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Words Matter | President’s Column March 2025
Bridgette Gransden | MME President
Transition. Shift. Transformation. Evolution. Progress. No matter the word we choose to describe “change,” it can be unsettling or exciting depending on the way we choose to look at the situation at hand. Studies have shown that if we appraise a situation as a threat, our stress responses increase. On the contrary, if we view the same situation as an opportunity, those stress responses are not triggered. Read more. |
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The Importance of Attending MME Conferences: A Key to Advancing Legislative Change
Melissa Marsh | MME President Elect
As municipal leaders, we understand the importance of staying informed and connected to the ever-changing landscape of local governance. One of the most valuable resources for strengthening our municipalities is the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME) conferences and networking events. These gatherings provide not just educational opportunities, but also crucial moments to engage in dialogue that can shape the future of our communities. Read more. |
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Advocacy Committee Update
Jason Smith | Advocacy Committee Chair
The Advocacy Committee recently held our February 2025 meeting—my first as the new chairperson—and I am excited to continue the momentum built by my predecessor, Pat McGinnis. Pat left some big shoes to fill, and I am excited to learn from his leadership. We have an important role in promoting the value of professional local government management in Michigan, and I look forward to working with all of you to further that mission. Read more.
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Supporting Our Early Career Members
Jenny James | Early Career Outreach Committee Chair
The Early Career Outreach Committee (ECOC) took advantage of the 2025 Winter Institute to support early career MME members and students. While the Institute explored topics relevant to every career phase, two specific events focused on the early career. Read more. |
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Ethics Committee Update
Dana Muscott | Ethics Committee Chair
I am both honored and excited to serve as the Ethics Committee chair for the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME) in 2025. This is a role I take with great responsibility, and I look forward to working closely with all of you to continue fostering high ethical standards in local government across our state. Read more. |
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Experience Committee Update
Al Vanderberg | Experience Committee Chair
One of the high points of the recent MME Winter Institute was the opportunity to recognize MME members for their outstanding work and accomplishments through our annual awards. We will highlight one award winner in each of the next few editions of The Manager.
Tom Tanghe was recognized with the Executive of the Year Award. This award recognizes exceptional leadership over the year prior to granting the award. Read more.
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Family Matters
Cameron Van Wyngarden | Member Support Committee Chair
After multiple attempts that came up short, I finally got the call I had been waiting for; I had been selected to serve as the next manager. My wife and I had been planning for this move for years, waiting for a community that was the right fit—a reasonable distance from her work, close to family, good schools, and a community where we could see ourselves living. We were excited for the change, but one major obstacle remained…telling the kids we were going to move. Read more. |
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Professional Development Committee Update
Darin K. Dood | Professional Development Committee Chair
On behalf of the entire Professional Development Committee (PDC), we thank every one of you who attended the 2025 MME Winter Institute Conference in Bay City, Michigan. The conference was not only packed with fantastic sessions, but also with all-time high attendance! Your participation, engagement, and dedication made this event an incredible success! From insightful discussions during the panel sessions to networking opportunities during breaks, the conference was a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community of Michigan Municipal Executives! Read more.
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Follow MME on X and LinkedIn
Connect with MME on X and LinkedIn. |
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New MME Members
New applicants for MME membership from the months since the last MME E-Newsletter was distributed are listed by category on the Member News page of our website. Any objections that would impact their membership status or category should be submitted to MME within 60 days of the date of this publication. Objections should be addressed to Ethics Committee Chair Dana Muscott at dmuscott@baycitymi.gov.
View the latest list of new MME members. |
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Save the Date for Future Events
ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference
April 2–4, 2025
Milwaukee, WI
Learn more here.
Milwaukee, WI
Summer Workshop
July 22–25, 2025
Mt. Pleasant, MI
MME Reception at ICMA Annual Conference
October 2025
Tampa, FL
Winter Institute
January 20–23, 2026
Traverse City
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Member News
Member News features recent job changes, retirements, and remembrances for MME members. It also highlights new MME and ICMA members. Have someone you'd like to add? Fill out this form.
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