The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Wes McClure Scholarship:

  • Cindy Flaro – California State University, Fullerton
  • Apryl Tovar – California State University, Bakersfield
  • Manuel Munoz – University of Southern California

Wes McClure, for whom our annual scholarship was named, served as city manager of San Leandro for 28 years. He passed away at the age of 94 on December 20, 2009. Wes had many outstanding attributes, including an unparalleled ability to listen. His patience and skill in this regard contributed enormously to his successful career working with city councils and impacted CCMF directly during the formation of the foundation, in which Wes played an integral part.

This award was created in honor of Wes’s outstanding and significant contributions to the city manager’s department, League of California Cities, the state of California and the city management profession.

“We are proud to recognize our three 2023 winners, chosen from an extremely competitive group of highly qualified applicants,” said chair of the CCMF scholarship committee Fran Mancia. “The scholarship committee was thoroughly impressed by the exceptional caliber of all the applicants, their experiences and their strong dedication to public service. CCMF is delighted to contribute to the education of these future leaders in local government, as we continue to support excellence in city management.”

About Our 2023 Winners

Cindy Flaro is pursuing her master’s degree at California State University, Fullerton, studying Public Administration, concentrating in Public Policy. This upcoming academic year will be her last year, and she will graduate in May 2024. This funding will pay for her tuition, books and significantly reduce the need for a student loan to fund her academics. The scholarship will also help advance her career in local government by continuing to work in communities that have been underserved, as she has acquired a passion for creating a more equitable society for all.

“I will continue to support and become the voice for minority groups by working in the public sector and working towards developing a more significant change.”

Apryl Tovar will be finishing my degree this fall at California State University, Bakersfield as a part of the Master of Public Administration program. She hopes to refine her analyst skills through her education.

“The Wes McClure Scholarship empowers me to follow my dreams in public service for myself and my community!”

Manuel Munoz is starting his Master of Public Administration program this fall at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

“The skill set that I will learn from an MPA degree will launch me into the city manager’s office, as I have the goal of becoming a city manager.”