The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its third annual Wes McClure Scholarship: Sasha Geschwind of Claremont Graduate University, Nico De Anda-Scaia of the University of Southern California, and Louie F. Lacasella of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
“We received forty applications this year,” said Sean Quinn, who manages the scholarship for CCMF. “The selection process was very difficult, due to the impressive credentials of those who applied.”
As an undergraduate, Sasha Geschwind interned with the City of Santa Clarita in the City Manager’s Office. She is currently pursuing her masters in Public Policy. She is excited by the dynamic, real-world challenges that city managers face every day.
In his application, Nico De Anda-Scaia wrote about his desire to help governments serve their people efficiently, intelligently, and empathetically. A first-generation citizen, Nico has already held numerous positions as a community organizer and volunteer throughout California.
Louie F. Lacasella was inspired by the work of Dr. James Svara. After reading his book, “The Facilitative Leader in City Hall,” Lacasella decided to pursue a Masters in Public Administration. As a student, he has held several unpaid intern positions, before transitioning to paid opportunities most recently at the City of Anaheim’s Integrated Resources Division.
Wes McClure, for whom the scholarship was named, worked 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. The award was created in honor of Wes’ outstanding and significant contributions to the City Managers’ Department, League of California Cities, the State of California, and the city management profession.
“These students represent the future of city management in California,” said Wade McKinney, president of CCMF. “We are honored to support their education and look forward to seeing them grow professionally.”
For more information on the Wes McClure Scholarship please contact Sean Quinn at 707-428-7400.