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Speakers Bureau

NCCCMA Speakers Bureau

Inspiring the Next Generation of Local Government Leaders

The North Carolina City & County Management Association (NCCCMA) is proud to introduce the NCCCMA Speakers Bureau, a statewide initiative designed to strengthen connections between local government professionals and students pursuing public service careers. This effort supports our strategic goal of promoting the value of professional local government management and cultivating future leaders.

More than 90 experienced local government managers from across North Carolina have volunteered to share their time, insights, and career stories with undergraduate and graduate students interested in the field. Their willingness to serve reflects the deep commitment of our membership to supporting the future of the profession. 

About the Speakers Bureau

The NCCCMA Speakers Bureau connects faculty, program directors, and student organizations with local government managers who can speak on a wide range of topics related to municipal and county operations, leadership, and public service careers.

The program:

  • Helps students better understand how local government functions.
  • Showcases real‑world examples of leadership, governance, and community service.
  • Highlights local government management as a meaningful and rewarding career path.
  • Provides faculty with easy access to expert practitioners for classes, seminars, and special events.

The idea for the Speakers Bureau emerged from NCCCMA’s strategic plan which recognized the need for stronger connections between public administration education and professional practice. By leveraging the deep expertise within our membership and connecting it directly with your classrooms, we hope to help cultivate the next generation of dedicated public service leaders.

How It Works

Faculty and staff at the ten public universities may contact Quentin McPhatter, chair of NCCCMA Collaboration with MPA Programs Committee and Gastonia Assistant City Manager, or Rob Shepherd, NCCCMA Executive Director  to inquire about available speakers for guest lectures, class discussions, or panel participation.

As part of the Speakers Bureau:

  • Speakers share their professional journey and expertise.
  • Participation is based on each manager’s availability.

Presentations can be tailored to undergraduate or graduate audiences.

Why the Speakers Bureau Matters

Local governments across the country face a transformative moment. As many senior public administrators approach retirement, often described as the “Silver Tsunami,” the need to attract new talent into the profession is more urgent than ever. The Speakers Bureau helps address this challenge by:

  • Providing students with visible, accessible role models.
  • Demonstrating the impact and importance of professional local government service.
  • Encouraging students to pursue internships, fellowships, and careers in the field.

By connecting practitioners with the classroom, the program strengthens and grows the profession while giving back to the communities we serve.

For Universities and Faculty

If you are a faculty member, program director, or advisor, the Speakers Bureau offers:

  • A statewide network of local government managers available to speak to your students.
  • A wide range of subject‑matter expertise across all functional areas of local government.
  • Firsthand perspectives on the challenges and rewards of public service.
  • Speakers experienced in engaging both undergraduate and graduate audiences.

 To request speakers, please contact Quentin McPhatter, chair of NCCCMA Collaboration with MPA Programs Committee and Gastonia Assistant City Manager, or Rob Shepherd, NCCCMA Executive Director. 

For NCCCMA Members

Members interested in joining the Speakers Bureau can sign up to be included in the directory. Volunteers are asked to contact Rob Shepherd, Executive Director , to access an online form to sign-up.  You will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Name & contact information.
  • Position and years in local government
  • Educational background
  • Areas of expertise
  • Any prior experience speaking to student groups

This information helps to identify speakers who align with their curriculum needs. 

Join Us in Supporting Future Leaders

The Speakers Bureau represents a meaningful opportunity to promote the profession, support students, and strengthen the pipeline of future local government managers. Whether you are a faculty member seeking a guest speaker or a practitioner interested in volunteering, we invite you to participate in this important initiative.

For more information, please contact Quentin McPhatter, chair of NCCCMA Collaboration with MPA Programs Committee and Gastonia Assistant City Manager, or Rob Shepherd, NCCCMA Executive Director.