Mark Achen's contributions to the profession have been numerous.  The following was submitted by ICMA to CCCMA in an effort to capture and recognize his years of service.

We cannot think of a more deserving recipient for the Lifetime Achievement award than Mark Achen.This is well-deserved recognition for someone who has contributed tirelessly and in numerous and important ways to the profession and to ICMA.  ICMA has been able to count on Mark to bring thoughtful and dedicated leadership to many aspects of ICMA over many years.  Some early highlights: He was chair of the 1988 Conference Planning Committee.  He served on the ICMA Nominating Committee in 1993-1994.  He was co-chair of the Host Committee for the wonderful 1995 Annual Conference in Denver.

He helped launch ICMA’s Voluntary Credentialing Program serving on the very first Credentialing Advisory Board in 2001 and remaining actively involved for ten years.  He played a crucial role in developing and shaping this important program that encourages and recognizes members for their commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.  He was a key contributor in engaging the board on important issues and making sure that it was relevant to the professional development needs of members.

The mantra that the job of the board is "coaching, not policing" belongs to Mark.  The communication encouraging members to reflect upon what they have learned and not just recite their attendance at programs is still referred to as "the Achen memo."  In quietly guiding the board to make the right choices, Mark never wasted words and seldom had to repeat himself.  As Curtis Branscome, Chair of the Credentialing Advisory Board said upon Mark's retirement from the board: "I may have been Chair but I was under no illusions about who was the leader." 

Also in 2001, Mark became a Range Rider for ICMA and CCCMA, volunteering many hours to helping colleagues who had lost their jobs, were going through challenging times, or who just wanted to talk things over with a respected friend. His advice and support have been highly valued by scores of members in Colorado and in other states that do not have a program.

In 2007, Mark became one of the original recruits to ICMA’s new Senior Advisor Program and has served tirelessly as ICMA’s primary liaison to Colorado.  He has been instrumental in keeping ICMA relevant to our members in the state and ensuring that all are informed of ICMA services and activities.  Early in his tenure he added Utah to his resume, and through careful listening and communicating, helped bring that state into ICMA’s efforts to ensure strong affiliation with state associations of professional local government managers nationwide.

Mark has covered his territory with energy and commitment. Many of us would be curious to know the exact number of miles he has accrued --- that’s driving miles --- to make and sustain the connections in both Colorado and Utah. He is an essential link helping give meaning to “membership.”