At a recent session called ‘Level Up Your Career: Strategies for Growth in Local Government,’ more than 100 professionals met to discuss career advancement in the public sector. The event included a panel of experienced leaders who offered practical advice on career development, addressing challenges, and finding new roles in local government.
The session opened with findings from the 2025 State and Local Government Workforce Survey. The survey was conducted by the MissionSquare Research Institute with support from PSHRA and NASPE. It showed that local governments are hiring and preparing for many retirements, despite a difficult job market. This suggests that career opportunities in local government are available for those who are ready.
Panelists included Teresa Lamar-Sarno, chief assistant city manager of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Ian Coyle, former CAO and current president of Pracademic Partners; and Warren Hutmacher, former CAO and president of Sumter Consulting. They shared their career experiences and noted that there is no single path to success in local government. They said career progress can be non-linear and encouraged professionals to consider different options…