Introduction

Craig OwensLAWRENCE CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE

Professional Journey

Grew Up in Overland Park

Parents served on city council – public service, night meetings

Small Liberal Arts College in Illinois – Knox

MPA at University of Kansas – THE School for City Management

Mentors and Icons

Left Kansas more than 25 years ago to do great things in the world

Career in Growth Cities in Illinois, Texas and Missouri

Diverse kinds of cities

Job fits my talents and passions – making a visible difference in lives of people

Personal

Married for 17 years

Three Sons: 14,14, & 2

Outdoors, Sports

Music – Live!

Travel and Culture

Arts and theater big for our family

Next Adventure

What is important…

Member and Board Chair of Beyond Housing

Home Matters!

Complete Community

Jobs, Housing, Econ. Dev., Health, Education – all together

Autism and Inclusion

There is a place for all

Understanding Difference – wade in and get to know me

Thank you

To the Lawrence Commission for inviting me here

Legendary City Manager position – national reputation

Susan Sherman is a top national talent and honored to be in her company

I know how important this is to community and a proud organization

To those of you here and those of you taking time to watch this and

provide feedback. Public engagement is essential to anything important

and I believe a good fit for this position is important.

Light Up Lawrence

STRATEGIC PROCESS TO CREATE A

MUTUAL EMBRACE

CRAIG OWENS

LAWRENCE CITY MANAGER

CANDIDATE

A Successful Start

Introduce Craig Owens

Understand the culture of the organization/departments

Ensure core businesses are functioning well and identify

gaps

Confirm or identify direction of the organization towards

success

Begin leadership; Start to make a difference

Build my pile of chips

Report at 100 days

Success If…

Foundation of Understanding

Connect with Stakeholders

Begin relationships

Establish Credibility and win initial Trust

Connect with Senior Leadership – align expectations

Successful relocation of family – excited and thriving in new hometown

Prepare emotionally and see avenue for how to contribute

Pre Process

Published Resume of Lawrence

CAFR, Budget, Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Plan. Charter, Ordinances,

Web Page, Policies, Department Documents, Resumes

News, Social Media

Health and Reputation of Key Stakeholders, Institutions and Partners

Initial Conversations with Commissioners and Department Directors

Download from Tom Markus

Home Search, School Search, How does a new family experience Lawrence?

Secret Shopper – what do I need to experience while anonymous

I’m Heeeeere….

First 30 Days

I’m here, but I’m not …

Great Leadership Team, “Carry On” Continue to manage

the organization during my transition.

At least half day with each department

Face to Face with every member of the Team in groups no

greater than 20

Who Am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here? What do I

plan to accomplish? How do I hope to do it?

First 30 Days

People

Strategy

Operations

Customer

Focus

Performance

Indicators

First 30 Days

Only One time to be new

Systematic Interview Process

Standard Questionnaire

Start with Commissioners and Executive Team

Key Community Leaders and Stakeholders

Last Question is “Who else should I meet?”

Habits and Patterns for personal effectiveness

Only minor changes if any

First 30 days

Immersion in Community and Organization – Likely before Family Arrives,

so few obligations – very intense

Sleep at Fire Houses

Ride with Police

Experience Recreation Facilities

Work with crews

Attend Committee Meetings

Attend Court

Go on inspections

Eat at restaurants

Listen to Local Music/Theater!!

Lots of Coffee shops – may need the

caffeine

Run/Walk/Bike the City

30-90 days

Maintain Basic Patterns and Commitments of predecessor

30 Day Update

Commission, Leadership, Organization and Community

Initial Observations

Sources of Pride and Areas of Excellence

Low Hanging Fruit – quick wins (if any)

Continued Systematic Interview Process

Going broader and deeper

Partners in the Community

Overlooked, undervalued in the community

New voices recently relevant

Should start to see same names repeated on last question

End of the Beginning

Full report about what I know and what I believe

Gratitude for the sharing

Honest Assessment

Data Driven Analysis

Adjust or establish systems, processes, responsibility and accountability

Recommend any changes to policy based on alignment between goals and results

Highlight Stories of Excellence I observed during this evaluation

Invite feedback, reinterpretation and reaction – listen and learn

Success If…

Foundation of Understanding

Connect with Stakeholders

Begin relationships

Establish Credibility and win initial Trust

Connect with Senior Leadership – align expectations

Successful relocation of family – excited and thriving in new hometown

Prepare emotionally and see avenue for how to contribute