A number of recommendations reinforced current guidelines. Recommendations for change or greater clarity included encouraging terms and periodic reviews for Senior Advisors in order to ensure continued vibrancy and effectiveness, making non-CAOs eligible for appointment as Senior Advisors, modifying the conflict of interest guidelines to allow more members engaged in part-time consulting to serve in the program, a statement of policy to clarify any Senior Advisor involvement in manager placement work and steps to foster performance and accountability for all three parties to the program, Senior Advisors, state sponsors and ICMA. The recommendations included a change in the name from Range Riders to Senior Advisors to better describe the role and its primary emphasis on providing members with advice and support. Those members who were serving as ICMA representatives to state associations and other groups. This change in titles became effective at the 2014 ICMA Annual Conference.
Mike Letcher, Senior Advisor
Mike Letcher has over 30 years in city management with 20 years here in Arizona, he is very familiar with the challenges and opportunities for our profession nationally as well as in Arizona. Mike’s background consists of management consulting and serving as an assistant professor at the University of Arizona Masters of Public Administration Program, both which require him to stay current on trends in our profession. Mike is available by phone at 520-891-1953 or by email at bridgegroupllc@gmail.com
Susan K. Thorpe, Senior Advisor
Susan K. Thorpe serves as a Senior Advisor for the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) and International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Prior to becoming a Senior Advisor, Susan served for 38 years in local governments, including serving as Yuma County Administrator in Yuma, Arizona, as well as City Manager for two Texas cities and Assistant/Deputy City Manager for cities in Texas, California and Arizona.
In January 2023, Susan received the John J. “Jack” DeBolske Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Arizona City/County Management Association. This award recognizes City/County Managers who demonstrate the highest level of professional excellence in local government and who have made life contributions in serving the profession.
Previously, Susan was named MPA Alumni of the Year in 1998 by the University of North Texas for her contribution to local government. In 2011, she received the Catherine Connolly Outstanding Assistant City/County Manager Award from ACMA.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Economics and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas (UNT). She is a graduate of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Susan has been an ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2004.
Susan is available by phone at 928-318-7110 or by email at skthorpe77@gmail.com.
