Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
• Click here to register for this meeting
This day-long training will cover topics – including general municipal management and the various forms of government in Massachusetts – that are critical for administrators who are new to the profession as well as those planning to make the transition from department head to management.
The event is free and registration is open to all municipal managers and assistants as well as those transitioning into these positions.
8-8:30 a.m.
Coffee and Registration
8:30-8:45 a.m.
Welcome, Introductions and Overview
Donna VanderClock, Town Manager, Weston, and MMMA President
Mark Purple, Town Administrator, Southborough
Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, Franklin
John Petrin, Town Administrator, Burlington
Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager, Needham
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Mark Purple, Town Administrator, Southborough
Mary Beth Bernard, Assistant Town Manager, Foxborough
8:45-10 a.m.
Leadership 101
Whether you are a manager or an administrator, the most important task you have is to be a leader of the organization and the community. What is leadership and what role does the manager play in the leadership of the community? This session will focus on the overall concept of leadership.
• Bernie Lynch, Principal, Community Paradigm Associates
10-10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.-noon
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:
• 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
The speakers encourage participants to bring their questions to the workshop so they can cover as many as time allows.
Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager, Needham
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, Franklin
John Petrin, Town Administrator, Burlington
Mark Purple, Town Administrator, Southborough
Mary Beth Bernard, Assistant Town Manager, Foxborough
Noon-12:45 p.m.
Lunch
12:45-2 p.m.
Budgeting 101: A Guide to Best Practices
There is no mandated format for budgets. What are the best principles and practices that make for an effective budget? What does the Government Finance Officers Association use as criteria in issuing its distinguished budget awards? John Coderre makes regular presentations around the state on this topic and will present his insight to a successful budget process.
• John Coderre, Town Administrator, Northborough
2-2:45 p.m.
Forms of Government
Massachusetts has 56 cities, 295 towns and one Devens. There are several distinct forms of government, with each having its own quirks. What are the opportunities for a future in local government based on these variables?
Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager, Needham
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, Franklin
John Petrin, Town Administrator, Burlington
Mark Purple, Town Administrator, Southborough
Bill Keegan, Town Manager, Foxborough
Mary Beth Bernard, Assistant Town Manager, Foxborough
2:45-3 p.m.
Final Thoughts, Questions and Wrap up
Location
Foxborough Public Safety Building, 8 Chestnut St.
Contact
MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker
Massachusetts Municipal Management Association