Creative, Trusted and Valued Solutions for Tennessee

Elected Officials Take It to “Level II” at TML

EXCHANGEDiversity Discovery Profile Survey to be Distributed

Public Management Fellow Joins MTAS Staff

WWW.IPS.TENNESSEE.EDU

September 2014 A newsletter of The University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service Vol. 9 No.9

IPS Vice President Announces Retirement

AFTER 31 YEARS with The University of Tennessee, Institute for Public Service Vice President Mary Jinks has announced her retirement. Jinks’ last day in the office will be August 29.

She has served as director of operations for IPS, as assistant director of the former Center for Government Training, and in other administrative capacities in the institute. Before coming to the institute, she worked with university housing at UT.

UT President Dr. Joe DiPietro named Dr. Herb Byrd III as the IPS interim vice president beginning Sept. 2. Byrd is current director of Extension Evaluation and Staff Development for the UT Institute of Agriculture. He received his doctorate in educational administration and policy studies from UT Knoxville.

UT CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL SERVICES Consultants Misty DePriest and John Collier took one of the center’s customers through a boot camp recently – a Lean manufacturing boot camp.

DePriest and Collier developed a two-day Lean boot camp training program for Lightning Source, a digital printing company in La Vergne. The program introduced participants to the benefits of Lean manufacturing and Lean tools such as workplace organization, standard work, process flow, value stream mapping, and changeover reduction. The program also provided insight into choosing both strategic and quick-win projects, measuring project impact, and facilitating culture change.

Lightning Source’s vision was to maintain its reputation as a print-on-demand service for independent, medium, and large publishers. In order to maintain and continue to grow its industry-leading status in quick publishing turnaround, the company realized it needed to embark on a journey to improve processes, reduce costs, and change its culture.

“Our company has had the pleasure to have CIS’ Lean program develop 93 associates so far. Our mid-year report shows a total of 60 percent of Lean-trained associates are actively participating in a Lean project, up 30 percent from last year,” said Domonique Townsend, process improvement engineer

CIS Helps Digital Printing Focus on Continuous Improvement

(continued on Page 3)

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Elected Officials Take It to “Level II” at TMLTHE MUNICIPAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY SERVICE (MTAS) conducted Level II of the Elected Officials Academy (EOA) training for 18 municipal officials representing nine Tennessee municipalities and one Tennessee county in late June. This academy was in conjunction with the Tennessee Municipal League conference in Chattanooga at the Marriott Downtown. Municipalities represented at the academy were Chattanooga, Collinwood, Eagleville, Johnson City, Lookout Mountain, Portland, Somerville, Troy, Waynesboro and Wayne County.

The EOA is a program designed specifically for the elected official. The curriculum designed for the academy was developed to give municipal officials a more in-depth look at specific services a municipality offers. The academy also offers

networking opportunities with other local officials to share ideas and gain new insights from one another. The academy is a component of the comprehensive municipal training program provided by MTAS.

EOA Level II training sessions are somewhat more specific, dealing with such topics as economic development, fire department operations, police department operations, human resources, public works, risk management, and water/wastewater operations. Participants completed 10 hours of training over two days.

Persons interested in attending sessions of the EOA should contact their MTAS municipal management consultant or check out the MTAS website for sessions taking place nearby.

Facilitators at the pre-conference TML sessions included MTAS consultants Rex Barton, Brett Ward, Richard Stokes, Judy Housely (TML-RMP), Sharon Rollins and Brad Harris. P.J. Snodgrass was the MTAS training consultant for the event.

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Front Row: Left to right Mike Callis, Sandra Freeman, Deanna Chappell, Chris Hendrix Middle Row: John Hickman, Judy Accardi, Carol Berz, Michael Housewright, Moses Freeman, Yusuf Hakeem, Jeffrey Robertson Back Row: Left to Right Tony Creasy, Gerald Baer, Jeff Howell, Bob Turner, Ernie Minges, Drew Jennings, Travis Brown, Doug Brown

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MTAS Updates Municipalities on Legislative Issues

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY SERVICE (MTAS), in cooperation with the Tennessee Municipal League (TML), facilitated training on the 2014 Tennessee State Legislature’s session. With more than 160 participants, serving as elected and appointed municipal officials and attorneys, these sessions were conducted in Kingsport, Knoxville, Franklin and Jackson.

These interactive sessions covered 26 areas and 124 individual legislative acts. Areas of interest included: alcoholic beverages, animals, authorities, boards, commissions, codes enforcement, contracts, crime and criminal procedure, economic development, education, elections, environment, finance, fire, firearms, general government, land use, planning and zoning, landlords and tenants, law

enforcement, motor vehicles and traffic, personnel, records, state government, taxation, tort liability, transportation, and utilities.

The intended purpose of these sessions was to educate municipal officials regarding changes in law impacting Tennessee cities.

Farewell

Well Wishes...

AFTER 31 YEARS with The University of Tennessee

Institute for Public Service Vice President Mary Jinks has

announced her retirement. Jinks’ last day in the office will

be August 29.

She has served as director of operations for IPS, as

assistant director of the former Center for Government

Training, and in other administrative capacities in the

institute.

Jinks is involved in numerous public service activities

outside the university, including serving as past president

of the Southern Consortium of University-based

Public Service Organizations (SCUPSO), a national

council member representing the Southeast for the

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

and chair-elect of the Southeast Conference for Public

Administration. Her primary public administration

interests include performance measurement, strategic

planning, and leadership/executive development.

Jinks is a graduate of UT with a bachelor’s degree in

business administration and a master’s degree in public

administration. She holds her doctorate in higher

education administration.

Mary was a loyal and trusted colleague for nearly two decades until my retirement as Vice President in 2004. I depended on her for most day-to-day operational matters, and she always delivered faithfully. Mary has made many contributions to the success of the Institute for Public Service throughout her many years on the staff and as Vice President. I am particularly grateful for the leadership that she provided in helping navigate some potentially choppy waters a few years ago when the organizational placement of IPS was being reviewed.

Tom Ballard, former IPS vice president

Best of luck to you in retirement. You played an important part in making the county associations strong entities and we thank you for your service. From Bob Hutchison, Sammy Lynn Puett, Hank Dye, Tom Ballard and to you, this continuity of leadership has been very instrumental in improving the lives of the citizens of our counties throughout the state. Again, thank you and congratulations on your retirement!

David Seivers, former Tennessee County Services Association executive director

Congratulations, Mary! What a great career in public service!

Steve Thompson, IPS assistant vice president

I have interacted with Mary for many years and have always appreciated her passion for local governments in Tennessee. Mary has always been extremely helpful and professional. I wish her blessings of health and happiness.

Dawn Crawford, president/CEO, The Pool

InstItute for PublIc servIce

Dr. Jinks was instrumental in developing the Law Enforcement Innovation Center starting with the first federal grant that established it as the Southern Community Oriented Policing Education Institution and beginning our national outreach as serving states in the southeast. Her initiatives allowed LEIC to move from a borrowed space at the Knoxville Police Department Training Academy to a state-of-the-art training facility in Oak Ridge. This building underwent over $2 million in renovations to allow for office and classroom space and for a dedicated crime scene investigative training area that is not matched anywhere in the United States. Following that, she spearheaded our collaboration with the Institute of Agriculture to provide a seven-acre outdoor facility to expand LEIC’s capability and will eventually allow for access to a conference area on the Arboretum site. These accomplishments have had an impact on over 30,000 law enforcement professionals during LEIC’s 17 years. Personally, I have known Mary for many years prior to my being a part of the Institute for Public Service and value both her friendship and her dedication to serve the citizens of both our state and country. I hope she finds retirement as fulfilling as her time with the university.

Don Green, LEIC executive director

It has been my good fortune to know and work with Mary Jinks for quite some period of time (almost 30 years)! Throughout that time, her commitment to UT, its public service mission, and the customers and staff of the Institute for Public Service never wavered. She is a proud champion and advocate of public service excellence. I appreciate and respect Mary’s 31 years of accomplished service to the university and celebrate her many contributions to IPS successes. I also appreciate her patience and counsel for me during these almost 30 years. Now, if I could only get her to talk about her grandchildren and share some grand-parenting advice with Don Green and me!!! Congratulations to Mary for her many fine works and Godspeed to a terrific future!

Chuck Shoopman, IPS assistant vice president

As you note in your email, the Institute for Public Service is a great organization. My years of service with The University of Tennessee were some of the most challenging, rewarding and enjoyable years of my professional life, and I certainly appreciate you letting me stay involved in activities of the institute since my departure as an employee.

Bob Wormsley, Local Government Insurance Pool and former executive director of the UT County Technical Assistance Service

My very best wishes for you and family in your decision. I have enjoyed knowing and working with you and IPS during these past several years. Thank you for your service and dedication.

Mitchell Moore, city manager, Athens

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with

Mary. She has a rock-pounding work ethic,

a fierce loyalty and a commitment to what’s

best for the University of Tennessee. I wish

her the best.

Hank Dye, former vice president of public and government relations, UT system

Deeply saddened, but very happy for you. I have always felt like you were not only my boss but my friend. I am excited that you have the opportunity to begin a new chapter in your life. I pray God will grant you direction and wisdom, and that you soar to even greater heights. And, that you and I will always be friends.

Brad Harris, finance and accounting consultant, UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service

I am sorry to hear that you are leaving and wanted to thank you for everything that you have done over your years of service. IPS is one of the best run operations in the System thanks to your leadership. I’ve always enjoyed working with you and you have been a great representative of

UT. I wish you the very best.

Mark Paganelli, CPA, executive director for administration and finance, UT system

What do you say about someone who has dedicated her life to the university and to the Institute for Public Service? I know from my experience in working with Mary and for Mary for 18 years that she has worked very hard, believes in what she has contributed to the university and IPS. She is trustworthy, dedicated and always willing to listen and help. She is very passionate about her job, always thinking of her staff and those that report to her. I have been employed with the university for 36 years total, and I have never, nor do I ever expect to work for anyone that I could admire, believe in or trust more than Mary. She is a very strong person, yet very caring and shows this in her daily life and in her role here at the university. I must say that I am sad that she is leaving but very, very happy for her in her retirement. I also want to say “Thanks Mary” for all your courtesies shown to me, the opportunity to know and work with someone like you, what a privilege, what an honor and I know wherever you go and whatever you do it is and will be done to the best of your ability. Now, go and enjoy, I will miss you and wish nothing but the best for you.

Pat Frost, IPS accounting specialist

I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside you. To know you both professionally and personally has and will impact my life forever. Actually, it’s been a blessing and there are no words to describe how much I will miss you. Those who know you realize the passion you have held so dear for IPS. This passion, along with qualities such as caring, and willingness to listen to all concerns and fears of employees, helped transform me to who I am today. When I came to IPS in 1992 I lacked confidence; but I watched you grow in your position, raise a child as a single mother, and get your doctorate thinking to myself wow what drive and inspiration she has. In 2001 I finally got to work directly with you and your words of encouragement and your belief in me gave me the courage to go back to school, supervise employees (when I was sure I couldn’t), and to simply find my voice. I am beyond grateful for this.

You will never be retired from my heart nor will you ever be replaced. You are more than a boss, leader, or vice president to me because I can also call you my friend. I pray you are looking ahead to a new and less stressful venture, spending lots of joyous time with your family as we both know how quickly they can be taken. May the next phase in your life bring you all that you seek and MORE. Go with a smile in your heart and know that you had such a positive impact on all you were involved with at the University of Tennessee! The Institute for Public Service was fortunate to have your guidance and leadership. Thank you again for everything you’ve done for me directly, and indirectly.

Jill Marling, IPS administrative specialist

I want you to know how much I appreciate the confidence you placed in me years ago to take on the role of the first development director for IPS. I wasn’t sure it was a step I wanted to take, but you took a chance on me and I have never forgotten it. I admire you for the way you conduct yourself professionally; fair and by the book—but you always put people first. If I can ever repay the favor, or do anything for you, Jack, or Amanda, please let me know. Congratulations Mary. Now go out and start a new adventure.

Tom Looney, director of advancement, UT Institute of Agriculture

In my 27 years of employment, I can honestly say that Mary is the best boss I’ve ever had. She is the epitome of a true leader. She trusts in her employees, she supports us and she leads by example. She loves the university and IPS, and leaves the institute as a tremendous asset for Tennessee and as a wonderful place to work for the employees.

Susan Robertson, IPS communications director

Congratulations! I wish you well on your retirement. I wanted to commend you on your career. You had quite a journey. You rose through the glass ceiling and remained jovial. You were always professional, personable, likeable – even cheerful – along the way. I hope your next life phase is even more fulfilling.

Ron Rader, former CIS consultant

I just read your notice, and want you to know that from me and my family, we wish

you and your family the VERY BEST for the future!

Beth Paton, accounting specialist, UT Center for Industrial Services

As fellow alumni of UT, I admire and am appreciative of how Mary has given her professional career and 31 years back to our university. Her mark on UT and the Institute for Public Service will be remembered and respected for a long time.

Jim Thomas, MTAS executive director

Working directly with Mary for the last six years has been a wonderful experience. I have learned so much more about all the IPS agencies and the politics of the state of Tennessee than I thought was possible. I have been working under the IPS umbrella for over 30 years and thought I understood what IPS did, I was wrong. It has been my pleasure to serve as Mary’s administrative assistant. She is a proven leader who truly loves the university and the Institute for Public Service. She worked hard to raise our salaries as no one ever did in the past. She cares about her employees and their families. If you haven’t had the opportunity to work closely with Mary, then you really don’t know how hard she has worked and pushed to support and increase the visibility of the institute. Mary, you will be missed so much and you are truly appreciated for what you have done for UT and IPS. Thank you!

Jane Davis, IPS administrative coordinator

I want to thank you for your astute and collaborative leadership in guiding the Institute for Public Service. It was always a pleasure to see you in the various meetings and observe the positive impact you have on people. Enjoy your retirement, although I am guessing that you don’t do idle very well, so you will likely get over-committed right off the bat!

Chris Clark, director of contractor assurance, Y-12 National Security Complex

Mary Jinks has made significant and lasting contributions to our state and university. Her commitment to public service, leadership and strong work ethic have been an inspiration to me since I came to CIS five years ago. Congratulations,Mary, on a meaningful and productive career. I wish you every success in your future endeavors.

Paul H. Jennings, Ph.D.,executive director, Center for Industrial Services

I hate to hear the news about your retirement. I admit I am envious, but IPS will not be the same! I will miss seeing you.

Dr. Tom Rakes, chancellor, The University of Tennessee at Martin

While working with the UT Center for Industrial Services Advisory Board, Mary has been a leadership role model who has empowered the Advisory Board members to provide the needed support to further the work of the Institute for Public Service. Mary demonstrated the ability to calmly align resources at the Federal, State and local levels while faced with multiple challenges. On behalf of the CIS Advisory Board members enjoy your retirement, you have earned it and know you will be missed.

Dave Sondgeroth, Marvin Windows and Doors of Tennessee

ATHANASIA LEWIS has joined the Municipal Technical Advisory Service as an MTAS Public Management Fellow in the following cities for 2014 and 2015: Alcoa, Farragut, Maryville and Oak Ridge. MTAS Management Consultant Margaret Norris is serving as the mentor for Lewis during the fellowship. The first city on the rotation for the fellowship is Farragut.

“The MTAS Fellows program provides the unique opportunity for the fellow to experience every facet of local government from front-line public works activities to assisting the executive team with real city-wide issues. Concurrently, the participating communities have the opportunity to utilize this professional resource to bolster its roster with an innovative, educated and fresh perspective. I am aware of no other professional development program that exposes the participant to all of the intricacies of local government and myriad of different management styles as the MTAS Fellows program. The professional relationships cultivated through this one year of service would normally take several years to achieve outside

of this program. The fellow selection team did a great job in choosing Athanasia Lewis as the MTAS Fellow. The town has already found Athanasia’s contributions extremely helpful in the short time she has been with us. The MTAS Fellows program is a wonderful opportunity for both the fellow and the participating community,” said Gary Palmer, Assistant Town Manager of Farragut.

If you are interested in knowing more about the MTAS Public Management Fellow program please contact Rick Whitehead, MTAS assistant director at rick.whitehead@tennessee.edu.

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(CIS continued from cover)

of Lightning Source, Inc. “We have a completion of 24 projects so far that contributed to increased efficiency, decreased waste in processes and lead

time, and improved employee morale from the feeling of empowerment they felt after taking the class. The CIS two-day training session is necessary in

the development of associates in Lean initiatives to help our company stay competitive. We look forward to seeing them again to teach another session.”

Public Management Fellow Joins MTAS Staff

Diversity Discovery Profile Survey to be Distributed

Athanasia Lewis with Jenn Hatmaker, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, David Smoak

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BEGINNING THE WEEK of September 8, IPS employees will receive an email asking them to complete a Diversity Climate Survey. This is the same survey that Institute for Public Service employees took in June 2011 with Training Resources of Kansas City to measure where employees were on diversity and to provide some guidance on areas that needed improvement.

From that survey, IPS planned several different training programs for employees, including working with different generations, religions in the workplace, respect in the workplace and other specialized classes given to trainers in IPS.

“The results of the first survey were very positive and we hope that the second survey will be equally positive and show that we have made progress,” said IPS Vice President Dr. Mary Jinks.

Each year IPS provides all employees with some form of diversity training and responses will help grow the organization to be more diverse, both internally and in dealing with customers and communities. When employees receive the survey via email, they should take a few minutes to complete the survey. The Workforce Development team will then take the results and use them for designing future training.

CISSept. 4 Preparing for an Inspection, Nashville

Sept. 5 8-Hour DOT Refresher, Nashville

Sept. 8 Solar Voltaic Design and Installation Nashville

Sept. 9 OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Course Nashville

Sept. 11 16-Hour DOT, Nashville

Sept. 15 8-Hour Site Worker Refresher (HAZWOPER) Nashville

Sept. 15 Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures/ Stormwater Workshop, Spring Hill

Sept. 16 OSHA 501 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry, Memphis

Sept. 16 8-Hour Site Worker Refresher (HAZWOPER) Memphis

Sept. 16 Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures/ Stormwater Workshop, Jackson

Sept. 16 Toyota Kata: A Management System for Sustaining Lean/Continuous Improvement Smyrna

Sept. 17 Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures/ Stormwater Workshop, Chattanooga

Sept. 17 16-Hour DOT, Memphis

IPS SERVICE LONGEVITY Macel Ely 11 yearsDon Green 6 yearsGary Hayes 27 yearsBrett Howell 19 yearsDonna Kelley 4 yearsJustin O’Hara 10 yearsBen Rodgers 9 YearsBecky Smeltzer 13 yearsJessie Stooksbury 1 yearDennis Wolf 3 years

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the university. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37996-4125.

IPS5 • E13-0110-000-3-15

Sept. 18 Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures/ Stormwater Workshop, Knoxville

Sept. 19 Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures/ Stormwater Workshop, Nashville

Sept. 23 Networking Reception for Nuclear Supplier Development Program, Oak Ridge

Sept. 23 Government Contracting Basics & Contract Administration Tools, Oak Ridge

Sept. 23 Advanced Business Decision Seminar – Entering Nuclear/Energy Industry, Oak Ridge

Sept. 23 Energy Saving Fundamentals, Knoxville

Sept. 23 Innovation Management System Overview Nashville

Sept. 24 Project Management for the Nuclear Industry, Oak Ridge

Sept. 24 Government Laws & Requirements Oak Ridge

Sept. 24 ISO 14001 & 9000 Combination Class & Auditor Training, Knoxville

Sept. 25 Nuclear Quality System Introduction Oak Ridge

The EXCHANGE is a newsletter of The University of Tennessee

Institute for Public Service 105 Student Services Building

Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-0213Phone: (865) 974.6621 • Fax: (865) 974.1528

WWW.IPS.TENNESSEE.EDU 10% Total Recovered Fiber All Post-Consumer Fiber

RECRUITMENTSCentral Office Accounting Specialist I, KnoxvilleMTAS Legal Consultant III, Nashville or Knoxville

DEPARTURES/TRANSFERSBonnie Jones MTAS Lori Ungurait LEIC

announcements

DR. JOSEPH DIPIETRO President

DR. MARY H. JINKS Vice President of Public Service

CHARLES E. SHOOPMAN Assistant Vice President

STEVEN T. THOMPSON Assistant Vice President

MTAS Sept. 3 Cash Management, Nashville

Sept. 3 Cash Management, East Ridge

Sept. 3 Cash Management, Kingsport

Sept. 3 Municipal Court Clerk Class, Johnson City

Sept. 23 Records Management, Bartlett

Sept. 24 Records Management, Jackson

Sept. 24 Customer Service for Front Line Employees Kingsport

Sept. 25 Debt Management, Knoxville

Sept. 25 Debt Management, Jackson

Sept. 25 Customer Service for Front Line Employees Knoxville

Sept. 25 Records Management, Franklin

Sept. 30 Records Management, Collegedale

Sept. 30 Customer Service for Front Line Employees Jackson

NAIFEH CENTERSept. 21-26 Tennessee Government Executive Institute Knoxville

calendar