During the month of October, CCMF hosted two insightful panel discussions, one at the 2025 League of California Cities (LOCC) Annual Conference and the other at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference. These panels, “Overcoming Organizational Challenges: Reframing Career Challenges as Leadership Milestones” and “Mental Health and Well-Being in Turbulent Times: Tips and Best Practices for Facing Work Challenges & Personal Crises,” brought together experienced leaders to share their expertise on two critical aspects of city management, career transitions and mental health.
Navigating Career Changes with Intention
The LOCC panel, “Overcoming Organizational Challenges: Reframing Career Challenges as Leadership Milestones,” focused on how city leaders can transform unexpected obstacles into opportunities for growth, with insights on building resilience and reframing difficulties as valuable learning experiences. The discussion was moderated by CCMF Board Member and El Cerrito City Manager Karen Pinkos and featured panelists:
- Patrick Martinez, City Manager, City of Needles
- Alexa Davis, Assistant City Manager, City of Rollings Hills Estates
- Bret Prebula, City Manager, City of Suisun City
The conversation highlighted how embracing intentionality during career transitions can empower leaders to turn professional setbacks into stepping stones for purposeful leadership and long-term success.
Centering Mental Health and Well-Being in City Management
The ICMA panel, “Mental Health and Well-Being in Turbulent Times: Tips and Best Practices for Facing Work Challenges & Personal Crises” highlighted strategies for supporting mental health in the workplace and beyond, with ICMA West Coast Regional Director Pat Martel, CCMF Board Director Ken Pulskamp and licensed psychotherapist Beverly Foo-Colon, LCSW, leading the discussion.
As awareness of burnout and stress grows in public administration, this panel emphasized the importance of proactive mental health support and accessible resources for city leaders.
CCMF is also proud to have sponsored the Annual Conference Reception at ICMA. The event, co-hosted with the Cal Cities City Manager’s Department, Cal-ICMA, MMANC and MMASC, brought local government professionals together for an evening of networking and celebration.
CCMF thanks all who attended and contributed to these important conversations. The panels offered city managers an opportunity to reflect on their career journeys, exchange valuable insights and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of local government leadership.
