Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Massachusetts Municipal Management Association will host its annual boot camp for new managers and assistants on Oct. 14 via Zoom from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The agenda will kick off with “Basics of Municipal Management,” when presenters will share their insights on topics including ethics, working with select board members, and building a support network.
Other topics to be covered include manager/assistant relationships, finance 101, and communications.
The MMMA boot camp is a mix of skill-building and a peek into what it’s like to work as a town manager. It’s an opportunity to meet current and future colleagues and pose questions to seasoned and even retired managers.
All members of the MMMA, Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources, and Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts may register. Other local and state officials who are considering a move to municipal management are also invited.
Click here for Zoom registration.
This will be held as a meeting, so all attendees will be visible and can ask questions and interact with each other and the presenters. A brief break will be built into the program, but attendees will be free to step away when they need to. This session will not be recorded, allowing all participants to be candid in their thoughts.
9 a.m.
Welcome, Introductions
Adam Chapdelaine, Program Committee Co Chair and past MMMA President
9:15 a.m.
The Basics of Municipal Management
This session will focus on issues that managers/administrators/assistants face on a daily basis. The panelists have varied experience in large and small towns, with backgrounds in HR, DPW, and finance, as well as in state government. The discussion will include the following topics:
Your ethical responsibilities as a manager
The different forms of government
Working with select board members, 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 and work/life balance
Speakers:
Adam Chapdelaine, Town Manager, Arlington
Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover
Leon Gaumond, Town Manager, Weston
Heather Harper, Assistant Town Manager, Sandwich
Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator, Brewster
Nina Nazarian, Interim Chief of Staff, Medford
Kristine Treweiler, Town Administrator, Medfield
10:15 a.m.
Communication Directors: What Do They Do, and Why Do I Need to Have One?
This important position is becoming more common in towns across the state. You’ll hear from three stars in the field and learn more about their responsibilities and why this is a key role.
Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, Public Information Officer, Needham
Brianna Sunryd, Communications Director and Community Participation Officer, Amherst
Sean Dugan, Public Information Officer, Lexington
10:45 a.m.
Finance and Budgeting 101
Sandy Pooler, Deputy Town Manager, Arlington
Carolyn Kosnoff, Deputy Town Manager for Finance, Lexington
11:30 a.m.
Managers/Assistant Managers Working Together
Former Manager/Assistant Manager teams will speak about the importance of the relationship and offer insight on ways to work together.
John Petrin and Mark Purple, former manager and assistant in Ashland. John is retired and Mark is the current Town Administrator in Southborough.
A second team will join Petrin and Purple.
12:15 p.m.
Wrap-Up
Contact
MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker, dbaker@mma.org
Massachusetts Municipal Management Association