Key Biscayne City Manager Steve Williamson served his country in the military before working in the private sector. He felt something was missing – serving something for a bigger purpose – and began his career in city government working for the City of Miami.

Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie, has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. In this episode, Kevin covers emergency management preparedness for local governments in tangible, practical and actionable terms.

Flagler Beach City Manager Will Whitson has been in city leadership for seven hurricane seasons. He advises preparing for hurricane season by thinking through possible issues, gathering your team, preparing and reviewing checklists and determining how to coordinate with the private sector to manage resources best.

Pensacola City Administrator Kerrith Fiddler covers ongoing repairs from hurricanes, working with FEMA to improve city infrastructure and how to support employees by giving them room to grow.

Lake Helen has a population of about 3,000. Its City Administrator Lee Evett has worked in city administration for 51 years. During that tenure, he took a private sector sabbatical to advise cities on evaluating their finances and evaluating how they derive revenues.

Ken Parker became a senior advisor after retiring from serving the City of Port Orange. The program is a joint effort through FCCMA and the International City Management Association. Senior advisors serve as volunteers with a primary focus on members in transition.

Podcast guest Desiree Casanova was born and raised in Broward County by a single mother, unsure of whether she would be able to go to college. She talks about putting herself through two degrees through scholarships and working full-time, and the work she is currently doing for Sarasota County on a 1% surtax and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

City Manager of Wauchula Terry Atchley spent 32 years in the private sector before becoming a county commissioner and, eventually, city manager. He discusses using the tools he has as a business owner to inspire, encourage, and support his staff.

Deputy City Manager of Sarasota Patrick Robinson was a law enforcement officer for 21 years. He explains the importance of people feeling safe in their communities in order for the surrounding economy to grow and thrive.

Town of Dundee Town Manager Tandra Davis strives to inspire a culture of personal growth. She talks about the importance of focusing on turnover reduction and how providing continuing education to staff members has been a positive and rewarding experience.