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John W. Donlevy, Jr.

Experienced City Manager

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Category: City Manager Stuff and Articles

Mental Health for the Executive- Some thoughts on Preservation

I am a third generation “City Manager” who spent almost 38 years in a profession that I loved. Being an executive, leading a public organization is the greatest avocation which … Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on January 17, 2025January 29, 2025Categories City Manager Stuff and ArticlesTags big rocks, City Manager, culture, John Donlevy, mental health

My “In-N-Out Burger” Philosophy on Management:

Being a successful small town City Manager quickly brings the revelation that you do all the same things as the managers in larger cities but without the staff or resources. … Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on December 18, 2023December 18, 2024Categories City Manager Stuff and ArticlesTags accountability, expectations, hamburgers, small town, strategic

Risk and Reward- The “hole”

The year was 2008, the economy had just collapsed on speculative lending, the great recession had begun, businesses and restaurants were closing everywhere, liquidity in markets had all but dried … Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on November 27, 2023November 27, 2023Categories City Manager Stuff and Articles

ICMA Video- Life, Well Run

I just love this video because it captures the essence of being a city manager so well. Enjoy!

(1) Life, Well Run – YouTube… Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on November 14, 2023November 14, 2023Categories City Manager Stuff and Articles

The City Council Member Pre-Meeting Briefing

City Manager’s need to establish a regular system of communication with the members of the City Council. Over my years as a manager, it became the root of how I … Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on November 13, 2023November 13, 2023Categories City Manager Stuff and Articles

How to begin Your Strategic Planning- Mission, SWOT and Vision

How to begin your Strategic Planning- Mission, SWOT and Vision

In my 38 years working in local government, one of the most common threads I’ve seen with City Council Members … Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on November 13, 2023November 13, 2023Categories City Manager Stuff and Articles

Key Elements of Your Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plans at its root is the concept of taking concepts and turning them into action. This is what the best organizations do and are at the heart of … Continue Reading...

Author John DonlevyPosted on November 13, 2023November 27, 2023Categories City Manager Stuff and Articles

Recent Posts

  • Mental Health for the Executive- Some thoughts on Preservation
  • Retired and Inspired Interview- John W. Donlevy Jr.
  • Women Lift Economies- Kenya Micro Credit and Business Development
  • Empowerment, Education and Economics- My Trip to Kenya-2024
  • Kenya Projects- March, 2024
  • About John W. Donlevy, Jr.
    • About John W. Donlevy, Jr.
      • In The Media
    • Resume
    • Executive Interview
  • Resources Menu
    • What John can do for you
      • The Right Start
      • Developing a Framework for Revitalization
      • Facilitation Services
    • City Manager Stuff and Articles
    • Small Town Stuff
    • Get Stuff Done
    • Service in the Community and Around the World
      • International Projects
      • Community Projects
  • Contact Information
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