Staffing Advisors is proud to have partnered with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) in the selection of its Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mel Maier. APCO is a $18MM professional association that advocates for, empowers, and educates dedicated public safety communications professionals working in emergency communication centers across our nation. APCO has 45,000+ members and operates with 65 staff. APCO is also an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited Standards Developer and provides a diverse selection of training and education options, leadership programs, certifications, and resources through the APCO Institute. Read APCO’s full announcement here.

“I am thrilled to be able to promote our next executive director from within the organization and beyond excited to welcome Mel as our new executive director. Having had the opportunity to work with him over the last 16 months, and to see his passion for public safety, dedication to the APCO mission and core values, I have no doubt that Mel will bring the same ethics, energy and innovative ideas to this new role as he has to his entire career.”

— Angela Batey, APCO International President

About the Search for APCO International’s Next Leader

After a deep discovery process to identify the organization’s most critical business issues and strategic priorities, Staffing Advisors sought an executive to ensure the organization takes a leading role in complex issues like interoperability, cybersecurity, telematics, priority access to the communications spectrum, and Next Generation 9-1-1. Stepping into an organization with a long history of excellence serving the public safety sector, the new leader would further strengthen operations while driving business model innovation to address unmet marketplace needs amid rapid technological advancement and workforce challenges.

The search was led by Staffing Advisors Founder & President Bob Corlett, with the support of Vice President of Operations and Strategy Brooke Lockhart and the entire Staffing Advisors team.

Working closely with the search committee, board, and key stakeholders, Staffing Advisors surfaced several key focus areas in which the new leader would drive impact. A summary of each is listed below:

  • Business Model Innovation. Scan the horizon for unmet member needs, risks, and opportunities and launch initiatives that address those needs, advance public safety, and improve APCO’s financial strength. Develop business model forecasts and financial projections to frame the impact of potential innovations.
  • Education, Training, and Standards. Lead the development of innovative new education courses, certifications, standards, and programs. ensuring public safety professionals are well-versed in emerging technologies and prepared for future challenges.
  • Events and Conferences. Serve as emcee for APCO’s Annual Conference & Expo, and oversee the planning, development, and execution of all events and conferences.
  • Governance. Oversee a related foundation, the Public Safety Foundation of America, and partner with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Executive Council to develop strategic plans. Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, the introduction of new programs and strategies, and regulatory and legislative action.
  • Government Affairs. Develop deep and trusting relationships with members of federal legislative and regulatory bodies. Lead, participate in, and support coalitions that are working to improve public safety communications.
  • Marketing and Communications. Support the continued growth of APCO’s membership, ensuring messaging is crisp and effective, whether the goal is to persuade new members to join or to advocate for regulatory or legislative changes that advance public safety.
  • Staff Leadership. Lead staff management, recruitment, employment, compensation, professional development, motivation, performance, and discipline across two locations. Mentor department heads to set clear goals and achieve progress toward objectives. Foster teamwork and motivate others to work productively together.

The Staffing Advisors team was honored to support APCO in this important leadership transition. We also partnered with APCO in the selection of a Chief Counsel and a Director of Training and Education for the APCO Institute.