• Executive Interview with Yvonne Kimball

    Posted by Devin Antonio on December 19, 2025

    What initially prompted you to get involved with local government? Born and raised in China, I had limited exposure to local government, where citizen participation was minimal and civic processes were not visible to the public. In my mid-twenties, I read Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” which inspired me with its vision of a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Coming to the United States at age 26, I was driven by a desire to engage in a system where the government truly serves its people. I chose a career in local government because it allows me to be directly involved in my community and see the tangible impact of my work on the lives of those around me. Why did you want to become a city manager? After graduating with a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, I was selected for the Tri-City City Manager Intern program. This unique opportunity enabled me to work for city managers from three different cities and participate in discussions with elected officials and executive teams. Seeing my mentors’ dedication to their communities was inspiring, opening my eyes to the possibility of becoming a city manager. Soon after completing this two-year internship, I was hired for my first city manager job. For the last 17 years, I have led multiple cities in Florida, Arizona and California. What was the most important part about your job as a city manager? The most important part about my job … Read more »

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