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SCPM News

On Saturday, March 8, 2008, ASPA’s new Section for Certified Public Management (SCPM) conducted its initial program at the 2008 ASPA National Conference in Dallas, Texas. The Conference was sponsored by Texas State University’s William P. Hobby Center for Public Service and the official SCPM Section journal, The Public Manager.

The SCPM Program featured four speakers. Former Texas Lt. Governor William P. Hobby provided an introduction to the history of the census and then introduced Dr. Steve Murdock, the new Director of the US Census Bureau who delivered a presentation on the Census’ past, present and future challenges. Dr. Murdock answered numerous questions in the audience concerning the future 2010 Census. Key areas of concern by the audience were the undercount of minorities and the methodologies to be used by Census employees conducting the survey.

In addition to Dr. Murdock’s presentation, former US Senator and Ambassador to Burundi and Botswana Robert Krueger spoke at length about his new book, “From Bloodshed to Hope in Burundi” which he co-authored with his wife, Kathleen Krueger. Ambassador Krueger held the audience “spellbound” as he recounted his harrowing experiences as Ambassador to Burundi during the years of the genocide. After his presentation Ambassador Krueger autographed copies of his book for the participants at the SCPM Program.

Completing the presentations for the Program was Ms. Heather Neuroth Gatlin. Ms. Gatlin provided the participants with an in depth picture of disaster planning on the Gulf Coast and how a new “case management process” was helping to rebuild lives and human networks in the area after Katrina. Ms. Gatlin, an MPA graduate of Texas State University is Vice President for Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc.

Upon completion of the SCPM Section Program, the Section held its first business meeting to discuss ways in which the new Section can provide professional development and training services to ASPA members.

The overarching goal of the Section on Certified Public Management (SCPM) is to conduct activities that promote quality public administration education activities and professional development programs through ASPA chapters and ASPA’s national, regional and state conferences.

An additional goal of the Section is to promote the concept of Certified Public Management through high quality seminars, workshops, and publications. The focus is on approving the applied skills, knowledge and abilities of public and not-for profit manager.