The Range Rider Program

ICMA Range Rider Program       

The International City/ County Management Association (ICMA) Range Rider program was established by the ICMA Executive Board in 1974 to make the counsel, experience, and support of respected, retired managers of the profession available to the local government management profession. Range Riders are retired managers with extensive experience who volunteer their time to provide a unique source of outside counsel to their colleagues. There are 87 Range Riders in the United States serving members in 24 states which represent about 2/3rds of the ICMA members. Range Riders are selected jointly by the ICMA Executive Director and the board of directors of the state local government management association where the Range Rider lives.  

ICMA Range Riders are available to meet with ICMA and state association members to discuss the profession and concerns of those in the profession. Discussion topics range from relations with mayors and councils, connections with their state association or ICMA, responses to local controversies such as referenda on the council-manager plan, to career development counseling and overall management questions. Range Riders also help communities interested in adopting or retaining council-manager government and assist mayors and councils who may be seeking a manager/administrator on a full time or interim basis.

All discussions are confidential. Range Riders are friends, colleagues, and counselors to the profession—not consultants. The Range Rider program is designed to help with personal and professional issues, not to provide technical assistance or solve substantive problems in a local government. Range Riders may consult with local governments as individuals, on a part-time basis, as long as the consulting does not impair the effectiveness of the Range Rider.

One other distinction should be made. The term “Range Rider” is sometimes confused with “Circuit Rider”.  Circuit Riders, or shared administrators, are paid professionals who serve more than one community. They may not have the full responsibilities of a manager/administrator but they provide technical assistance and often provide overall management services.

Range Riders are not compensated.  Only expenses are reimbursed and may include such things as: telephone, transportation, luncheon fees, lodging, postage, and other reasonable expenses. Expenses are shared by ICMA and the state association. Range Riders determine their own schedule since their time is donated for the betterment of the profession and support to their colleagues.

Greg Bielawski
ICMA/Illinois City/County Management Association Range Rider
ICMA Senior Advisor-Range Rider Coordinator
1047 Oak View Dr
Wheaton, IL 60187
Tx: 630-462-1876; Fax: 775/261-0911
gbielawski@icma.org

The ILCMA Range Rider program follows the International City/County Management Guidelines and Manual.

Range Riders for ILCMA

David Anderson
407 Woodrig Road
Bloomington, IL 61704
309-827-8010
Email: dave.anderson24@gte.net

Stephen Berley
2208 11th Ave.
Sterling, IL 61081
815-622-9836
Email: s.berley@comcast.net

Greg Bielawski
232 El Paso Ln.
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630-462-1876
Email: g.bielawski@gte.net

Glenn Spachman
30 Brookside Dr.
Roselle, IL 60471
630-529-6228
Email: g.spachman@att.net