by Milo Zonka, Senior Director, Admin & Finance, Brevard County
Two Florida university chapters have reported their 2017-18 results to ICMA in recent months. Active student chapters are required to submit annual reports on their activities.
Florida International University chapter
The chapter held several events over the past year:
- ICMA@FIU collaborated with the FIU Master of Public Administration program to host a networking event during the program’s Fall 2017 semester orientation.
- ICMA@FIU sponsored the “Building a Professional Network for Success” panel, at American Society for Public Administration South Florida Chapter’s Best Practice Conference, at the Town of Cutler Bay.
- ICMA@FIU sponsored the event titled “Building Communities of Inclusion” together with Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University and the ICMA Student Chapter at FAU.
- ICMA@FIU, in collaboration with the City of Coral Gables and Pi Alpha Alpha @ FIU, organized a networking event at Fink Studio, Coral Gables with the purpose of introducing our members to the city’s managers and administrators.
As a result of these activities and more involvement in FIU graduate student orientation, the chapter has reported a 50% increase in membership! The chapter’s local government mentor is Ana Garcia, City Manager of North Miami Beach.
St. Petersburg College chapter
After a slow start to the year following the graduation of much of the chapter’s leadership, the students reorganized the chapter, elected new officers and made a strong showing at the FCCMA Annual Conference in Orlando this May. Feedback on the conference from chapter members in attendance include:
- “This conference provided me with so many opportunities to meet and network with people who are already working in city and local government. I met the town manager of Kenneth City and he provided me with great insight into what my future career prospects could be, as well as extending the offer to review my resume and give me tips on how to make my qualifications and experience stand out in lieu of a Master’s Degree. The connections that can be made at these conferences are invaluable to any Public Policy and Administration student and I look forward to attending many more in the future.” – Shannon Kalmbach
- “We got to mingle among potential employers, meet vendors of city services and innovations, and discuss ICMA Student opportunities with fellow members. The guest speaker was very inspiring, and I’m glad I had the chance to hear her speak. After speaking with some of the USF students, I believe there is great potential to collaborate in future meetings and learn from each other. It was cool to see so many important people in one place; I’m happy that I went.” – Connor Donovan
- “FCCMA gave me an opportunity to engage with other like-minded, bubbly, and motivated students who want to make a difference. The conference also allowed me to network a little with past and present city managers from different counties around Florida. It also gave me a second wind in my own journey and reminded me why I chose the Public Policy and Administration program, my Paralegal Certification, and why I strive to be the difference in the world I want to see. Thank you FCCMA for the next step-up and thank you SPC for the opportunity to network and help lead the next SPC student chapter.” – Adriana Hulland
- “The FCCMA conference was truly an exceptional experience that I am thankful to have been a part of.” – Ian Albert
The SPC chapter is mentored by Bill Horne, City Manager of the City of Clearwater.
Student chapters are social—follow them online!
Several ICMA student chapters have a social media presence where they report on recent activities and upcoming events.
University of South Florida Facebook – the Robert R. Green USF chapter has pictures from the FCCMA Annual Conference and the university’s well-attended first MPA Night in April.
University of Central Florida Facebook – the chapter had several activities, including training on resume writing and interviewing, and a Secrets to Success Panel/Mixer in March, with participation from several local ICMA/FCCMA members.
Florida International University Facebook – the chapter held a networking event with the City of Coral Gables in March.
Florida Gulf Coast University Facebook
