2023 IQS Leadership Award for Integrity
Every City department has many moving parts that make up one cohesive unit. From supervisors to seasonal part-time employees, managing a diverse workforce is a significant and often challenging role that isn’t for everyone.
Yet all employees within their respective departmental structures seek leadership that drives meaningful work and progress, which is exactly what Engineering Director Chad Millner has demonstrated during his time with the City.
For his ability to effectively provide oversight and direction within the Engineering Department while embodying the City’s core values, Millner was recently awarded the 2023 IQS Leadership Award for Integrity.
Edina’s Engineering Department, which includes the Facilities and Sustainability divisions, is presently comprised of 28 full-time employees who are responsible for some of the most important work in the City: replacing and upgrading infrastructure with modern systems. Because the job of engineering is so outward facing in the community, the department is subject to many questions and comments from the public regarding past, present and future projects.
Of course, the end result of a project can be very different than the initial plans. As the Director of the department, Millner, who has been with the City for over 11 years, played a crucial role in addressing public inquiries and leading projects in 2023 – some of which took unexpected turns.
One of the projects, the proposed reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge over Minnesota Highway 62 at Rosland Park, saw numerous entities express opinions on the development of a new structure. Throughout this process, Millner was committed to open communication and listened to all parties before developing a plan that best fit the task at hand. After weighing the options, Millner decided to create a webpage for the project, allowing for a centralized space for additional feedback.
“Chad practices transparency and engagement, helping others understand why we come to the decisions we do and how it fits into importance of our work,” said Engineering Services Manager Ross Binter. “He always hears out all sides and gets to the bottom of the issue.”
“Each time a project took a turn, Chad calmly shared information, presented alternatives and took direction,” said Communications Director Jennifer Bennerotte, who helped nominate Millner for the IQS Leadership Award.
Engineers are also known to have a strong background in math and science -- two concepts deeply rooted in facts. As a lifelong engineer, Millner applies the same factual approach to solving problems in daily work, taking time to fully explain the various constraints, budget limitations and regulatory impacts that projects may have. Because the field is shrouded in mystery to many and can be confusing to the average resident, Millner does his best to ensure the public understands his department’s missions.
“Chad is able to communicate complex engineering concepts in a clear and simple manner and avoids technical jargon that may be difficult for the public to understand,” said Assistant City Engineer Aaron Ditzler. “If there are outstanding issues or concerns, he commits to following up with the public, demonstrating his accountability and genuine interest in resolving problems.”
Indeed, being a director and taking on a significant amount of responsibility comes with its mental challenges, as well. However, despite the taxing nature of managing the department, Millner has been widely regarded as being one of the more calm, cool and collected leaders around. Whether it’s changing aspects of a project on the fly, interacting with the public or his employees, Millner keeps his composure, especially in situations where emotions may run high.
“Chad is the best boss I’ve ever had,” said Facility Manager Derik Otten, who has over 20 years of experience in the fields of engineering and project management.
“Chad is an amazing leader,” City Manager Scott Neal said. “He’s someone who knows the depth of our organization quite well and is always willing to talk to someone to get projects done – whether we’re in conflict or they support what we’re trying to do.”
When the inevitable bumps in the road occur, Millner was there to responsibly lead the department toward a solution, time after time. Managing the infrastructure that makes up the fabric of modern life can often be an uphill battle, but it’s a fight that will continue under one of the City’s most trusted leaders.
Neal presented Millner the award in front of his peers at the March 4 Engineering Department staff meeting.