By Mitch Foster
Committee held our second meeting on May 5, 2021 at 1 pm consisting 
of a more in-depth discussion on a few important items the committee will be working on this year. However, in order to keep things on your mind as members, I want to make sure to throw in some reminders as to services we have available to us as members of MME along with updates on the different programs:
- Members in Transition:
- For those members who have transitioned out of a position and are searching for something new, the MIT group are a veteran group of managers who can help you through these difficult and confusing times. Please contact either myself or Frank Walsh (walsh@meridian.mi.us) to get in touch with MIT for yourself or a peer. Additionally, here is a great resource the MIT group put together for members: http://www.mme.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MME-MIT-Guide-Final-1-23-19.pdf
- Coaching Program:
- The Member Success Committee is looking at retooling the program to focus on making connections between members instead of a formal coaching program. This was determined after discussions with the program’s latest facilitators as well as amongst those on the committee. Look for updates to this in the near future.
- Senior Advisors Program (ICMA/MME):
- The ICMA Senior Advisor program is a joint activity of ICMA and MME established by the ICMA Executive Board in 1974 to make the counsel, experience, and support of respected, retired managers of the profession available to members. They are able to meet with you regularly, help you through difficult times, or simply be a sounding board.
- Mark Wollenweber: mewollenweber@icloud.com
- Larry Nielsen: Nielsen6619@sbcglobal.net
- Lifeworks Wellness Program:
- Don’t forget to take advantage of the Lifeworks Wellness Program that is made available to you as a member of MME!
- https://login.lifeworks.com/ (Professional Members will need to provide your name and MME membership email)
Additionally, we will be looking to add a one-pager to the newsletter in the near future that will consist of helpful articles, links to resources, and other materials the committee believes will be beneficial to members. The committee will be meeting again in early July to try to set out on more initiatives for the benefit of all our peers!
Mitch Foster
Chair, Member Success Committee
Ludington City Manager
Mitch Foster has been the city manager for the waterfront community of Ludington since 2019. Prior to that, he was the village administrator for the Village of Winneconne, WI, as well as the village manager for the Village of Kingsley, MI. He is an active member of the International City/County Management Association and Engaging Local Government Leaders. Mitch and his wife, Becky, have one son, Otto, and enjoy living the lake life with spare time filled with hiking, golf, and good books. He can be reached at (231) 233-9871 or mfoster@ci.ludington.mi.us.