The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Wes McClure Scholarship:
- Jamey Sinardi – California Lutheran University
- Melanie Franceschini – University of Southern California
- Mirka Vargas – University of Southern California
Wes McClure, the namesake of our annual scholarship, served as city manager of San Leandro for 28 years. He passed away on December 20, 2009, at the age of 94.
Wes was known for many outstanding qualities, including his exceptional ability to listen. His patience, thoughtfulness and skill in building relationships contributed greatly to his successful work with city councils and had a lasting impact on CCMF. He also played an integral role in the formation of the foundation.
This award was created in honor of Wes’ outstanding and significant contributions to the city manager’s department, League of California Cities, the state of California and the city management profession.
About Our 2026 Winners
Jamey Sinardi – Jamey Sinardi is in the final terms of a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration program at California Lutheran University. This scholarship will help cover upcoming tuition payments while she completes her current internship and support the purchase of professional attire as she prepares for the next stage of her career after recently becoming a mother.
Melanie Franceschini – Melanie Franceschini is a Doctoral Candidate in Policy, Planning andDevelopment at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, focusing on local government leadership and governance structures. This funding will support her tuition and academic expenses as she enters her second year of doctoral studies, enabling her to deepen her expertise in municipal governance and leverage her research and professional experience to advance toward her long-term goal of serving as a city manager.
Mirka Vargas – Mirka Vargas is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and will begin her second year in the program this fall. This funding will help offset commuting costs between Ventura County and USC, as well as support tuition expenses, allowing her to minimize financial burdens and remain actively engaged in local government leadership opportunities through the ICMA Student Chapter, the City/County Management Fellowship Board and her work with the city of Camarillo.
