19366_Authority_August

20 The Authority │ August The change from manager to consultant: Letting go of the authority and responsibility of an authority manager was the most striking change – and most difficult challenge. As Executive Director of the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority, I worked with the authority board to develop and implement policy and make changes. As a consultant, I have little control over clients and can only make recommendations based on my training, experience and knowledge. On the plus side, consultants have much more variety in their work compared to authority managers, with the opportunity to work with multiple clients on various projects and problems in varying parts of the state. I like problem solving, which is a large part of the consultant’s job. My company can also benefit from the many relationships I was fortunate to build over the years as a manager and PMAA volunteer. Impact on role at PMAA: As a consultant, I am fortunate to continue my involvement with PMAA, and I help man the Keystone Alliance Consulting booth at the PMAA Annual Conference. Being a consultant (and associate member of PMAA) is quite different than my previous role as Authority Executive Director. Post-“Retire ment” Transition from Autho rity Management to C onsulting By Mike Kyle, Financial and Management Consultant, Keystone Alliance Consulting, Inc. and PA DEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water Operator Outreach Provider I recently decided to retire from full-time authority management after 25 years, and after 50 years total in the utility industry. I figured all that experience was worth something and was fortunate to pick up several part- time consulting jobs after retirement - one with the PA DEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water Operator Outreach Program and the other with Keystone Alliance Consulting, Inc. I quickly found that consulting is a lot different than managing. Consultants advise, while managers decide and implement those decisions. Consultants work with multiple clients, while managers work for one. It has also changed my status with PMAA – from an authority members to an associate member. An authority member of PMAA is an actual municipal authority employee or board member, while an associate member is typically an individual, consultant, engineer, attorney, vendor, contractor, or company representative who works with or serves authorities. Since I am now an employee of Keystone Alliance Consulting, I no longer represent an authority member, but instead I qualify as an associate member. That role is quite different. Being an associate member of PMAA and attending PMAA functions of course provides advertising and marketing opportunities with exposure to authority decision- makers. The networking I have experienced manning a booth has provided me the opportunity to meet new people from different authorities and companies – including authority staff, authority board members, and other consultants, attorneys, and vendors. It’s been refreshing to see such diversity and ability, especially in the upcoming generations (younger members). This has been aided by my continued involvement in the PMAA Mentorship Program. As an associate member I can still participate in PMAA training, and I will be presenting at this year’s conference in Erie. Keystone Alliance Consulting will again be a sponsor at the conference. The other advantage of being a PMAA associate member is the chance to develop business relationships with other companies statewide. Continuing my membership in PMAA has benefited me through continued networking, visibility, and staying current on authority issues which in turn helps my employer. PMAA has hundreds of water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste authorities, all who