Spring 2024

Dear CCMF Members,

As we conclude the first quarter of 2024, I would like to thank all of our members for continuing to make a positive impact in their communities throughout California. To our sponsors, your steadfast support for the city management profession through CCMF is deeply appreciated. Each of you plays a vital role in advancing public service, and for that, CCMF is truly thankful.

In February, CCMF hosted its Annual Member Appreciation Dinner at the 2024 League of California Cities City Managers Conference in Hollywood. The dinner had an amazing turnout with around 300 people in attendance. It was a night filled with friendship and awards with the people and firms that support the city management profession.

CCMF awarded the 2024 Sponsor of the Year title to Raymond James. Raymond James stands as a leading financial advisory firm, offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to address cities’ intricate financial requirements. As a years-long sponsor, Raymond James has demonstrated their dedication to improving California cities by supporting CCMF and its members. CCMF awarded its 2024 City Manager of the Year award to El Cerrito City Manager Karen Pinkos. Karen serves as a remarkable example of female leadership in government and has exhibited resolute dedication to her city since 2018. With over 25 years of experience in her field, she has held the esteemed positions of  (2019) International City/County Management Association (ICMA) President, Vice President of the ICMA Executive Board for the West Coast Region and former President of the Cal-ICMA Board.,. Karen also  currently serves as the President of the League of California Cities City Managers Department and remains a valued member of CCMF’s Board of Trustees. Thank you to our 2024 award winners!

During the Cal Cities City Managers Conference, CCMF organized two panel discussions titled “Protecting the Profession” and “Who are we? A Profile of the Profession.” The “Protecting the Profession” panel featured San Leandro City Manager Fran Robustelli, La Verne City Manager Ken Domer, retired Auburn City Manager John Donlevy and Ross Town Manager Christa Johnson. The panelists delved into proactive measures aimed at preventing personal and professional attacks on city managers. 

The second panel, “Who are we? A Profile of the Profession,” included CCMF President and Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Striplin, CCMF Board Member and El Cerrito City Manager Karen Pinkosand Bipasa Nadon, Assistant Director for Research and Publications at the Rose Institute of State and Local Government, Claremont McKenna College. They presented the findings of the “2023 California City Manager Survey: A Profile of the Profession” report. We extend our appreciation to all participants and hope those who attended found the panel discussions insightful and enriching.

CCMF is pleased to announce that all of the Executive Education Grants have been awarded for the 2023-24 program year! Through the Executive Education Grant program, this year’s recipients will be able to take advantage of the following programs: Local Governance Summer Institute (LGSI) at Stanford University, the Harvard Leadership Decision Making program and the Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Thank you to HdL Companies for contributing $7,500 to CCMF’s scholarship program, enabling CCMF to provide a grant to an additional member for attendance to LGSI. This year’s awardees are San Pablo City Manager Matt Rodriguez, Norwalk Deputy City Manager Richard A. Rojas, Jr. and Clovis Assistant City Manager Andrew Haussler. The application program will open at the start of the new program year, July 1. Stay tuned for updates later this year. 

The Wes McClure Scholarship Program and Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund is officially accepting applications for the 2024-25 program year. Through the Wes McClure Scholarship Program, CCMF offers three $2,500 scholarships to graduate students interested in pursuing a career in local government. Eligibility includes those currently in graduate school or who have been accepted into a graduate program for Fall Semester 2024. The Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund offers two $5,000 grants to two California cities to enable summer internships. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply to either of these two scholarships. The deadline to submit applications is on Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m. PST. 

Feel free to contact me or the CCMF Executive Director, Ken Pulskamp, should you require any assistance from CCMF. Let’s make 2024 a great year!

Sincerely,

Ken Striplin
President