By Mitch Foster
The Member Success Committee held our inaugural meeting on April 1, 2021 at 3 p.m. consisting of a great, overarching discussion on the role and goals of our committee. During this meeting, it was determined that having working groups for the primary areas of the committee would help keep members focused on positive outcomes as well as be able to link the multiple resources/services offered for the membership. However, what I think was realized by a majority of our committee was that not everyone knows what resources are available for our membership. With that in mind, let’s talk about them a little bit:
- 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 me 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 MME Coaching Program is built off of one-on-one relationships forged over a one-time meeting or multiple meetings that would be beneficial for both the coach and coachee (Player). These can be personal or professional in nature, focusing in on the needs of the individual member.
- http://www.mme.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MME-professional-coaching-program-flyer.pdf
- http://www.mme.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MME-Professional-Coaching-Application-January-2018.pdf
- 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:
- The MME (through the hard work of Adam Smith) has made available a Wellness Support program through Lifeworks that acts like an association EAP. Any member is able to take advantage of this program, and the committee will do the best we can to pass along any articles they share with us. Sign up with the link below.
https://login.lifeworks.com/ (Professional Members will need to provide your name and MME membership email)
The goal is to make sure that all of our friends and peers have access to the broad assortment of personal and professional resources MME and ICMA have made available. If you or another member is having a tough time or are looking for resources, please contact me and we can get you the assistance you are looking for!
Thank You!
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.