🎙️ New Episode Alert! The #Local Gov Stories podcast is back with some exciting updates, including how to get involved! We’re thrilled to welcome Danny Langloss, City Manager of Dixon, as our new co-host alongside Melanie Santostefano of Vicarious Multimedia. In this episode, you’ll hear from: ✅ Shauna Musselman, Deputy County Administrator for Peoria County — sharing the unique differences between municipal and county government, plus a major milestone for Peoria County and her diverse background in local government. ✅ Ghida Neukirch, City Manager of Highland Park — reflecting on her team’s approach to ensuring safety and protecting free speech during public demonstrations – an issue that so many communities are dealing with in recent months. For more information on upcoming ILCMA and affiliate events 📅 visit: https://www.ilcma.org/calendar/ And…..if you’d like to share with us your ideas on topics for future episodes – email ilcma@niu.edu! #ilcma #ilcmaproud #LocalGovStories #localgovernmentleaders #publicservice

Originally published on September 18, 2025.

Big news - in this episode of the Local Gov Stories podcast, co-hosts Melanie Santostefano and Jim Moran share an important announcement about its future! Also featured is an interview with Jamie Bowden, Administrator for the Village of Glen Carbon, who talks about his 37 years career in local government, and a major decision on the horizon for this Metro East community. Plus, Jodi Luka, Community & Economic Development Director for the Village of Fox Lake, shares her unique journey into local government and how her team is making big moves to attract businesses to the northern Illinois town. The goal of the podcast is to promote the profession, create new connections, share challenges and solutions, and inspire the next generation of local government leaders. If you’re interested in being on a future episode or know of someone who would make a great guest, email us at ilcma@niu.edu! For more information on upcoming events and opportunities from ILCMA and local gov affiliates visit: https://www.ilcma.org/calendar/

Originally published on August 6, 2025.

Join host Melanie Santostefano and guest host Clay Johnson as they bring you a recap of the 2025 ILCMA Summer Conference in Champaign. This episode is packed with great interviews. IAMMA presidents incoming and outgoing Hannah Lipman and Glen Cole. ILCMA's incoming president Paula Schumacher. Conference presenter on Cybermaturity Scott Hilts and Banovetz Fellowship winner Alaina Murphy. Plus Joan Walls, Manager of our wonderful host city, Champaign!

Originally published on June 10, 2025.

This episode that has a fresh, new look!

Melanie Santostefano interviews the Summer Conference opening keynote, Joy Baldridge, who will give an interactive and energetic presentation that provides actionable tips on how to strengthen leadership skills and overall resilience during uncertain times. Melanie also interviews Rob Boyer, City Manager of Freeport – who will share the challenges his community has been facing due to infrastructure disinvestment and how he and his team are planning to fortify the City’s infrastructure for the future.

There is still time to register for ILCMA’s Summer Conference! Find registration information here: https://www.ilcma.org/conferences/

Originally published on May 21, 2025

Melanie interviews Sharon Schallhorn, Bureau County Administrator about her non-traditional background that ultimately drew her to/prepared her for her current role, along with information about the county and her job as administrator. Jim Moran interviews Molly Gillespie, the Communications and Engagement Director at the Village of Buffalo Grove. She was interviewed about Buffalo Grove’s chatbot, named Mr. Robinson which is actually patterned after a longtime employee . He has a personality too and will answer questions like, what is your favorite pizza!!!

Originally published April 25, 2025.

It's the Winter Conference wrap-up! Join hosts Melanie Santostefano and Jim Moran as they bring you the Winter Conference re-cap with a variety of interviews and fun!

Originally published on February 20, 2025.

Hosts Melanie Santostefano and Jim Moran give a Winter Conference preview as they interview keynote speakers Scott Lesnick and Billy Tyus, Deputy City Manager, City of Bloomington.

Originally published on January 27, 2025

Hosts Melanie Santostefano and Jim Moran interview the ILCMA Winter Conference Keynote, Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. and Erin Rauscher, Assistant to the Village Manager in Lake Zurich.

Originally published on January 6, 2025