WASHINGTON, D.C.— Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Francis is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals, worldwide, currently holding credentials through the ICMA Credentialing Program.

ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation and ethics and by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, who serve local governments around the world. ICMA identifies leading practices to address the needs of local governments and professionals serving communities globally. The management decisions made by ICMA’s members affect millions of people living in thousands of communities, ranging in size from small towns to large metropolitan areas.

To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; earned an advanced degree, preferably in public administration; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development. 

Francis is qualified by 27 years of professional local government experience, 10 of which were at the executive level. Prior to his appointment in Great Bend, he served as City Manager/Administrator in Coffeyville and Lakin.