ICMA Veterans: Strengthening Local Government Through Service
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Veterans are guided by the Veterans Advisory Committee (VAC), whose mission is to enrich local government by integrating Veterans who bring valuable skills, experience, and dedication to public service.
The VAC operates under three core pillars to support and promote Veterans in local government:
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Increasing Awareness – Showcasing municipal government as a viable career path for active-duty military personnel and those transitioning to civilian life.
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Highlighting Veteran Expertise – Demonstrating the valuable skills and leadership Veterans contribute to the profession.
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Fostering Connections – Strengthening relationships between the Veteran community and local government.
ICMA Veterans fulfill this mission through education, outreach, programming, and awareness initiatives. Those interested in supporting this effort can contribute via the “Give” button at the top of the page. Please specify “Veterans Advisory Committee (VAC)” in the “write us a comment” field to ensure donations directly support these initiatives.
A flagship program of ICMA Veterans is the Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship (VLGMF)—a Department of Defense-approved Career Skills (SkillBridge) Program spanning 12 to 25 weeks. This program provides transitioning service members with management training and practical experience in local government, equipping them for successful careers in public service.
About the Role
The City of Savannah is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its Chief Operations Officer (COO). This key leadership role will complement the City Manager’s approach, working closely with executive leaders to oversee daily municipal operations. The COO will be responsible for directing cross-functional teams, enhancing efficiency, and managing the administrative functions of government.
This role oversees vital departments, including Budget, Financial Services, Audit, Human Resources, Risk Management, Real Estate, and Capital Construction, ensuring their effective operation and alignment with the City’s strategic objectives. A major aspect of the role involves partnering with the Budget Director to develop and execute the City’s $600+ million annual budget.
Key responsibilities include:
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Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
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Managing and mitigating risks to the City’s assets.
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Leading capital construction projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion.
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Fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports professional growth.
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
About the City of Savannah
Operating under the City Charter, the City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing policy implementation, business operations, and administrative procedures. The City Council, consisting of the Mayor and eight aldermen, serves four-year terms.
Savannah is a full-service municipality with 2,600 employees across 26 departments and an FY 2025 budget of $601 million. The City holds AA+ bond ratings and follows a data-driven, transparent governance model, emphasizing strategic planning and good government practices.
Key Priorities
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Strengthening Financial Health & Controls – Conduct regular reviews of financial practices and implement necessary updates.
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Developing a Strong Workforce – Attract, train, and retain skilled public servants through mentorship and professional development programs.
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Enhancing Risk Management & Auditing – Establish a framework that ensures accountability, transparency, and adherence to best practices.
Qualifications
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Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
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10+ years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
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Proven success in developing and executing strategic plans, policies, and procedures.
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Strong financial management and analytical skills.
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Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
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Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.