FACC 2026 Fall Academy Education Session Descriptions

Scroll down this page and click on the tab for each day to view that day’s session descriptions.

To view the session descriptions by program (track), click a link below:

Click here to return to the main Fall Academy web page to download session handouts.

Monday, October 5, 2026

First-Year Program

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. First-Time Attendees' Orientation and Education Basics
This is an informal session for new attendees to meet your FACC Board, as well as the FACC executive director, FACC staff, and staff from the Institute of Government. Please join us for a brief but informative session to learn how your association can assist you with your professional goals and challenges, and to get to know you as well.
Panelists: IOG Staff, FACC Staff & Board Members
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Clerk Talk: The Essentials & Beyond
Every successful Municipal Clerk starts with a strong foundation. This session explores the core responsibilities, legal obligations, and everyday practices that define the Clerk's role. Participants will gain an understanding of key functions that support effective local government operations while learning practical tips for staying organized, compliant, and confident. Discover how mastering the essentials can set the stage for long-term success.
Presenters: Leslie A. Guyer, MMC, City Clerk, City of Gulf Breeze, Florida, FACC Northwest District Director; and Dawn M. Wright, MMC, FCRM, PHRP, City Clerk, City of Eagle Lake, Florida, FACC President-Elect
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Clerk Talk: Foundations & Next Steps
Building a successful Municipal Clerk career requires more than understanding the basics. This session looks ahead to the skills, resources, and professional development opportunities that help Clerks grow and thrive. Participants will explore strategies for expanding their knowledge, strengthening professional relationships, and preparing for new challenges and responsibilities.
Presenter: Leslie A. Guyer, MMC, City Clerk, City of Gulf Breeze, Florida, FACC Northwest District Director
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Publish, Post, Pass! Ordinances & Resolutions
Ordinances and resolutions are essential tools for carrying out local government business, and Municipal Clerks play a critical role in managing them throughout the legislative process. Participants will learn best practices for drafting, formatting, recordkeeping, and version control while exploring common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Presenter: Jessica Leavins, City Manager, City of Crestview, Florida, Presenter SFC Enterprises
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Been There, Clerked That: Q&A with Experienced Clerks
Join a panel of experienced Municipal Clerks for an interactive discussion on elections, records management, ethics, meetings, and other common challenges. Panelists will share lessons learned, best practices, and practical solutions drawn from real-world experience.
Presenters: Lanelda D. Gaskins, MPA, MMC, FCRM, Town Clerk, Town of Highland Beach, Florida; Jenorgen M. Guillen, MPA, MMC, City Clerk, City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, FACC Vice President; Leslie A. Guyer, MMC, City Clerk, City of Gulf Breeze, Florida, FACC Northwest District Director; and Lynn Tipton, Emeritus Faculty, Florida League of Cities

Second-/Third-Year Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The People Side of Work: Handling Personnel Issues with Confidence
People issues are often the most challenging part of a supervisor's job, but they don't have to be the most stressful. This session provides practical guidance for navigating everyday personnel situations, from legal interview questions and hiring to documentation and maintaining professional boundaries.
Presenter: Anne Schroeder, President, Schroeder Management Consultants
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Performance Matters: Turning Expectations into Results
Strong performance management begins long before a formal evaluation. This session explores how to set clear expectations, communicate goals, provide meaningful feedback, address performance concerns, and create a culture of accountability.
Presenter: Anne Schroeder, President, Schroeder Management Consultants
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Dial Back Your Stress
Explore common workplace stressors, the physical and mental effects of stress, and practical techniques for managing pressure. Participants will identify personal stress triggers and learn actionable methods to improve focus, resilience, and well-being.
Presenter: Teresa Norman, RN, Leadership, Wellness & Community Service Professional
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Be Happy at Work
Examine the connection between happiness and productivity and discover strategies to stay motivated, energized, and focused while strengthening workplace relationships.
Presenter: Teresa Norman, RN, Leadership, Wellness & Community Service Professional

MMC/Advanced Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Codification: Challenges, Successes, and Lessons Learned
A well-maintained municipal code is essential to effective governance, legal compliance, and public transparency. This session explores updating and maintaining municipal codes, adopting ordinances, tracking amendments, working with codification services, and ensuring changes are accurately reflected.
Presenter: Camilla G. Pitman, MMC, Certified Professional Legal Secretary, City Clerk, City of Greenville, South Carolina
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Everyday AI: How Real People Integrate AI into Their Daily Tasks, Projects, & Workflows
Artificial intelligence is a practical tool people use every day to save time, spark creativity, streamline projects, and work more efficiently. Explore real-world examples of professionals incorporating AI into drafting, organization, project management, content creation, and everyday workplace challenges.
Presenter: Randy Dean, MBA, CVP, The E-mail Sanity Expert®
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Boards at Their Best: Advisory Boards Best Practices
Explore the practical side of managing municipal advisory boards, from recruitment and onboarding to training, engagement, compliance, and common challenges. This interactive session emphasizes Q&A and peer-to-peer discussion.
Presenters: Heather Bradman, MMC, Deputy City Clerk, City of Lakeland, Florida, and Lina M. Zapata, MPA, CMC, Deputy City Clerk, City of Sunrise, Florida
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Surviving First Amendment Audits & Citizen Journalist Encounters
This session provides practical guidance for navigating encounters with citizen journalists and First Amendment auditors professionally and confidently. Participants will explore First Amendment considerations, communication techniques, and strategies for maintaining composure.
Presenter: Leith Harrell, Founder, Prokopton Training and Development

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

First-Year Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Understanding Local Government Structure
Explore the structure of municipal government, including the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, administrative leadership, boards, committees, and constitutional officers.
Presenter: Lynn Tipton, Emeritus Faculty, Florida League of Cities
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Understanding Local Government Functions
This session examines the core functions of municipal government, from providing essential services and implementing public policy to budgeting, planning, public safety, and community development.
Presenter: Lynn Tipton, Emeritus Faculty, Florida League of Cities
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Ready, Set, Elect! Understanding Municipal Elections 101
This interactive session provides a foundational overview of the municipal election process, including election calendars, budgeting, coordination with the Supervisor of Elections, candidate qualifying requirements, and critical deadlines.
Presenter: Bill Cowles, Retired Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Florida
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Ready, Set, Elect! Understanding Municipal Elections 102
Building on Elections 101, this session follows the election process through voting, canvassing, certification, records retention, and post-election reporting.
Presenter: Bill Cowles, Retired Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Florida

Second-/Third-Year Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Balancing Priorities When Everything Is Priority #1
Learn how to distinguish between being busy and being productive while developing practical strategies to prioritize tasks, make intentional decisions, and stay aligned with your goals.
Presenter: David Alba, Corporate Trainer
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Too Many Tabs Open? Managing Multiple Projects Like a Pro
Explore tools and techniques for organizing competing responsibilities, establishing efficient routines, improving meeting effectiveness, and confidently managing multiple projects.
Presenter: David Alba, Corporate Trainer
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Managing Change in These Crazy Times
Develop the mindset and skills needed to navigate new technologies, evolving regulations, shifting priorities, and unexpected challenges with confidence, adaptability, and resilience.
Presenters: Reneé R. Basel, MMC, Town Clerk, Town of Gulf Stream, Florida, FACC President, and Michael Rowan, Inspirational Speaker and Leadership Development Consultant
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Dealing with Negative & Difficult People
Learn practical techniques for communicating effectively, setting healthy boundaries, managing conflict, and responding professionally to negative behaviors.
Presenters: Reneé R. Basel, MMC, Town Clerk, Town of Gulf Stream, Florida, FACC President, and Michael Rowan, Inspirational Speaker and Leadership Development Consultant

MMC/Advanced Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. How Better Communication Builds Stronger Leaders
Identify your own communication style and explore how it influences your leadership approach, strengths, and potential blind spots. Learn how to adapt your communication to build trust and improve collaboration.
Presenter: Ricki Braswell, Founder & Owner, Beyond Coaching; CAE; Leadership and Strategy Coach
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Emotional Intelligence for Effective Public Leadership
Explore the role emotional intelligence plays in successful leadership and gain practical strategies for strengthening self-awareness, empathy, active listening, decision-making, and conflict management.
Presenter: Ricki Braswell, Founder & Owner, Beyond Coaching; CAE; Leadership and Strategy Coach
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Recall Elections & Other Challenges: Entering the Weeds
Take a closer look at recall elections, citizen petitions, ballot initiatives, and other complex local government issues through real-world case studies and practical examples.
Presenters: Lanelda D. Gaskins, MPA, MMC, FCRM, Town Clerk, Town of Highland Beach, Florida; Lisa-Marie V. Kennedy, City Clerk, City of Treasure Island, Florida; and Kelly S. Koos, MMC, City Clerk, City of Lakeland, Florida, FACC Past President
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Recall Elections & Other Challenges: Surviving the Thicket
Experienced Florida City Clerks will share lessons learned, practical advice, and strategies for navigating election-related controversies and other high-pressure situations.
Presenters: Lanelda D. Gaskins, MPA, MMC, FCRM, Town Clerk, Town of Highland Beach, Florida; Lisa-Marie V. Kennedy, City Clerk, City of Treasure Island, Florida; and Kelly S. Koos, MMC, City Clerk, City of Lakeland, Florida, FACC Past President

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Morning Joint Session for First-Year Program, Second/Third Year Program and MMC/Advanced Program; Afternoon Joint Session for First-Year Program and Second/Third Year Program (MMC/Advanced Program ends at Noon)

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Joint Session for First-Year Program, Second/Third Year Program and MMC/Advanced Program What's New in Budgeting & Reporting: What Clerks Need to Know & Why It Matters
This session highlights recent legislative changes, emerging financial reporting expectations, and key deadlines impacting local governments, with a focus on the Clerk's role in budget transparency and compliance.
Presenters: Lorrie Brinson, CPA, CGFO, MBA/PA, James Moore & Co., and Sarah Campbell, ICMA-CM, City Manager, City of Fernandina Beach, Florida
1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Joint Session for First-Year Program and Second/Third Year Program (MMC/Advanced Program ended at Noon) Florida Public Records Management: From Compliance to Confidence
This session provides a practical foundation in Florida public records management, covering laws, regulations, records requests, retention schedules, electronic records, vital records protection, and disaster preparedness.
Presenter: Matt Daugherty, CRM, Executive Vice President, SML, Inc.
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Joint Session for First-Year Program and Second/Third Year Program (MMC/Advanced Program ended at Noon) Beyond the Box: The Future of Records Management
Explore emerging trends in public records administration, including electronic recordkeeping, access and exemptions, First Amendment auditors, artificial intelligence, automation, and modern records program strategies.
Presenter: Matt Daugherty, CRM, Executive Vice President, SML, Inc.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

First-Year Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Color Me Curious: Discovering Your True Colors
Learn how the True Colors personality framework can provide insight into communication style, motivations, strengths, and workplace preferences. Explore strategies for adapting communication and working more effectively with different personalities.
Presenter: Roz Johnson Strong, M.Ed., HR Director, City of Stuart, Florida
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. True Colors, Real Conversations: Navigating Communication & Conflict
Apply True Colors insights to strengthen communication, enhance teamwork, navigate conflict, build trust, and adapt your communication style to meet the needs of different personalities.
Presenter: Roz Johnson Strong, M.Ed., HR Director, City of Stuart, Florida

Second-/Third-Year Program

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Leadership That Makes a Difference
Explore practical leadership strategies for motivating staff, navigating challenges, establishing credibility, building rapport, encouraging engagement, and leading with confidence.
Presenters: Sharon Gill, Author, Leadership Development Consultant & Speaker, and Wayne Gill, Attorney, Leadership Consultant & Nonprofit Legal Advisor
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Speaking with Confidence
Learn proven techniques for organizing thoughts, delivering messages effectively, reading an audience, maintaining engagement, and responding confidently when called upon at the last minute.
Presenters: Sharon Gill, Author, Leadership Development Consultant & Speaker, and Wayne Gill, Attorney, Leadership Consultant & Nonprofit Legal Advisor