Each year the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME) organization, representing the City Management profession across the State of Michigan, seeks nominations for awards to professional City Managers deserving recognition. One such award is the Mentoring Award. It was my honor last Monday night to share with the Auburn Hills City Council that the recipient of the 2022 MME Mentoring Award was Auburn Hills’ City Manager, Thomas Tanghe.

The Mentoring Award recognizes the MME professional who has made significant contributions in the development of new talent and/or who has designed and implemented outstanding career development programs for local government employees. One such program is the Management Internship offered in the City Manager’s Office right here in Auburn Hills, which was created by Mr. Tanghe in an effort to “feed the pipeline” by training up-and-coming leaders in local government. For more than fourteen years this program has offered young professionals seeking careers in local government management the opportunity to obtain firsthand the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be an effective local government manager. In cooperation with Michigan universities offering Public Administration programs, Auburn Hills has welcomed several interns over the years from Oakland University, Wayne State University, and Central Michigan University.

While not every intern has gone on to serve in the public sector, all have achieved success in their respective roles. I would be remis if I did not share that Mr. Tanghe’s mentorship does not end at the conclusion of the internship. He remains available to interns and has coached them on resume writing, interview preparation, furthering their education, and general career advice.

Committed to local government management as a highly important and desirable career choice, Mr. Tanghe is without question worthy of the 2022 MME Mentoring Award.

Brandon Skopek, Assistant City Manager