VAN MILLIGEN, Michael

VAN MILLIGEN, Michael C. (Lansing, IL, Mar. 16, 1956-- ). From Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Van Milligen received a bachelor's degree in the administration of justice (1978), bachelor's degree in fire science management (1986) master's degree in public affairs (1985) and an associate's degree in law enforcement (1976). He obtained a certificate fro the John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government in 1996. He was employed as a patrol officer/traffic accident investigator (1977-1984) for the City of Carbondale; administrative assistant to the sheriff (1984) for Jackson County, Illinois; and administrative assistant to the police chief (1984-1986), and assistant to village manager (1987-1993). (1)

Van Milligen became the City Manager of Dubuque in 1993.

In Dubuque, Van Milligen served on the executive committee and board of directors of the DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION and the GREATER DUBUQUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. He was the 1997 campaign chairperson of the United Way and a board member of the Dubuque Youth Leadership Council, Grand Opera House Foundation, DUBUQUE AREA LABOR-MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, East Central Intergovernmental Association, Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study and the DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Van Milligen was a member of the Dubuque chapter of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE (N.A.A.C.P.); Community Based Task Force on Gangs, Drugs, and Youth Violence; Dubuque County Dairy Association; Governor's Strategic Planning Team for Strong Families; and the Dubuque Transportation System Innovation Zone Study Group.

In 2003, Van Milligen was named the Outstanding Manager of the Year by the ICMA. This award recognized a local government administrator who had initiated and implemented creative, innovative projects and programs in the management of his or her community. In 2004, he was featured as part of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government “Innovators in Public Service” series. Van Milligen was named Manager of the Year in September 2007 by the Iowa City/County Management Association. This annual award honored chief administrators whose accomplishments and superior work performance represent the best possible application of management principles and whose creative contributions to professional local government management increases public awareness of the value of professional management to the quality of life in Iowa communities. He was also awarded the 2009 Joe Lukehart Service Award by the Iowa City/County Management Association. The award was presented to individuals who had promoted or enhanced the city/county management profession in Iowa, and who made outstanding contributions to the Iowa City/County Management Association. Additionally, the award was given to individuals responsible for promoting the professional development of the IaCMA.

In 2009, Van Milligen was named Public Executive of the Year by the Novogradac Community Development Foundation. The annual award is given to an executive who has had a particularly strong impact in the field of community development or has assisted substantially in the advancement of community development, policy agenda, and legislative priorities.

Van Milligen served as the 2005-2006 president of the Iowa City/County Management Association.

In 2010 Van Milligen was named a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow by the Academy's board of directors. Nominated by three existing Fellows, the nominee had to be recommended for consideration by a nominating committee of Existing Fellows and then be elected by a vote of all Fellows. In 2010 there were approximately 700 NAPA Fellows with Van Milligen one of only 72 current or former city or county managers elected to the group.

See: Nancy VAN MILLIGEN

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Source:

1. Cooper, Brian, "Over Decade, Van Milligen Finds His Way," Telegraph Herald, January 5, 2003, p. 1A

Dubuque, IA. Official Website: http://www.cityofdubuque.org/newsreleases

"175 Years" Vol. II Telegraph Herald, p. 117