(A note from Sandy Stapczynski, President of HRS)

On a very personal note, I would like to pay tribute to Brent Wilkes, who passed away last week.  He was the former Director of Field Services at the MMA, President of the MMA Consulting Group, and he created MIIA.  He was an important part of the fabric of my career.  He was my professor in graduate school, boss, mentor, friend,  professional coach, and then colleague; and the 1000 page wage and salary administration handbook he gave me is still on my desk as a valuable resource.  Brent was a true leader and visionary in local government, with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative management style unmatched.  He was a source of encouragement and support when I started my own consulting practice; and he was ahead of his time helping women advance in local government.  I enjoyed hearing from him every year, and he never failed to ask how business was going.  Brent gave me the opportunity to become the municipal management consultant that I am today.  God bless you Brent.  May your memory be eternal.