KUCIMAT Winter 2007 Newsletter

KUCIMAT Awards 2005

2006 Lifetime Achievement Award—Tom Muehlenbeck (Class of 1966)

This award epitomizes the professionalism and commitment of the KUCIMAT organization for public service. Tom Muehlenbeck represents all the ideals and values we demand in the field of public administration.

In his present position since 1987, Tom has guided the City of Plano, Texas from its infancy into a major metropolitan city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Tom has been "at the helm" as Plano moves to ultimate buildout and is now home to nearly 250,000 residents and the job homes to hundreds of thousands. Tom has designed a new city from the ground up, using the best in urban design. Tom has always set the standard for professionalism in public management and has developed a professional staff that is one of the best in the country.

Plano has won countless awards as a community and has been recognized on more than one occasion as an All-American City. Plano also actively participates at the Council of Governments level where it encourages regional approaches to such matters as mass transit, transportation systems, and regional interconnected park systems.

As City Manager, Tom has actively served many cities, starting in Parsons and Atchison, Kansas. He has additionally served in Georgia, Virginia and two other cities in Texas. Tom has actively served in ICMA, the Texas City Management Association and the Innovation Groups. During this time, he has mentored dozens of managers in transition and new upstarts in the profession with keen advice and sharing of experience.

On a personal note, I have served with Tom Muehlenbeck as a member of the Innovation Groups Board of Directors. I have always noted his powerful ability to lead and demand respect. He carefully sorts out the many issues and chooses the "road less traveled by" leading to innovation and best practices. That is why the association recognized his public service with the Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award of Excellence in Local Government which annually recognizes the best in local government innovations.

Throughout his career and in Plano, Texas, Tom has thoughtfully worked to improve the quality of life and to build a world class city. He will have a lasting impact on so many people. As he approaches an upcoming retirement after 20 years in Plano, it is fitting and proper to thank him for a job well done, representing our profession and the University of Kansas.

Mark Watson
City Administrator
Yuma, Arizona