Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Massachusetts Municipal Management Association will hold its 13th annual “boot camp” on Oct. 2, via Zoom.
The boot camp is designed as a practical guide for administrators and assistants who are new to the profession, and for department heads and professional staff who are planning to move into a town manager or administrator role.
During a Management 101 session, a panel of six managers at varying stages of their career will share their experiences and insights on everything from working with elected officials to ethics.
Additional topics will include municipal finance and human resources issues.
Because it’s being held remotely, the program will run from 9:30 a.m. until noon, instead of the usual day-long event.
Please note that the boot camp is not a training session for frontline staff.
The event is free, but registration is required.
9:30 a.m.
Welcome, Introductions and Overview
Julie Jacobson, Town Manager, Auburn and MMMA President
Nina Nazarian, Member in Transition and Boot Camp Facilitator
9:40-10:45 a.m.
The Basics of Municipal Management
This session will focus on issues that managers/administrators face on a daily basis. It will include the following topics:
• Your ethical responsibilities as a manager
• Working with selectmen, other boards, citizens, press and staff
• How to be a leader in your community
• Building effective relationships
• How to show community pride
• Developing a support network
Adam Chapdelaine, Town Manager, Arlington
Melissa Murphy-Rodriguez, Town Manager, North Andover
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager, Lexington
Bud Dunham, Town Manager, Sandwich
Kristi Williams, Town Manager, Westborough
10:45-10:55 a.m.
Break
10:55-11:15 a.m.
What do You Want to Know about being a Manager?
All attendees will break up into smaller groups (eight to 15) and one of the Management Panel speakers will be in each ‘room’ to facilitate the conversation and answer questions.
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Finance 101 and Pandemic Budgeting
Finance is one of those important tasks that can make or break a manager. We will review the important basics of municipal budgets/finance and also discuss how communities have budgeted (or rebudgeted) in a pandemic.
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Patrick Lawlor, Assistant Town Manager, Andover
Cheryl Herrick-Stella, Director of Finance and Budget, Littleton
12:15 p.m.
Final Thoughts and Wrap-up
Contact
MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker, dbaker@mma.org
Massachusetts Municipal Management Association