Mike Letcher

Mike Letcher is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Masters of Public Administration Program at the University of Arizona. He teaches courses in Strategic Planning, Local Government and manages the Capstone Internship Program. He was formerly an instructor in the Executive Leadership Program for 10 years at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He has worked with Graduate programs in Public Administration at the University of Kansas and University of Vermont.

Mike is also Senior Vice President with The Mercer Group, Inc, a premier public and private sector consulting firm and President/CEO and owner of BridgeGroup LLC consulting. He specializes in consulting with clients on strategic planning, governance, executive recruitment, team building, financial and budget strategies and conducting Mayor and Council and Board retreats.

Mike has over 30 years of top City Management experience in cities ranging from 6,000 in population to over 500,000. He is a recognized leader in municipal innovation with numerous awards, and as a certified manager by the International City/County Management (ICMA-CM) and Arizona State University (CPM). He is also certified in Total Quality Management (TQM). Mike has worked in municipal governments as a City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Budget Director, Finance Director and Human Resources Director.

He has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and has published national articles on improving budgeting, customer service, strategic policy development and redefining the relationship between the Mayor, Council and the City Manager.