Government Market News StaffProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity, and experience.
This week’s profile is Michael Mallinoff, city manager of Annapolis, Maryland.
Public career highlights and education: I am an over 30-year member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and a member of the Global Engagement Committee. For the ICMA, I have been a volunteer expert and presenter around the globe. I have been the city manager of Annapolis for about 15 years and was the department director for five. I earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Maryland.
What I like best about my public service is: I like being close to people and enjoy problem solving. The biggest part of the position is the people. I find helping people navigate their lives to be fulfilling, particularly at the local government level. I believe in a collaborative workforce, and I live by my motto: “All of us are smarter than one of us.”
The best advice I’ve received: First, take care of your physical and mental health through wellness and exercise. Second, don’t get so lost at work that you forget to be present for your loved ones. Finally, be active in your career for self-improvement.
One thing I wish more people knew about my division of public service: The ICMA is the largest professional organization of its type in the world. We are around 13,000 members with members throughout the United States and the world including affiliates in Europe, Latin America, India, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. and Asia Pacific. City managers are a profession that adhere to a strong code of ethics and believe very much in providing the best professional and non-partisan public service for the community.
A project or initiative we’re currently working on is: As a local government manager you have to focus on many things. I believe a strong attention to detail without being a micromanager is paramount. The saying “Many raindrops make a river,” is applicable in this profession in light of the many little things we have to do well, and in totality does flower into a vibrant community.
People might be interested to know that: I am an avid cyclist and usually cycle over several thousand miles a year. This past year I went to the Netherlands and Belgium on a related study tour. I have been a beekeeper and live on a small former horse farm where I have now planted over 100 native trees and milk weed on the former pasture.
