By Al Vanderberg
The Experience Committee met for the first time in 2021 just last week and launched into what will be a very busy year of activity. Annamarie Reno from Richland Township was elected as Vice-Chair. 
The Committee voted to nominate Mark Wollenweber for the ICMA Distinguished Award. Mark had a long and distinguished career in City Management highlighted by serving as President of MME and as Regional Vice-President for the ICMA Board. Mark has also served as Senior Advisor for the past several years. The application is due on March 22nd and I would like to include some comments about how Mark has impacted individuals in MME and the profession. Please feel free to submit any comments directly to me at avanderberg@miottawa.org over the next week.
I was stunned to learn a few months ago that MME has only three of our members who have been recognized with the ICMA Distinguished Service Award. Jack Patriarche, East Lansing CM; John Kiracofe, Berkeley CM; and Dr. Daryl Delabbio, Kent County CAC.
Last I knew, Michigan had the third highest number of local government managers after California and Texas, and I would have assumed that more would have been recognized when you consider the long-time management excellence in our state. We will work hard to improve these numbers!
The Committee also voted to nominate Pat McGinnis, City Manager for an ICMA Strategic Leadership Award. Pat was named the MME 2019 Innovation Award winner for the “Forever Grand Haven” perpetual three-mill infrastructure millage.
As you all know, the newly minted MME Strategic Plan changed several responsibilities among committees.
The Senior Advisor and Manager in Transition functions were transferred from the Experience Committee to the new Membership Services Committee, and the Professional Development Scholarship Program was transferred from the Professional Development Committee to the Experience Committee. This came around full circle for me as I was the Chair of the Professional Development Committee when we created the scholarship program. Once we receive the scholarship documents, we will quickly get up to speed and determine what programs will be held this year and get applications out to MME members.
The Experience Committee will also undertake the update of the MME History this year. We will be asking for your favorite memories, photos, and other material for the updated history. Stay tuned!
Al Vanderberg
Chair, Experience Committee
Ottawa County Administrator
Al Vanderberg has served as County Administrator of Ottawa County, MI since December 2003. He previously served as Deputy County Administrator of Kent County, and City Manager of South Haven. Al served as President of the Michigan Municipal Executives, 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 Lead Contamination in Children Elimination Commission. Al is a member of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Council for Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion. Al also serves as Government Coordinator for the Michigan American Legion Girls State Program, and became an Affiliate of the MSU Extension Center for Local Government Finance and Policy in 2016. 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 avanderberg@miottawa.org.