At its annual conference at the Hilton Orlando, the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) presented its 2017 awards to individuals for significant contributions to the management of local government in Florida.
“Every year, FCCMA gathers to honor members who are receiving these awards for their outstanding contributions to the profession and to this association,” said association President Bobby Green. “This is an opportunity to show our respect for each recipient and to thank them for all they do.”
The following individuals were recognized during the 2017 Awards Ceremony:
President’s Award (Given by the president in appreciation for individuals who have unswervingly supported the profession of city and county management)
- Wendell Lawther, Ph.D., M.A., Associate Professor of Public Administration, University of Central Florida
- Casey Cook, Executive Director of FCCMA and Senior Legislative Advocate, Florida League of Cities; Linda Bridges, Director of Association Services, Florida League of Cities; and Carol Russell, Executive Assistant, Florida League of Cities/FCCMA (joint award)
If You Care, You Do! (Given by the board of directors to an FCCMA member for going above-and-beyond on a project or program)
Micah Maxwell, Assistant City Manager, City of Clearwater
Richard (Dick) Simmons Lifetime Achievement Award (given in memory of a past president who was a 60+ year FCCMA member, to honor an individual who served the profession or the Association in a manner or to a degree that merits such recognition)
David Harden, Retired City Manager, City of Delray Beach & City of Winter Park
Michael J. Roberto Award for Career Development (given in memory of a past president who emphasized mentoring and development of others; nominated by the local government)
Carl S. Harness, Chief Human Services Administrator, Hillsborough County
Award for Career Excellence (given in recognition of an outstanding career in local public management; nominated by the local government)
Joseph W. Yarbrough, City Manager, City of South Daytona
Assistant for Excellence in Leadership (specifically for a deputy or assistant; nominated by the local government)
Roger Reinke, Assistant City Manager, City of Naples
President’s Gavel Plaque (given in recognition of voluntary leadership by the board of directors and membership)
Bobby Green, City Manager, City of Auburndale
Outgoing Executive Board (given in recognition of voluntary leadership by the board of directors and membership)
Michael Pleus, City Manager, City of DeLand
B. Harold Farmer Scholarship (academic scholarship given in memory of an FCCMA past president; includes stipend to attend the annual conference)
Neysa Herrera Cuello, Graduate Student, Florida Atlantic University (Master of Public Administration)
Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship (given in memory of the long-time FLC executive director, who emphasized advocacy; includes stipend to attend conference)
Desiree Casanova, Graduate Student, Nova Southeastern University (Master of Public Administration)
Emerging Professionals Scholarships (provides conference registration and stipend to future local government managers)
Marsha Noel, Administrative Intern, Orange County Facilities Management Division
Aubrey Phillips, Graduate Student, Florida Gulf Coast University (Master of Public Administration)
Eve Sweeting, Human Resources Analyst/Generalist, Charlotte County
