By Al Vanderberg
The Experience Committee will be rolling out the updated MME History at the Winter Institute in a few weeks. The updated version will consist of the previous versions combined into a digital format with some updated material. The intent is to make this a living document that can be updated annually as we go instead of a printed document (though we may print a version in addition to the digital version at some point) that exists for decades until someone gets the itch to update it. There will also be the capability to add video content such as interviews with MME luminaries from the past and present.
The committee recently completed reviewing nominations for the spate of MME Awards and will be announcing award winners at the upcoming conference. Before we know it, March will be upon us, and the committee will be asking for nominations for the various ICMA Awards.
We also plan to review and update the directory of programs for professional development scholarships. Applications for the SVSU Certified Public Manager Program are due so check that out on the MME website if you are interested.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you in Grand Rapids soon! We broke the hotel room sales record from the previous high in 2019 and there is even more to do downtown in GR and many other places throughout Kent County.
Al Vanderberg
Chair, Experience Committee
Kent County Administrator/Controller
Al Vanderberg serves as county administrator/controller of Kent County since August 2021. Previously, Al served as county administrator of Ottawa County; deputy county administrator/controller of Kent County; city manager of South Haven: and assistant city manager of Greenville. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan and Master of Public Administration Degree from Michigan State University.
Al served as president of the Michigan Municipal Executives and Michigan Association of County Administrative Officials (MACAO), chair of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) Board of Directors, and chair of the former West Michigan Strategic Alliance. He was appointed by Gov. Snyder to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board of Directors and Executive Committee and was appointed by Gov. Snyder and reappointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission. Al is a member of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Council for Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion, the NACo DEI Advisory Group, and the National Association of County Administrators Board of Directors. He is a member of the adjunct faculty of Grand Valley State University where he teaches in the undergraduate and masters programs. He also writes and speaks frequently on local government management topics and issues. He can be reached at al.vanderberg@kentcountymi.gov.