The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) will be hosting three panel discussions at the 2026 League of California Cities City Managers Conference in Napa.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m., CCMF will present “Crisis Communications: Being Prepared When Every Second Counts.” This session will blend practical preparedness strategies with real-world insights to give city managers a full-spectrum view of crisis messaging. Panelists will cover how to build clear, pre-approved statements, secure communication systems and practice workflows in advance, as well as how these preparations translate into faster public communication during an actual emergency. The discussion will be moderated by CCMF Board Member and El Cerrito City Manager Karen Pinkos and will feature panelists:
- Kindon Meik, City Manager, City of Calabasas
- Ara Mihranian, City Manager, City of Rancho Palos Verdes
- Alexis Gillam, Director, Tripepi Smith
CCMF’s second panel, “Approachability as a City Manager: How to Build an Authentic Circle,” will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. During this session, panelists will explore how leaders can cultivate meaningful relationships without compromising their authority or decision-making integrity. Attendees will learn practical strategies for building authentic connections, setting clear expectations and navigating challenging situations with confidence. Indian Wells City Manager Chris Freeland will moderate the discussion, featuring panelists:
- Heather Abrams, Town Manager, Town of Fairfax
- Jim Lewis, City Manager, City of Atascadero
In partnership with the Rose Institute of State & Local Government, CCMF will close the conference with “Who are We? A Profile of the Profession: Insights from the 2025 Survey Update,” on Friday, Feb. 13, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. This session will focus on key demographics and statewide trends drawn from the latest survey of California city managers, offering an updated snapshot of the profession. The panel will be moderated by CCMF Vice President and Burbank City Manager Justin Hess, featuring panelists:
- Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City of El Cerrito
- Bipasa Nadon, Assistant Director for Research and Publications, Rose Institute of State & Local Government
Don’t miss out on a series of thought-provoking conversations crafted to educate and inspire. Each session features a dedicated Q&A segment, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly with presenters, ask questions and explore topics in greater depth. CCMF looks forward to welcoming you!
