It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’re counting down the top 100 influencers in local government. Today, met ten amazing local leaders who are making a difference in their communities. View the full list on the #ELGLTraeger page, and share your congrats using the hashtag #ELGLTraeger on social media!
#51 – Noor Shaikh
Capital Budget Manager, City of Dallas
Three words to describe the nominee:
Witty, intelligent, and dedicated.
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
She goes above and beyond in every capacity. I had the pleasure of working with her for the ELGL/GFOA partnership, and she was a great mentor for students about using Excel and better understanding data analysis.
Anything else to add?
She is the COOLEST.
#52 – Mallory Avis
Public Transit Director, City of Battle Creek
Three words to describe the nominee:
Passionate, Creative, Driven
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Mallory is so passionate about transportation that she often rides the bus to work, and celebrates her team often, with spirit weeks, and even dressing up as a coach operator herself. In the short time she’s worked with us, she has applied for and received millions of dollars in grants, to help move Transit forward. She is innovative and creative, with ideas in progress to improve our bus stop signs, get us on the Google Transit map, and develop additional services to help our riders. Mallory is a true Traeger!
#53 – Luke Fretwell
CEO, ProudCity
Three words to describe the nominee:
Dedicated. Observant. Kind
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Luke is the kind of guy who is always observing the world around him, which makes him a born innovator because he sees things in different ways than the rest of us. He’s brought that innovation to local government with ProudCity and also in his work with countless other government improvement programs and initiatives. I also appreciate his sense of humor and the fact that he is very direct and honest about the world of govtech/civictech.
#54 – Julia Glanz
City Administrator, City of Salisbury, Maryland
Three words to describe the nominee:
Creative, Connected, Intuitive
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Julia is building an organization where employees feel connected and valued. She deploys creative methods like the ’50 Cups of Coffee Challenge’ to expand her circle and develop relationships that will be key to the city’s success. This work is so important especially during COVID-19 where employees may be facing challenges inside and outside the office.
#55 – William Goddard
City Administrator, Laurel, MD
Three words to describe the nominee:
Professional, forward-thinking, community-oriented
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
William views public service as a lifelong mission and is always looking for ways to improve the life quality of his residents. He’s open to incorporating new technologies and looking for new ways to engage in impactful ways with his residents.
#56 – Cassi Johnson
Deputy Director, Office of Technology and Communications, City of Saint Paul, Minnesota
Three words to describe the nominee:
Analytic, impactful, smart
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Cassi is leveraging data to ensure that St. Paul works for everyone in the community. She’s helped bring together city leaders, community partners, and community members to identify those key data points that will lead to better decision-making and an increase the social impact of the City of St. Paul services. St. Paul’s approach will extend far beyond the city limits as other local governments are learning from actions of St. Paul.
#57 – Michael Montgomery
Deputy City Council Administrator, City of Colorado Springs, CO
Three words to describe the nominee:
Helpful, kind, creative (also: pizzaiolo)
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
I know everyone calls him “Pizza Mike” but a more apt nickname would be “Helpful Mike” or “Kind Mike” because he’s both of those things. Most of all he’s always willing to lend a hand and help out. I appreciate his creativity too. He’s willing to try new things and knows that even if something “fails” that there’s a learning lesson in it. Lastly, I appreciate how he’s been thoughtful in his career, taking on new roles and positions where he can serve the most amount of people in a meaningful way.
Anything else to add?
He’s also a new ELGL GovLove podcast producer in his spare time.
#58 – Christina Coniglio
Manager, Strategic Planning and Corporate Performance Measures, City of Vaughan, ON
Three words to describe the nominee:
Exceptional, Genuine, Kind
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Christina serves as the City of Vaughan’s Manager of Strategic Planning and Corporate Performance Measures. In her role, she led the City in its development of Vaughan Vision and designed and manages their strategic planning framework. She also leads the City’s corporate business plan process. A professional accountant with a green belt in Lean Six Sigma, Christina has a passion for process improvement and is always willing to share best practices and lessons learned with her peers. This year, Christina took on new responsibilities to support the City’s efforts to respond to COVID. Even with a heavy workload, she still found the time to serve as a mentor for the ELGL Strategy Cohort providing support to others in their strategy and performance management journey.
#59 – Dan Hymowitz
Director, Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Performance & Innovation
Three words to describe the nominee:
Positive, energetic, rigorous
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Dan truly embodies the qualities of Chris Traeger. We call him “Sunshine Dan” because of his sunny disposition during hard times. He has high expectations for our office, which is what you would hope to find in city government. He is also very growth-minded and encourages constructive feedback about how our office can do better.
#60 – Christian Williams
Planner, City of Goodyear
Three words to describe the nominee:
Clever, Outgoing, Dedicated
Why does the nominee deserve a 2020 Traeger Award?
Christian has served ELGL and Local Government in so many areas with the most enthusiasm and engagement around. His passion shines through and his willingness to help is so pure that it radiates through his projects. I’m thankful for his expertise in our region and his dedication through this crazy, wild year.
Anything else to add?
He’s one of the most stylin’ guys around, too.