As ICMA's Future of Professional Management Fund celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2026, we are sharing donor stories about why they’ve given so much to the Fund for so long, their hopes for the future of the profession, and how the fund can support that vision. We hope these stories ignite your passion for professional management and make you think about how your support can help further strengthen our communities through the education and support efforts. If you are a donor and would like to tell your story, contact fund@icma.org. 

Select the donor's name to read their story!

Peggy Merriss
ICMA Fund Donor: 1914 Founder
ICMA Life Member; Secretariat, Georgia City/County Management Association
“This form of government has been good to me, and it’s important to me to give back in time, talent, and resources.”

Bob O'Neill
ICMA Fund Donor: 1914 Founder
ICMA Life Member, former ICMA Executive Director
“I believe we have an obligation to give back to the people, programs, and places that helped us.”

Candice Edmondson
ICMA Fund Donor: Supporter
City Manager, Richland Hills, Texas
"It was my passion for service that also led me to support both the Fund for Professional Management and Life, Well Run."

Rebecca L. Fleury
ICMA Fund Donor: Friend
Former City Manager, Battle Creek, Michigan
"Like so many of us that heed the call to service, my path to the role of a professional manager was not a direct one."

Tom Lundy
ICMA Fund Donor: Leader
ICMA Senior Advisor; Life Member; Former County Manager, Catawba County, North Carolina
"Each of us has the same opportunity to help ensure that this profession continues, that public service is valued and attractive to young people, and that our communities are responsive, nonpolitical, and ethical." 

Sheryl Sculley
ICMA Fund Donor: Champion
ICMA Life Member; Former City Manager, San Antonio, Texas
"Helping the profession in this way is as important as the work we do in our communities directly every day, and I can assure you the rewards of being a donor are well worth the financial sacrifice."