Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Registration for this event is full. Please contact Denise Baker at dbaker@mma.org by Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Noon to inquire about registration. Walk-ins will not be accepted for this event, no exceptions.
The Massachusetts Municipal Management Association will hold its annual “boot camp” on September 29 at the Sharon Community Center.
The boot camp is designed to be 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 managers will share their experiences and insights on everything from working with elected officials to ethics.
Additional topics will include communications, opportunities and challenges of the profession, and a session titled “taking the leap into the top job.”
The day-long meeting, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be a great opportunity for networking.
Please note that the boot camp is not a training session for frontline staff or elected officials. When registering, you must provide your community and title.
The MMA is currently requiring attendees to show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID (card, photo or QR code). Exemptions are allowed with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. Masks are optional. These safety protocols are subject to change based on the latest public health data and guidance.
8:30 a.m.
Coffee, Registration
9:15 a.m.
Welcome, Introductions and Overview
Brianna Sunryd, Director of Communications & Civic Innovation and Community Participation Officer, Amherst, and MMMA Program Chair
Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Franklin
Denise Casey, Deputy Town Manager, North Andover
9:30-11 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 select boards, other boards, residents, media and staff
• How to be a leader in your community
• Building effective relationships
• How to show community pride
• Developing a support network
Brianna Sunryd, Director of Communications & Civic Innovation and Community Participation Officer, Amherst
Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Franklin
Denise Casey, Deputy Town Manager, North Andover
John Mangiaratti, Town Manager, Acton
Julie Jacobson, Town Manager, Auburn
Kristi Williams, Town Manager, Westborough
Michael Dutton, Town Manager, Bridgewater
11-11:15 a.m.
Break
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Taking the Leap to the Top Job
Are you ready to become a Town Manager? Hear from colleagues who have made the transition from assistant to manager and learn what the process is like and what it takes to be a successful candidate. Recruiters will share their advice on how to prepare for the interview process and the considerations when deciding on where to apply for the top job.
Nick Milano, Incoming Town Administrator, Milton
Liz Sullivan, Town Administrator, Dennis
Justin Casanova-Davis, Incoming Town Administrator, Norfolk
Bernie Lynch, Principal & Owner, Community Paradigm Associates
Buzz Stapczynski, Executive Recruitments, Municipal Resources Inc.
12:15-1 p.m.
Lunch
1-2 p.m.
Communicating on Difficult & Complex Topics
In a world where citizens have less time and our field is becoming more complex, technical and professionalized, how to effectively communicate to a chosen audience.
Sean Dugan, Communications Director, Special Projects Coordinator, Lexington
Cyndi Gonzalez, Public Information Officer, Needham
Joan Roman, Public Information Officer, Arlington
2-3 p.m.
Challenges & Opportunities: The Future of the Profession
Learn from experienced professionals on their view of what it will take to be competitive and successful in the future of municipal administration.
Paul Bockelman, Town Manager, Amherst
Jen Breaker, Assistant Town Manager, Danvers
Melissa Murphy Rodrigues, Town Manager, North Andover
Location
Sharon Community Center, Sharon
Contact
MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker, dbaker@mma.org
Massachusetts Municipal Management Association