Women in the Civic Arena is guided by experienced facilitators who create opportunities for reflection, meaningful discussion, professional growth, and leadership development. Their expertise helps participants explore challenges, gain new perspectives, and build lasting connections with peers from across the country.
Kate Fitzpatrick
Regional Director
International City/County Management Association
Kate Fitzpatrick is currently serving as the Eastern Regional Director for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). She recently retired from her role as the first Town Manager in Needham, MA. She served that community from 1990 to 2025 in a variety of roles. She has served as president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and president of the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association. She served as a member and chair of the ICMA Credentialing Advisory Board, is past chair of the ICMA Leadership Advisory Board, and is a founding member of Women Leading Government in Massachusetts. Ms. Fitzpatrick is the author of the blog Relentless Practice in Local Government at VeryKateFitzpatrick.com. She is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and a Fellow of the National academy of Public Administration.
Peggy Merriss
Executive Director
Georgia City/County Management Association (GCCCMA)
Peggy Merriss is dedicated to advancing excellence and innovation in local government through service, teaching, mentoring, and advising. She served the City of Decatur, Georgia for 35 years, including more than 25 years as City Manager, and currently serves as Executive Director of the Georgia City-County Management Association. In 2022, she was elected as a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow. Peggy was the first woman and youngest person to serve as ICMA President and received the ICMA Distinguished Service Award in 2025. An avid traveler, Peggy has visited all seven continents and continues to pursue her goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states and all 10 Canadian provinces.
Felicia Logan
Special Projects
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Kendra Stewart
Director
Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at College of Charleston
Kendra Stewart is passionate about developing leaders and strengthening communities through public service. She serves as Professor of Political Science and Public Administration and Director of the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, where she works at the intersection of scholarship, leadership development, and civic engagement. Her expertise includes state and local government, public administration, and nonprofit management. Kendra is co-editor of The Practice of Government Public Relations and has published extensively on public affairs and governance. Through her leadership at the Riley Center, she helps connect research, education and community engagement to support effective public and nonprofit leadership.
