The Local Government Management Fellowship (LGMF) is a career-development opportunity designed to attract recent MPA/MPP (or related programs) graduates to be placed in full-time management-track local government positions. Finalists are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, initiative, creativity, and positive attitude. They then interview for 12-month fellowship appointments at local governments across the country, during which they receive direct mentorship from a senior government leader at the organization. Since the program's launch in 2004, many alumni Fellows are now chief administrative officers or assistant chief administrative officers; many others are in senior positions in local government. 

Premier County to Live, Work, and Play

  • Gain critical insight into County Administration by attending senior leadership meetings and completing projects with Administration.
  • 1:1 mentoring by the Deputy County Administrator.
  • Rotate between three departments that best align with your interests.
  • Work directly with department Directors on high level projects.
  • Flexibility to work on multiple projects across the County.
  • Participate in professional development including trainings and conferences by ICMA and Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA).
  • Ability to present in a public meeting to the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners.

"Local government matters and if we do not do our part to train and develop people across our entire organization to take people's positions when they move on and retire we are not doing our job" - Jonathan Lewis, County Administrator.

People being interviewed in front of a camera on a couch
A group of people standing with certificates
Kari celebrating with others at the Sarasota County roaming holiday
A group of people on the sand volleyball court
A group of people standing around a booth at an event
Kari Standing in front of a NBP sign