In the beginning of February, the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) hosted two insightful panel discussions at the League of California Cities 2025 City Managers Conference. These panels, “Mental Health First: Insights from Retired City Managers” and “Transitioning Well: When to Leave and How to Leave a Legacy Doing It,” brought together experienced leaders to share their expertise on two critical aspects of city management—mental health and career transitions.
Prioritizing Mental Health in City Management
The “Mental Health First: Insights from Retired City Managers” panel explored the challenges and strategies associated with maintaining mental well-being in high-pressure leadership roles. Panelists shared personal experiences, discussed the evolving conversation around mental health in public service and emphasized the importance of creating support systems for city managers and their teams. The discussion featured:
- Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara City Administrator
- Chris Catren, Director of Strategic Relations at First Responder Wellness
- John Donlevy, Retired City Manager
- Mark Scott, Retired City Manager
With increasing awareness of burnout and stress in public administration, this panel reinforced the need for proactive mental health support and resources pertaining to city leaders.
Navigating Career Transitions with Purpose
The second panel, “Transitioning Well: When to Leave and How to Leave a Legacy Doing It,” provided valuable insights into career transitions for city managers. Panelists shared their experiences navigating leadership changes, planning for retirement and ensuring a positive impact that lasts beyond their tenure. The discussion featured:
- Kelly McAdoo, Santa Barbara City Administrator
- Jorge Garcia, Pismo Beach City Manager
- Jim Lewis, Atascadero City Manager
The conversation highlighted the importance of succession planning, mentorship and intentional leadership transitions that strengthen city governance.
CCMF thanks all who attended and participated in these important discussions. These panels provided a platform for city managers to reflect on their careers, share lessons learned and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of local government leadership.