ICMA Chapter Membership 2019-2020
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Villanova University Unitas ICMA Student Chapter
Founded in 1914, International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is the premier local government leadership and management organization. Its mission is to create excellence in local governance by advocating and developing the professional management of local government worldwide. In addition to supporting its nearly 9,000 members, ICMA provides publications, data, information, technical assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county experts and other individuals throughout the world.
In April 2010, ICMA selected Villanova’s MPA program to host a student chapter as part of a pilot program. Villanova established the chapter in Summer 2010 and organized two events during the academic year 2010-2011.
In May 2011, Villanova completed an ICMA Student Chapter Agreement with ICMA to establish the “Villanova University Unitas Student Chapter.” Professor Fran Burns, MPA faculty member, serves as the Chapter Advisor. Mr. Bruce Clark, Township Manager of Middletown Township, PA serves as the Chapter Mentor.
Undergraduates and graduate students may join ICMA by becoming members of Villanova’s student chapter. Please view all the benefits of being a student member of ICMA.
In addition to the benefits provided by ICMA, Villanova’s chapter will sponsor several events each academic year in order to promote the local government management profession and help students pursue a career in that field. Villanova undergraduate and graduate students interested in joining Villanova’s Unitas ICMA Student Chapter should contact Professor Fran Burns at frances.burns@villanova.edu.
Previous Chapter Events
Q&A with City of Philadelphia Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis - Monday, October 22, 2018
The Villanova University ICMA Chapter hosted City of Philadelphia Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis for a question and answer session on Monday, October 22, 2018, at the historic Arlen Specter Center on the campus of Jefferson University in East Falls, Philadelphia. Approximately two dozen graduate and undergraduate students from Villanova University were joined by a few students from Jefferson University to hear about the challenges and complexities of running one of the United States’ oldest, largest cities.
ICMA Chapter President and MPA student Nick Valla emceed the event and fielded questions from students. Managing Director DiBerardinis touched on a variety of subjects, ranging from transportation, the opioid epidemic, and working in a highly political environment. In particular, he mentioned the partnership he has forged with Mayor Jim Kenney to execute policies and programs.
Read the full article of the Fall 2018 event here.
Macros Meet Metros - How Innovation and Technology are Shaping Local Government: Wednesday, February 21, 2018
The ICMA Chapter event featured a lively panel discussion followed by a welcoming recpetion. The panel was moderated by ICMA Chapter President and MPA student, Nick Valla. Prof. Fran Burns also welcome participants and panelists to the event. The panel featured:
- Rosetta Carrington Lue: White House Exec Fellow and VA Senior Contact Center Advisor; Former City of Philadelphia Chief Customer Service Officer and Philly 311 Director
- Michael Daniel: President and CEO, Cyber Threat Alliance
- Jeff Friedman: Manager, Highland Consulting
- Rick Mellor: Township Manager, Whitemarsh Township
- Amanda Serock: Township Manager, Concord Township
Watch a recording of the event here!
Citizens’ Leadership Academy in Norristown, Villanova ICMA Chapter Event: November 2, 2017
On November 2, 2017, Villanova’s MPA program attended the final session of Norristown’s Citizens’ Leadership Academy, an eight-week academy dedicated to educating residents of Norristown, PA about the role of local government and the important role that they play in it.
This event served as Villanova’s ICMA Chapter Fall Event and the reception was funded by the Wolek Family. The Citizens’ Leadership Academy was instituted five years ago by Crandall Jones, MPA, Municipal Manager of Norristown and part-time instructor in Villanova’s MPA program.
During the final session on November 2, residents presented ideas in teams to Norristown’s City Council members, Mr. Jones, and the Villanova MPA program regarding possible beautification, recreational programming, and public relations projects for their city.
ICMA Student Chapter Spring 2017 Event - Effective Management of an Environmental Crisis: Wednesday, March 16, 2017
The Villanova ICMA Chapter hosted a panel discussion, "Effective Management of an Environmental Crisis: How Interngovernmental Cooperation and Community Mobilization Resolved a Water Pollution Emergency" The panel featured Timothy Bergere, Special Environmental Counsel for Warrington and Warminster Municipal Authorities, Barry Luber, Township Manager of Warrington Township, Tim Hagey, General Manager of Warminster Municipal Authority, Tina O’Rourke, Business Manager of Horsham Water and Sewer Authority, Christian Jones, ICMA Student Chapter President and moderator. Watch the recored panel discussion here.
ICMA Student Chapter Spring 2016 Event - Why Choose a Career in Local Government: Wednesday, April 20, 2016
The Villanova ICMA Student Chapter hosted an engaging panel discussion on career paths in local government. The panel featured honorary guest, Gloria Wolek, and Villanova Master of Public Administration (MPA) alumni: Drew Sharkey, Sandra Brookley Zadell, and Christopher Hoffman. Moderated by ICMA Chapter President, Brandon Ford, the guided conversation explored the reasons why these individuals chose a career in local government as well as recommendations for those interested in serving in the field of local government. Watch the recorded panel discussion here!
ICMA Spring 2015 Event - "Recruiting the Next Generation of Local Government Managers": April 30, 2015
ICMA Student Chapter Spring 2014 Event - "Interlocal Cooperation to Deliver Municipal Services": April 10, 2014
This year’s panel discussion, entitled “Interlocal Cooperation to Deliver Municipal Services” featured Ms. Stephanie Mason, Doylestown Township Manager, Ms. Amanda Ostrander-Serock, Swarthmore Borough Assistant Manager and Ms. Judy Lizza, Chadds Ford Township Manager. Watch the recorded panel here!
ICMA Student Chapter Fall 2013 Event - "Developing a Communication Plan: Social Networking, Websites and Emergencies": November 7, 2013
The 2013 panel discussion entitled, "Developing a Commuication Plan: Social Networkign, Websites and Emergencies" featured Mr. Paul Leonard, Township Manager, Upper Dublin Township, PA, Mr. Tom Gailey, President, Gailey-Murray Communications, and Mr. Larry Bak, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Delaware County, PA.
ICMA Student Chapter Spring 2013 Event -"Municipal Pensions: Reform and Funding Options" : April 18, 2013
This 2013 panel entitled, "Municipal Pensions: Reform and Funding Options" featured Mr. Doug Cleland, Township Manager, Lower Merion Township, Ms. Stephanie Teoli, Township Manager, Middletown Township, Mr. William Martin, Township Manager, Tredyffrin Township, and Mr. Charles Friedlander, Director, Actuarial Services, Municipal Partners, Inc.