Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Massachusetts Municipal Management Association’s annual “boot camp” is 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.
The free meeting includes an interactive roundtable session and workshops on career advancement, resiliency, and municipal finance basics.
The boot camp is not a training session for frontline staff or elected officials.
Agenda
8:30 a.m.
Light Breakfast, Registration, Networking
9:30 a.m.
Welcome, Introductions and Overview
9:45-10:30 a.m.
How to Be a Town Manager in 2025 and Beyond
• John Managiaratti, Acton Town Manager and MMMA President
• Heather Harper, Assistant Town Manager, Sandwich
Ongoing incivility, national politics penetrating town hall, staff recruiting and retention issues AND limited financial resources are challenges that every municipal manager faces. Experienced managers will share their strategies to meet these challenges while maintaining a passion for professional management and local government.
10:30-11:45 a.m.
Management 101 Roundtables
Experienced managers will facilitate each table, covering topics including ethics, working with elected officials, community engagement and pride, and building a support network. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and get different manager perspectives during this interactive session.
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Preparing For Career Advancement
This session will highlight the professional development and educational opportunities that will promote career development. Panelists will share their experiences and strategies, and what they’ve learned along the way.
• Jennifer Thompson, Partner, Capital Strategic Solutions
• Bernie Lynch, Principal, Community Paradigm Associates
• Sean Dugan, Assistant Town Administrator, Easton
• Chad Lovett, Town Administrator, Blackstone
• Stephanie Duggan, Assistant Town Administrator, Maynard
1:30-2:30 p.m.
State and Municipal Finances
• Sean Cronin, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services, Division of Local Services
2:30 p.m.
Wrap-up and Final Thoughts
Location
Sharon Community Center, 219 Massapoag Ave, Sharon
Contact
MMA Senior Member Program Coordinator Denise Baker
Massachusetts Municipal Management Association Boot Camp