Professional Development Committee Update

Warren Rothe | Professional Development Committee Chair

The Professional Development Committee is excited to invite you to the MME Winter Institute, taking place from January 28 to January 31 in Bay City. This year’s agenda is packed with valuable sessions, networking opportunities, and insightful discussions tailored to enhance your skills and knowledge as municipal executives.

Below is a glimpse of what to expect, we look forward to seeing you in Bay City!

Tuesday, January 28

  • 1–4 p.m.: Pre-Conference Workshop – Creating a Coaching Organization for Growth and Excellence
    Facilitator: April Lynch, Double Haul Solutions

Wednesday, January 29

  • 9–10:15 a.m.: Opening General Session – Legislative Update
    Speakers:

    • John LaMacchia II, Michigan Municipal League
    • Jennifer Rigterink, Michigan Municipal League
    • Dave Hodgkins, Michigan Municipal League
    • Herasanna Richards, Michigan Municipal League
  • 10:45–11:45 a.m.: Breakout Sessions
    • Road Funding: Leading Your Community to Better Roads
      Speaker: Andy Campbell, Bendzinski & Co.
    • Establishing an Effective Working Relationship with Your City Attorney
      Speaker: Steve Joppich, Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler
    • What to Expect as the First Ever Manager in a Small to Mid-Size Township
      Speakers:

      • Howard Fink, Park Township
      • Julius Suchy, Ada Township
      • Josh Eggleston, Zeeland Township
  • 1:15–2:15 p.m.: General Session – 13 Ways to Kill Your Relationships: A Conversation with Peers
    Speaker: Nate Geinzer, Double Haul Solutions
  • 2:45–3:45 p.m.: Breakout Sessions
    • Employee Benefit Best Practices to Recruit and Retain Talent
      Speakers:

      • Marne Daggett, MERS
      • Keith Van Beek, City of Holland
    • ○ Building Your Efficiency Toolbox
      Speakers:

      • Michelle Peters, Energy Sciences
      • Melissa Marsh, City of Madison Heights
      • Danielle Beard, Michigan Municipal League

Thursday, January 30

  • 9:30–10:30 a.m.: General Session – Whole Reset for Whole Wellness Part Deux: Recharging Your Nervous System for Resilience and Performance
    Speakers:

    • Sarah Santiago, Bloom Counseling and Wellness
    • Mitchell Foster, Double Haul Solutions
  • 10:45–11:45 a.m.: Breakout Sessions
    • Whole Reset for Whole Wellness: Building Your Personalized Wellness Action Plan
      Speakers:

      • Sarah Santiago, Bloom Counseling and Wellness
      • Mitchell Foster, Double Haul Solutions
    • Recent Headwinds in Healthcare
      Speaker: John Vance, Manquen Vance
    • You Have to Be the Bigger Person: Emotional Resilience and Positive Outcomes in the Face of Incivility
      Speakers:

      • Mark Washington, City of Grand Rapids
      • Griffin Graham, City of Grandville
      • Holly Young, Wolverine Worldwide
  • 1:15–2:15 p.m.: General Session – Strategic Relationship Management: Harnessing Your Inner Leslie Knope
    Speaker: Samantha Harkins, Hundred Place Consulting
  • 2:45–3:45 p.m.: Breakout Sessions
    • Muskegon Infill Housing: How It Started, How It’s Going
      Speakers:

      • Jonathan Seyferth, City of Muskegon
      • Jake Eckholm, City of Muskegon
    • How to Keep the Chaos at Bay: Ensuring Seamless Trasitions by Supporting Remaining Staff
      Speakers:

      • Kerreen Conley, Rehmann
      • Mike Birchmeier, Rehmann
    • Into the Frying Pan on Your First Day?
      Speaker: Chad A. Gamble, City of St. Johns

Friday, January 31

  • 9–10:05 a.m.: General Session – Communicating for Influence: How to Improve Workplace Communication for Greater Collaboration
    Speakers:

    • Taylor Trapani, Trapani Communications
    • Stacey Trapani, Trapani Communications
  • 10:15–11:15 a.m.: Closing General Session – Mentor-Mentee Relationships Know No Bounds
    Speakers:

    • David Faber, City Manager, City of Sandusky
    • Tim Heiden, Village Supervisor, Village of Peck
    • Chuck Bennett, City Manager, City of Brown City

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow municipal executives, gain new insight, and develop strategies to tackle the challenges facing our communities. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support and contributions to the Michigan Municipal Executives’ Winter Institute. Your partnership and commitment enable us to provide an enriching and impactful experience for all attendees. Your support is instrumental in fostering professional development and collaboration among municipal executives across Michigan.

In Service,

Warren Rothe

Warren Rothe
Chair, Professional Development Committee
Assistant City Manager, Grosse Pointe Park

Warren Rothe began his career in municipal management as an intern with the City of Grand Ledge. He currently serves as the assistant city manager for Grosse Pointe Park, where he also directs the city’s Tax Increment Finance Authority. Prior to his current community, he served as the manager to both the Village of Lakeview and City of St. Clair. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public policy also from MSU. Significant policy interests include collective bargaining, economic development, and zoning. Warren is proud to serve on MME’s Professional Development Committee and believes continuing education is a critical component in becoming an effective public servant.