Members in Transition

Deborah Stuart
Chair, Member Success Committee

The Member Success Committee is currently focusing on how we can better support our Members in Transition.

According to the ICMA (2021), The Member’s Guide to a Career That Has Ups, Downs, And Detours :

“The (City and County Manager) position is often subject to shifting political winds when elections change the composition of the governing body and some of the new members believe the community needs a new manager. When you take one of these jobs, it’s with the understanding that transition can and possibly will happen.

“Statistics demonstrate this volatility. According to ICMA’s 2018 CAO Salary and Compensation Survey, the average tenure of a professional local government manager was 6.1 years (the maximum was 37 years), and more than 200 ICMA members are in transition at any given time.”

Many of our colleagues are going through difficult times and transitions that are not of their own choosing. We know this is part of the profession, and any job change is difficult. However, it is even more difficult when an essential part of your job is to be connected to the community, especially if you have chosen to live there as well. Our members are dedicated to the people and places they serve, often forming friendships and family connections. This makes these transitions more challenging than most professions.

Here are some resources to assist:

While these are focused on Members in Transition, it is wise to review these items now, prior to a transition or before you face a difficult time, so you are familiar with the resources and can take advantage of resources as needed prior to transition.

CALL TO ACTION:

  • Help us identify those who need assistance: Due to the nature of our roles, it is often difficult for our members to ask for assistance. We are calling on our members to look out for their peers. Let the Member Success Committee know if you see someone facing a challenging time or rumblings that they may be at odds with their council. Contact any member of the Member Success Committee Members to get them connected. At a minimum, we want to offer a connection to Senior Resource Advisors and a peer connection in their area. Many times, a regular check-in and/or lunch with someone who understands our position helps us not feel so isolated.
  • Provide suggestions to Members in Transition Guide: Our committee is doing great work on improving access to services when you may need them most. If you have been through a transition, we would love to hear from you regarding what you wish you knew/learned the hard way or what resources we may be able to provide.

Chair, Member Success Committee
City Manager, Mason

Deborah Stuart has served as the City of Mason City Manager since January 2016 and is responsible for a total staff of approximately 50 employees with an annual average budget of approximately $15 million. She has a total of over 20 years of local and state experience assisting community and economic development projects come to fruition. Prior to being Mason’s city manager, she served as the community development incentives director for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In that role, she was responsible for various Michigan incentive programs averaging over $100 million annually being awarded to Michigan communities.

Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Municipal League and the MML Foundation. In addition, she serves as an active contributor to the 16/50 Project in Michigan, focused on increasing the number of women in local government executive positions.