Chief executive officer
joe turner
Joe Turner is the founder and president of the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME). Born and raised in Southern California, Turner moved to Kansas in 2018 to pursue a career in city management and currently lives in Wichita.
Beginning in late 2022, Joe rapidly cultivated the largest and most engaged audience of public sector executives on any social media platform with his daily posts highlighting the plight of city and county managers. News articles interspersed with commentary about the poor treatment and working conditions endured by these executives endeared him with an audience that had heretofore felt unseen and unheard. His opinions on executive compensation and ruminations on contract negotiations catapulted him to the forefront of the profession as a thought leader and influencer.
In June of 2023, Joe Turner launched the City Manager Unfiltered podcast garnering nearly 100,000 downloads in its first year. Enthusiastically received by peers, the podcast quickly became the most influential local government podcast in the nation racking up more than 200 ratings and reviews on Apple.
As a result, the profession’s most innovative and entrepreneurial executives committed to providing value to their citizens have gravitated toward Joe’s outspoken thought leadership. Recognizing the critical need for an organization that would support city managers by providing community and support, professional development, and advocacy on their behalf, he launched the AAME in June of 2024. In 40 days, more than 500 people signed up to become founding members.
Joe Turner is the proud father of a son currently attending the United States Naval Academy and another son who served in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and from California State University San Bernardino with a master’s degree in public administration.
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn and listen to City Manager Unfiltered on all major podcast platforms
chief development officer
BRANDEN DROSS
Branden Dross is a seasoned city administrator with over a decade of experience in public service, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents. He has a strong background in municipal operations, budget management, infrastructure development, and community outreach, successfully implementing projects that benefit citizens. Branden is an advocate for community engagement and sustainability, believing in the power of collaboration among government, non-profits, and the private sector. An avid sports fan, he enjoys baseball, supports the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, and the MLS’s Portland Timbers, and often travels to assess public transit systems.
A two-time graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio (BPA 2016 & MPA 2018), Branden has held leadership roles in Texas, Kansas, and Oregon, including positions with the City of San Antonio, City of Terrell Hills, CPS Energy, City of Herington, and City of Lafayette. He is married to Angela, and they have a son, Branden Jr. Branden is actively involved in various community organizations and professional associations, including:
Current Affiliations:
· Oregon City/County Management Association: Civic Education Committee Member
· City of Newberg, OR: Traffic Safety Commission Member
· Yamhill County, OR: Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (Executive Committee), Transit Advisory Committee, YCOM Budget Committee
· Yamhill Regional Water Authority: Board Treasurer
· International City/County Management Association: Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee Member
Past Affiliations:
· League of Kansas Municipalities: Governing Body-Director
· Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation: Board Member
· Herington Hospital Foundation: Board Member
· Kansas Municipal Energy Agency: Board Member and EMP3 Vice Chair
Connect with Branden on LinkedIn
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MICAH GAUDET
Micah Gaudet is a seasoned public management professional with over six years of senior leadership experience in local government. Currently serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of Maricopa, AZ, he oversees police, fire, emergency management, and the municipal court. His previous leadership roles include Town Manager of Miami, AZ, Executive Director of the City of Nogales Housing Authority, and Director of Crime Strategies for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Micah is a decorated US Army veteran, having served 4 years in the 101st Airborne Division, where he completed two campaigns in Afghanistan.
Micah holds a Master’s degree in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He serves on the boards of Future of Policing and MyTownAI, and created the AI in Local Government Network. Known for his innovative solutions, Micah is recognized for his work in applying AI to improve local government operations.
Micah lives in the Phoenix Metro with his wife Jamie and son Eli. During the MLB season, you can find them at Chase Field cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks. He bleeds green and gold for the Green Bay Packers, having grown up in Wisconsin. An avid bourbon connoisseur, he is always looking for good whiskey recommendations. Micah and his family are active members of a church plant in Queen Creek, AZ.
25+
YEARS OF local gov experience
The AAME leadership team has over 25+ years of experience working in and leading local governments.
15
Different organizations
Having served in Federal, State, County, and City government, the AAME leadership team brings a breadth of experience and understands the challenges associated with each layer of public sector executive work
23,900+
LINKEDIN FOLLOWERS
Combined, Joe, Branden, and Micah have over 23,900 followers on LinkedIn. They are trusted and respected city managers, known for their bold and innovative leadership.