I became a professional manager because I enjoy contributing to the quality of life in my community. The work is challenging, but the rewards are great. And even as the majority of the residents I serve aren’t aware of what I do, it is satisfying to see how my work enriches their lives. I have always had a servant’s heart and knew that I wanted a career where I could serve others. It was my passion for service that also led me to support both the Fund for Professional Management and Life, Well Run.

There is such a negative stigma about "government" today, which is why I think it is important to show citizens that local government managers are professional leaders that are dedicated to doing what is right and building great communities. With federal and state governments under more and more scrutiny,​ it is up to us to ensure that the quality of life for our residents remains intact. Life Well Run and the Fund help with this effort by showcasing the contributions local managers make and helping people understand why our profession is vital to keeping communities strong.

​Both the Fund and the Life Well Run campaign are imperative to ensuring local government remains an ethical and effective profession that also attracts the next generation of leaders, who will dedicate their lives to building better communities. Like so many other professional managers, I believe that being a local government manager is not just a career but a calling.

If you feel the same way about the profession, please consider going that next, but vital, step in supporting it by giving to Life, Well Run and the Fund. Please reach into your hearts and remember why you choose this career to begin with, because there is no surer way to honor all of us that serve now, and those will pick up the mantel in the future, than by supporting these two ICMA initiatives.