Ernie HernandezErnie Hernandez attended CCMF’s New & Future City Managers Seminar in 2014, just “a little over a year into [his] new and current capacity as Deputy City Manager of Norwalk, CA.”

As he continues to serve as Norwalk’s Deputy City Manager, Ernie continues to draw upon the experiences, advice and resources shared during the New & Future City Managers Seminar. The focus around how to thrive during the first phase of a city management position was especially helpful for him, he notes.

“The best advice came by way of the several discussions and literature distributed focusing on what City Managers should do in the first 100 days in the position. There were several concrete examples of ‘DOs & DON’Ts,’ as well as helpful discussions on timeline.”

For Ernie, the mix of senior and younger managers in a relaxed environment was welcome–it allowed for more natural, free-flowing, two-way conversations. “I thought the opportunity to hear experiences and challenges from experienced as well as newly appointed City Managers was equally beneficial,” says Ernie. “The topics and general discussion were relevant and provide a great resource whether you are already a City Manager or an aspiring one.”

If you are considering attending the 2015 New & Future City Managers Seminar, take some advice from this past participant: “It is a great opportunity to learn and evaluate what benefits and challenges the profession brings.”