The SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum is a unique opportunity to connect with women in local government and learn how their experiences have resulted in positive change as leaders in their organizations and communities. This year’s theme is “Bold Women, Bold Changes,” and is a call to action for women to be courageous and confident as a leader in any role and at any level.

The theme encourages women to take risks and embrace change, to be bold in their ideas and actions, and to inspire others to do the same. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women who have made a significant impact in their organizations and communities.

We’re excited to dive into diverse perspectives of leadership across generations. Our panel discussion will feature women who have made significant impacts in their careers and are eager to share their insights with you.

Registration

Courtesy of Cigna Healthcare, registration is complimentary. In the event you cannot attend the live event, session recordings will be available.

Consider a Watch Party

The SheLeadsGov event is an opportunity to plan an in-person day of inspiration and bring together employees from a variety of departments to experience the virtual forum, to network with one another, and to offer some in-person components as well.

Schedule at a Glance

Time	Event
11:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. ET	Welcome by ICMA and Cigna Healthcare
11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET	Session 1
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET	Break
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET	Keynote Speaker
1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET	Break
1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. ET	Session 2
1:55 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET	Closing

 

About this Event

Developed by ICMA and sponsored by ICMA Strategic Partner Cigna Healthcare, this event is inspired by International Women’s day and offers an extraordinary day for attendees of all generations, identities, titles, and career stages.

Whether you are a student, just entering the profession, or a seasoned manager you don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to network, learn, and grow with other like-minded individuals.

 

Full Schedule

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Welcome by ICMA and Cigna Healthcare

11:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. ET

ICMA Rep: Pat Martel, Past President and West Coast Regional Director, ICMA

Cigna Healthcare Rep: Kimberly Funderburk, President, Government, Education and Health Systems, Cigna Healthcare

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Where We've Been, Where We Are, Where We’re Going - Diverse Perspectives Throughout the Generations

11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

Moderator: Kimberly Funderburk, president, Government, Education and Health Systems, Cigna Healthcare

Speakers:

• Michaela Canete, policy analyst, Hillsboro, Oregon
• Roseann Harrington, chief of staff to the mayor, Orange County, Florida
• Melissa Powers, director, human resource office, Brevard County, Florida
• Shauna Shepherd, human resources & organizational development director, Missouri City, Texas

How can we celebrate the achievements of women from different generations and learn from their stories? How can we leverage our own diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to create positive change in our organizations and communities? This panel of inspiring local government leaders will explore these questions and more as they share their own stories and experience so that you can apply lessons learned to your work and life. 

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Mindfulness Break

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET

Enjoy one of the CLIMB podcasts by Cigna to learn simple methods to calm the mind and body and strengthen awareness.

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Moving the Needle

12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET

Keynote Speaker: Tanya Ange, ICMA President-elect and County Administrator, Washington County, Oregon

Moving the needle as applies to women in this profession, self-resilience and health, and keeping everything in balance. 

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Mindfulness Break

1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET

Enjoy one of the CLIMB podcasts by Cigna to learn simple methods to calm the mind and body and strengthen awareness.

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The Impact of Oral Health on Overall Health

1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. ET

Speakers:

• Deborah Fuller, DMD, MBA, MS, MPH, FICD, National Dental Director, Cigna Healthcare
• Julie Kozak, Vice President, Dental National Accounts Strategy & Business Development, Cigna Healthcare

Did you know poor oral health negatively impacts overall health and conversely, improving either can have wide-ranging positive effects. Research has identified many chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke that are associated with oral health issues. Furthermore, our oral health is connected to behavioral health conditions and emotional well-being.  
 
From this fireside chat, you will walk away understanding:
1.    The connection between oral health and the body 
2.    The simple practices that can help to improve your overall health
3.    How Cigna Healthcare addresses oral health with innovative employer programs 
 

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Closing

1:55 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

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Meet the Speakers

Pat Martel West Coast Regional Director and Past President, ICMA

Read Pat's Bio

Pat Martel was appointed ICMA West Coast Regional Director in July 2019 following a distinguished career in California local government management. During her 38-year tenure, Ms. Martel managed municipal operations in communities ranging in size from 67,000 to 850,000 including the cities of Inglewood, South San Francisco, San Francisco, Hayward, and Daly City.  

Throughout her career Ms. Martel has also been actively engaged in supporting the local government management profession as a board member of the League of CA Cities City Managers Department, Institute for Local Government, California City Management Foundation, Women Leading Government, Local Government Hispanic Network, and ICMA. She was elected to serve as an ICMA Executive Board Regional Vice-President and was selected by the board as the 102nd President of ICMA. In 2014, Pat was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in recognition of sustained exemplary contributions and commitment to improving public administration.  

Among numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to public service and the city management profession, Pat was named “City Manager of the Year” by the California City Management Foundation in 2017; honored for her “Career Excellence” by Women Leading Government and San Francisco State University acknowledged her with its Award for Significant and Outstanding Public Service.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Martel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Public Affairs, and a master's degree in public administration.

Tanya Ange ICMA President-elect and County Administrator, Washington County, Oregon

Read Tanya's Bio

County Administrator Tanya Ange has served as the chief executive of the Washington County organization since August 2020. Under the county’s home-rule charter, Ms. Ange is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county organization, one of three that make up the Portland metropolitan area. Washington County serves a growing and diverse population of 610,101 people – the second largest among Oregon’s 36 counties – with a staff of 2,392 full-time equivalent positions and an annual budget of $1.7 billion. Washington County’s mission is to provide excellent and cost-effective services that support healthy, peaceful, safe and sustainable communities and encourage meaningful participation in community activities and county governance. 

Prior to her appointment to Washington County, Ms. Ange served for four years as deputy city manager for the City of Boulder, Colorado. In that role, Ms. Ange oversaw management of the City Manager's Office, including its equity-focused initiatives, as well as departments such as Communications and Engagement, Community Vitality, Finance/Budget, Human Resources, Innovation and Technology, Library and Arts and Transportation and Mobility.

Prior to her service with the City of Boulder, Ms. Ange was an assistant to the city manager (2006-2009) and then a deputy city manager/chief of staff (2009-2016) for Mankato, Minnesota, a 44,700-person community in southern Minnesota. Before that, she was a recreation supervisor with the Parks and Recreation Department in New Brighton, Minnesota, a community of 23,500 just northeast of Minneapolis.

Ms. Ange is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and earned a master’s degree in urban studies management in 2006 and a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services in 2000, both at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

She is the current ICMA president elect and has served on several ICMA committees throughout her career. She served on the ICMA Executive Board as the Midwest vice president from 2013-2016. Ms. Ange also is a board member for the National Association of County Administrators. She completed leadership training with the Harvard Senior Executive Institute in 2018, Leadership ICMA in 2012 and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia in 2011. 

Kimberly Funderburk President, Government, Education and Health Systems, Cigna Health Care

Read Kimberly's Bio

Kimberly Funderburk is Cigna’s President for Government, Education and Health Systems business and is responsible for the creation and execution of a national Government, Education and Health Systems strategy consistent with Cigna's overall value proposition. Kimberly also serves as a strategic and consultative resource to Cigna’s local market account teams, ensuring that Cigna's strategies, solutions and service deliver differentiated value and address the specific and unique needs of each Government, Education and Health System client.

She has over 20+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, many of which were previously spent at Cigna in a number of positions that spanned across Operations and Sales. Prior to her return, Kimberly led the Sales and Health & Wellness teams at Anthem BCBSGA. She has extensive Government and Education experience, having worked with numerous public entities, school systems, colleges and universities across the country during her time at Cigna and at Anthem BCBSGA.

Kimberly is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. She lives in Atlanta and is passionately committed to community and health engagement and advocacy.

Michaela Canete Policy Analyst, City of Hillsboro, Oregon

Read Michaela's Bio

Michaela Canete serves as the Policy Analyst for the City of Hillsboro in Oregon and has been involved with the city since 2016. In her role as a Policy Analyst, she assists in the development of the City’s strategic plan, planning and implementing of capital programs, and providing project coordination, advisory and support to policy development. She has previously worked with nonprofit organizations such as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Prevent Child Abuse America and the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. Being born and raised in the Philippines, Michaela wishes to utilize the tools and strategies obtained during her experiences within local government and connect it to international policy. 

As a graduate at Oregon State University, Michaela received her bachelor’s degree in public policy, Political Science with a focus in International Affairs and Communication and is currently working on obtaining her master’s degree in public policy. 

Deb Fuller DMD, MBA, MS, MPH, FICD, National Dental Director, Cigna Healthcare

Read Deb's Bio

Dr. Deborah Fuller is Cigna Healthcare Dental’s National Dental Director, where she leads the development and enhancement of clinical integration programs aimed at improving customers’ whole person health. She also oversees the Cigna Dental Quality Management Program, serves as a clinical expert with clients, and assists in clinical policy development. 
She has held a variety of positions within the dental profession, including private practice and community dentistry. For many years, she was the Public Health Dentist at the RI Department of Health where she coordinated oral health promotion/disease prevention activities and provided dental expertise and peer review to the Dental Medicaid Program. 

Dr. Fuller completed her undergraduate education at the College of the Holy Cross, and received a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She has earned a Master of Science degree in Management with a Concentration in Healthcare from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of West Florida, and an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management from the University of Southern New Hampshire. For her professional achievements, service, and leadership, Dr. Fuller has earned Fellowship in two international dental honor societies, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists, was inducted into her high school Hall of Honors, and received the Sanctae Crucis award from Holy Cross.
 

Roseann Harrington Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Orange County, Florida

Read Roseann's Bio

Roseann Harrington is Chief of Staff to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Mayor’s Office as well as developing policy, managing relationships with external partners, and executing initiatives to address community issues and the mayor’s priorities. Harrington oversees Legislative Affairs, Community Outreach, the Office of Economic Trade and Tourism, the Office of Innovation and Emerging Technology, and Communications.

Prior to joining Mayor Demings’ office, Harrington was the Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Community Relations at the Orlando Utilities Commission, an electric and water company in Orange County.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College.  Harrington has two daughters, Kristen 28 and Allison 26. 

Julie Kozak US National Accounts, Dental & Vision Business Development & Retention Director, Cigna Healthcare

Read Julie's Bio

Julie Kozak is the US National Business Development & Retention Managing Director for Cigna Dental national accounts. In her role, Julie has responsibility for the dental and vision client strategy and business development for 11 million Cigna dental customers. Julie’s areas of responsibility include new business expansion, client retention, analytics, consultant relationship, product launches and network development action plans. Julie co-manages the dental distribution sales and retention team and provides strategic guidance to peer medical distribution field sales and account executives. 

Julie brings 30 years dental product experience to serve the National Account segment clients. Julie has been with Cigna dental for 19 years. In addition to her key areas of responsibility over the US national segment, Julie has led several corporate wide initiatives, including product launches, market message development and new hire training curriculum for new dental product managers.

Prior to joining Cigna Dental, Julie spent five years with Humana Dental as the Midwest & South Central Regional Product Manager and eight years with CompBenefits as the Sales Director for Indiana, Kentucky and Western Ohio.

When Julie is not working, she spends time judging and coaching students for her local high school DECA chapter. In addition, Julie donates her time to provide Spanish translation services for two local women’s health centers (in Indianapolis, Indiana and Knoxville, Tennessee) to help educate the Hispanic population on area healthcare wellness initiatives on prenatal care and oral health.

Julie graduated from Elmhurst College in Illinois with a degree in business administration and is a licensed Life and Health insurance agent.

Melissa Powers Director, Human Resource Office, Brevard County, Florida

Read Melissa's Bio

Prior to moving to Florida in 1997, Ms. Powers grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts.  She received her B.A., cum laude, in Social Psychology from Wheaton College (MA) in 1990 and her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA in 1997.  After law school she moved to Brevard County, FL and began working as an associate attorney at the Maher Law Firm, P.A. During her seventeen years at the Maher firm, and later at her own firm, she worked on various types of litigation from the initial investigation stage through appeal. In addition to her substantial general civil litigation skills, she has significant experience researching and writing about complex issues at both the trial and appellate court level. 

In 2018, she joined the Brevard County Attorney’s Office where she oversaw and monitored litigation on behalf of the County as well as assisted County Departments with discipline, other employment related issues, contract review, procurement, public records and ethics matters. In December, 2022, Ms. Powers became the Deputy Director of Human Resources for Brevard County. In this role, she handled employee relations matters, and provided guidance for departments on discipline, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). She was subsequently appointed to the position of Director of Human Resources for Brevard County in February, 2024. In addition to general oversight of the Human Resources Department, she serves as a member of the County’s senior leadership team, participates in labor union grievance proceedings, labor negotiations, is responsible for budget development and managing the County’s self-insured group health plan.

Shauna Shepherd Human Resources Director, City of Missouri City, TX

Read Shauna's Bio

Shauna Shepherd joined the City of Missouri City in May 2023 as the Human Resources & Organizational Development Director with over 13 years of local government experience.

The City of Missouri City Human Resources Department manages talent acquisition, organizational development, employee relations, risk management/safety, workers compensation, civil service administration and a variety of employee services and programs.

Prior to joining the City Missouri City, Shepherd served in multiple roles with the City of Fort Worth. Her experience with the Human Resources Department includes expertise in classification, compensation, civil service, organizational development, as well as leading various citywide special projects. She also served in the Neighborhood Services Department where she oversaw strategic development, customer & community engagement initiatives, and various critical programs to provide meaningful services and resources to Fort Worth and the greater Tarrant County community

Shauna earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with honors as Magna Cum Laude and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration specializing in Human Resources at the University of North Texas. She also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and a Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

In addition to her professional role, Shauna enjoys leadership development, coaching individuals to maximize their potential, and mentoring students and young adults in various communities and universities. Shauna is often sought out to speak at conferences and universities for her leadership and engagement strategies. She also participates in various professional and civic engagement organizations, most notably the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and the Society of Human Resource Management Association.