“Why I Became a Manager” (A Series of Personal Stories by Members of Our Profession)

This section contains personal stories written by city and county managers and other senior local government professionals in which they give a personal view about why they entered our profession.  Their stories and reasons for choosing a profession as a local government manager are as different as the writers themselves, but aspiring managers may also see similar themes expressed by the authors. 

Each month or so, we’ll add a personal story from another author, so check back regularly.

• Frank Benest, City Manager, Palo Alto   
• David Knapp, City Manager, Cupertino 
• Jan Perkins, Retired Fremont City Manager and ICMA Senior Advisor 
• Ed Everett, City Manager, Redwood City
• Linda Barton, City Manager, Livermore 
• David Boesch, City Manager, Menlo Park
• Kevin O'Rourke, City Manager, Fairfield
• Roger Kemp, City Manager, Vallejo 
• Dave Mora, City Manager, Salinas
• Rita Geldert, City Manager, Vista
• Craig Robinson, City Manager, Roseville 
• Arne Croce, City Manager, San Mateo
• Mike Parness, City Manager, Walnut Creek
• Kevin Duggan, City Manager, Mountain View

Downloads

Frank Benest "Why I Became a Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 22 KB)

David Knapp "Why I Became a Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 26 KB)

Jan Perkins "Why I Became a Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 28 KB)

Ed Everett "What I Like Best About Being a City Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 27 KB)

Linda Barton "Why I Became a City Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 26 KB)

David Boesch "Why I Became a Manager and Why Most Never Leave" (Microsoft Word Document, 28 KB)

Kevin O'Rourke "Perspectives on the Cal-ICMA Coaching Program" (Microsoft Word Document, 30 KB)

Roger Kemp "Why I Became a City Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 29 KB)

Dave Mora "Why I Became a Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 30 KB)

Rita Geldert "How I Became and Why I Remained a City Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 32 KB)

Craig Robinson "Why I Became a City Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 27 KB)

Arne Croce "Why I Work in City Management" (Microsoft Word Document, 28 KB)

Mike Parness "Why I Became a City Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 28 KB)

Kevin Duggan "Why I Became a Manager" (Microsoft Word Document, 29 KB)