"Mr. Stuckey’s career impact spans multiple communities and levels of government. Prior to Franklin, he served as Assistant County Administrator in Hamilton County, Ohio;Assistant City Manager and Budget Director in Elgin, Illinois; and in the Dayton, Ohio, Office of Management and Budget. Across these roles, he developed deep expertise in fiscal management, organizational development, and intergovernmental collaboration—skills that have consistently translated into meaningful outcomes for residents and employees alike.

In Franklin, Mr. Stuckey has overseen transformative investments in public safety and infrastructure, including a new police headquarters, additional fire stations, and an upgraded water treatment plant. He has championed regional collaboration, notably on a public-safety radio system partnership, while sustaining Franklin’s reputation for financial stability and high performance. His leadership has earned repeated recognition at the state and national level, including being named the 2023 Tennessee City Management Association’s City Manager of the Year.

Perhaps most notably, Mr. Stuckey has demonstrated the ability to guide a community through moments of profound challenge. In the nationally recognized Fuller Story initiative, Franklin confronted the contentious issue of a Confederate statue in its public square. Under his administrative leadership, the City partnered with pastors, historians, and community leaders to create a broader historical narrative through the installation of new markers acknowledging African American history, slavery, U.S. Colored Troops, Reconstruction, and civil rights. This thoughtful and collaborative approach provided context without erasure, transforming a potentially divisive debate into a celebrated model of civic dialogue and inclusive storytelling.

Beyond his own city, Mr. Stuckey has strengthened the profession itself. He has served as ICMA Southeast Region Vice President, been active in Tennessee’s city management associations, and consistently mentored emerging leaders, including through Franklin’s management fellowship program. These contributions reflect his commitment not only to the communities he serves, but also to the next generation of public servants.

A KU MPA graduate and Miami University (Ohio) alumnus, Mr. Stuckey embodies the highest ideals of public service and the enduring impact of the KU School of Public Affairs & Administration. His record of sustained excellence, his ability to bridge divides and deliver meaningful results, and his lifelong commitment to advancing the profession make him an exemplary and deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award."