Palm Bay Sets the Bar for Professional Leadership and Public Safety Excellence
City Manager earns prestigious ICMA credential while Police Department achieves highest law enforcement accreditation status
PALM BAY, FLORIDA . The City of Palm Bay is celebrating two major achievements that underscore its commitment to professional excellence and public safety: City Manager Matthew Morton has earned the prestigious ICMA Credentialed Manager designation, and the Palm Bay Police Department has been awarded Excelsior Status, the highest level of law enforcement accreditation.
ICMA Credentialed Manager: A Mark of Professional Excellence
Matthew Morton, ICMA-CM, EMPA, has been awarded the Credentialed Manager designation by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), placing him among an elite group of just over 1,300 local government professionals worldwide who have achieved this distinction through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.
The ICMA, established more than a century ago, is dedicated to advancing professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics. The organization’s 13,000 members in 27 countries include appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, educators, students, and other local government employees.
To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government, have earned a degree (preferably in public administration or a related field), and demonstrate a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.
“Earning this credential reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to professional leadership and ethical governance,” said City Manager Matthew Morton. “It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that shares our values of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in serving the residents of Palm Bay.”
Police Department Achieves Excelsior Status
The Palm Bay Police Department was officially reaccredited and awarded the prestigious Excelsior status by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Board. This marks the second time the Palm Bay Police Department has earned this distinction, following a successful reaccreditation review that resulted in no corrective actions or compliance issues.
The Excelsior status is the highest level of achievement a law enforcement agency can receive and is achieved when an agency successfully completes five consecutive three-year reaccreditation cycles. The Palm Bay Police Department received its first accreditation status in 2007.
Police Chief Mario Augello stated, “This reaccreditation and Excelsior status isn’t just for us, it’s for our community. It’s a promise that their police department meets the absolute highest standards in public safety and service.”
City Manager Matthew Morton emphasized the significance of the accomplishment, stating, “This is far more than a rubber stamp. The accreditation process is an intensive, independent validation of the department’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to accountability. Earning Excelsior Status, twice, is proof that our Police Department operates with transparency and continues to uphold the highest ethical and operational standards. I am proud of Chief Augello and every member of the department for their dedication to serving the people of Palm Bay with honor.”
Community Impact and Recognition
These dual achievements reflect the City of Palm Bay’s comprehensive approach to excellence in municipal governance and public safety. The ICMA credential ensures that the city’s leadership adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards, while the Excelsior status guarantees that law enforcement operations meet rigorous national benchmarks for accountability, transparency, and service delivery.
The City of Palm Bay extends its appreciation to the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation for recognizing the department’s dedication to professional excellence. Special recognition is also given to Accreditation Manager Alyssa Snedeker for her leadership, organization, and countless hours of preparation leading up to the review.
“This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the department’s sworn officers and professional staff, who work tirelessly to serve our community,” noted Chief Augello. “Without them, this accomplishment would not be possible.”
About the Recognitions
ICMA Credentialed Manager Program: The International City/County Management Association’s voluntary credentialing program recognizes local government professionals who demonstrate excellence in education, experience, and commitment to ethical leadership. With over 1,300 credentialed managers worldwide, the designation represents the pinnacle of professional achievement in municipal management.
Excelsior Status: Awarded by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Excelsior status is granted to agencies that complete five consecutive three-year reaccreditation cycles without compliance issues. It represents sustained commitment to professional standards, operational excellence, and community accountability over a 15-year period.
Congratulations to our City's manager, Matt Morton! In the few months he has taken the helm, we already see a huge difference in transparency and positive change. Thank you Mr. Morton!