Honored for Cultivating 'Outstanding Public Service for Future Leaders'
Chris Mihm, an esteemed figure in the realm of public administration, has made significant strides in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical government work. With a career spanning over four decades, Mihm has left an indelible mark on the field, both within and beyond the classroom.
Mihm's professional journey began at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, where he served for 37 years, 17 of which were spent as the managing director for strategic issues. His tenure at the GAO was followed by leadership roles in international organisations such as FIFA, the United Nations, and the World Health Organization.
Today, Mihm is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he is celebrated for his contributions to public administration education. His teaching approach emphasises actionable strategies in areas like performance management, risk assessment, and public-private partnerships, rather than purely theoretical instruction.
Over the past seven years, Mihm has taught over 400 students in Maxwell School's M.P.A. and executive M.P.A. programs. His students continue to carry forward his impact on their understanding of the field in modern times, as evidenced by their impressive careers.
Mihm's teaching achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has received the Arnold Steigman Excellence in Teaching Award annually, as well as the Executive Education Excellence in Teaching award. The Arnold Steigman Award honours the late Arnold Steigman, a government official with 40 years of experience in 11 different agencies.
In addition to his teaching commitments, Mihm frequently serves as a guest lecturer on topics related to globalized governance, risk management, performance assessment, public-private partnerships, performance budgeting, and public sector management reform for the Maxwell School's Executive Education training programs.
Mihm's influence extends beyond academia. He is a fellow and former chair of the board of directors at the National Academy of Public Administration, and he currently serves as the deputy chair on the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
The New York State Academy for Public Administration (SAPA) presented the Arnold Steigman Excellence in Teaching Award to Chris Mihm in May, recognising his dedication to fostering the next generation of public service professionals. SAPA, which has been in operation since 1974, is a New York State-based, nonprofit organisation that promotes best practices for public administration professionals.
In his capacity as a former chairperson of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee for the United Nations and a member and chairperson of the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee for the World Health Organization, Mihm has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and accountability in international organisations.
Mihm's published works include numerous chapters and reports on the business of government and preparing governments for future political and economic shocks. His clear presentation of information, inclusive classroom environment, diverse and robust dialogue, and meaningful course assignments have earned him widespread recognition.
In summary, Chris Mihm's teaching achievements and career are distinguished by his ability to merge decades of high-level government and international organisation experience with innovative, practice-oriented education at a leading public affairs school, making him a significant contributor to public administration education and practice.
Chris Mihm's teaching approach at Syracuse University emphasizes personal growth and learning through actionable strategies in areas like performance management, risk assessment, and public-private partnerships, thus contributing significantly to his students' education-and-self-development. His impact on his students is evident in their impressive careers, showcasing the effectiveness of his practical instruction.
Mihm's dedication to fostering the next generation of public service professionals, as demonstrated by his numerous awards and his role as a former chairperson of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee for the United Nations, aligns with his commitment to life-long personal growth and learning, extending beyond the realm of academia.
