While our articles on the ICMA Senior Advisor program are typically written by senior advisors themselves, this month’s article is from the “customer’s perspective.” Rosanna Bayon Moore, now the city administrator of Piedmont, California, was city manager of Brawley, California, when she worked with senior advisor Gary Brown.

I have benefited from many conversations with seasoned city managers over the years. Sharing space with peers is incredibly valuable, in a nascent career and every step along the way. The honest truth is that no book can teach what you live and experience in local government management. Advice is hard to come by because the dynamics of our profession are beyond description on the outside. It’s a maze of the often convoluted and indecipherable unless, that is, you have the good fortune of having a senior advisor nearby who understands the ecosystem. Tapping that deep well is a gift when the stars align.

Gary Brown re-introduced the Senior Advisor Program to Imperial Valley, California, in 2014. Gary brought ICMA to our doorstep with a special combination of humor and humility. He made the 120-mile trek from Imperial Beach for in-person meetings, even through the scorching summer months. Although it was an inconvenient and time-consuming journey, Gary bridged the distance. He sought to get to know people in a place where face-to-face interactions mean everything. Gary was present consistently. He built trust and showed us through lively reports and thoughtful conversation that ICMA was at our fingertips. Although travel to national conferences isn’t always accessible in resource-challenged communities, Gary perfected the art of channeling ICMA through the Senior Advisor program.

As a senior advisor, Gary has been a thought partner and confidante as I navigated difficult management topics and pivotal career decisions. He approached these subjects with care and delivered straight talk when I needed it most. Our conversations weren’t always comfortable, but they were honestly indispensable. The input was solicited because the rational mind knows that blind spots can be reduced when addressed.

A senior advisor shares perspective and insight from decades of experience, curates ICMA resources, provides warm handoffs and nearly immediate access. Not only have I grown from a healthy relationship with a senior advisor, but so have many others.

“Gary is an inspiration. He cares for the profession and is an excellent listener,” said Marcela Piedra, city manager of Rohnert Park, California, USA. “He offered great advice, especially as I was transitioning into a new community as a new city manager.

Esperanza Colio, a city manager in transition, said, “Gary connected me with other city managers who have had similar experiences on the job. I am so grateful for his support navigating this chapter.”

Alexis Brown, deputy city manager of Malibu, California, USA, said, “Gary was a trusted sounding board I could always count on. His steady guidance and depth helped shape the way I approach leadership today.”

The Best Attributes of a Senior Advisor

What can an advisee expect to get out of their senior advisor relationship? The following are what I consider the top qualities and key strengths of a senior advisor:

• Shares the joy of service and feeds minds with local government discussion topics.

• Helps to build community in person, establishes rapport and connections with local government professionals collectively and individually.

• Regularly reinforces the availability of the ICMA services, resources, and network.

• Monitors local media for relevant topics, follows up with resources, and facilitates introductions to other local government professionals who have encountered similar challenges.

• Is highly responsive in time-sensitive situations.

My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Gary Brown and all senior advisors for the important work they do and the invaluable guidance and support they provide to others in the profession.

ROSANNA BAYON MOORE is the city administrator of Piedmont, California, USA.