CCMF Announces Wes McClure Scholarship Winners

The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) announced the recipients of the third annual Wes McClure Scholarship:

• Sasha Geschwind of Claremont Graduate University. As an undergraduate, Ms. Geschwind interned with the City of Santa Clarita in the City Manager’s Office. She is currently pursuing her master’s in Public Policy.

• Nico De Anda-Scaia of the University of Southern California. In his application, Nico De Anda-Scaia wrote about his desire to help governments serve their people efficiently, intelligently, and empathetically. A first-generation citizen, Mr. De Anda-Scaia has already held numerous positions as a community organizer and volunteer throughout California.

• Louie F. Lacasella of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Mr. Lacasella was inspired by the work of Dr. James Svara. After reading his book, “The Facilitative Leader in City Hall,” Lacasella decided to pursue a Masters in Public Administration. As a student, he has held several unpaid intern positions, before transitioning to paid opportunities most recently at the City of Anaheim’s Integrated Resources Division.

“These students represent the future of city management in California,” said Wade McKinney, president of CCMF. “We are honored to support their education and look forward to seeing them grow professionally.”

Wes McClure, for whom the scholarship was named, worked as city manager of San Leandro for 28 years and played a key role in the formation of CCMF. He passed away at the age of 94 on December 20, 2009. The award was created to commemorate Mr. McClure’s contributions to the City Managers’ Department, League of California Cities, the State of California, and the city management profession.