Welcome, Certified Public Manager graduate candidates,
It is a true pleasure to welcome each of you to the 2026 Level 8 Conference & Graduation. This three-day event is a gathering that honors your hard work, your growth, and your commitment to public service. As CPM graduates, you will represent the best of leadership in the public sector: professionals who lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and continually strive to create meaningful change in your organizations and communities.
Over the course of this three-day event, I hope you take the opportunity not only to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, but also to reconnect with your peers, network outside your circle, and reconnect with the values that brought you into public service. Over the next few days, you’ll hear from inspiring speakers, engage in thought-provoking sessions, and share insights and innovations that will strengthen your leadership journeys.
Your presence here speaks volumes about your dedication to continuous learning and your transformational journey. We are proud of your achievements and excited to see how your CPM experience continues to shape your work and the public institutions you serve.
Thank you for being here, and thank you for the service and leadership you bring to our amazing state each and every day. Let’s make this a meaningful and energizing experience together.
With you in service,
Linda Jimenez, CPM
Tallahassee Hotels
