 28, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Cost:
MMANC Member: $20
Nonmember: $30
Student Member: FREE
City of Palo Alto employees use code: PA2024

Panelists:

Panel 1 – Current City Managers
Panelists: Melissa Stevenson Diaz, ICMA-CM (City of Redwood City), Jovan Grogan (City of Santa Clara), Kelly McAdoo Morariu (City of Hayward), Kimbra McCarthy (City of Mountain View)
Moderator: Teri Black (Teri Black & Co.)
Topic: what the job involves, how to prepare professionally for it, and lessons learned.

Panel 2 – Former City Managers
Panelists: Frank Benest (City of Palo Alto), Patricia Martel (City of Daly City), Dan Rich (City of Mountain View)
Moderator: Jaqui Guzman (City of Sunnyvale)
Topic: how early and mid-career experiences helped prepare them for the job, resources available to aspiring city managers, and how they see the job/industry changing in the next 10 years.

Panel 3 – New City Managers
Panelists: Sharif Etman, MBA (Town of Portola Valley), Daniel Barros, MBA (Town of Colma), Matthew Chidester (City of Half Moon Bay)
Moderator: Pamela Wu (City of Cupertino)
Topic: personal career paths, insights from first years on the job, recommendations for those who may become city manager in the next few years.