An Interview with Frank Birkenhauer

Name: Frank Birkenhauer
Title: Administrator, Green Township
Employer: Green Township
Graduation Year: 1995

Bio: Frank Birkenhauer was appointed in 2016 as the Township Administrator for Green Township.  Frank grew up in Northern Kentucky and attended Northern Kentucky University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1992, followed by a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1995.  

Prior to joining Green Township Frank served over 21 years as the Assistant Township Administrator in neighboring Colerain Township, Ohio.

In his tenure in Colerain Township Frank worked on many different projects ranging from business recruitment, retention, neighborhood revitalization, parks, and natural hazard mitigation.  Mr. Birkenhauer developed one of the first ever all Natural Hazard Mitigation plans to reduce the risk of flooding and wind hazards in Colerain Township.  Frank is a certified Assessor for Emergency Management and has reviewed mitigation plans in many states throughout the country as well as various US Territories such as American Samoa and Puerto Rico.

Frank is a past president of the Mill Creek Watershed Council, Northern Kentucky Alumni Board of Directors, and Western Economic Council.  In addition he has been the recipient of the Individual Contributor Award by the American Society of Public Administration, former Top 40 Under 40 business person by the Cincinnati Business Courier and recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Master of Public Administration Alumni Association.

1. What has been your biggest inspiration in your career?

 I think being able to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. Improving communities and the quality of life for those who reside in them is something that inspires me on a daily basis. I especially enjoy working in Township government. After spending over two decades serving in Township administration I feel that is one of the closest forms of local government to the people and we are directly accountable for our actions and easily accessible.

2. What advice do you have for current MPA students looking to start a non-profit organization?

Working in economic development, it is a fact that most businesses fail within their first five years of being created. I have heard that it may be in the first 3 years for non-profits. However, in my experience in local government I have relied upon many non-profits to carry out the mission of improving the quality of life for our residents. I feel that with a non-profit is not just a job but a true vocation, and in many cases it requires more work and dedication than that from many small business owners due to the scarcity of funding for these types of endeavors.

For this reason I feel it is imperative to develop a mentor in the field who has experienced success in your area of interest. In addition, it is equally important to work with businesses or others who are equally passionate regarding the service you are trying to fulfill in your organization. I feel that with the proper infrastructure of people, for profit partners that are committed to your cause and with hard work and dedication, you will increase your ability for success.

3. How has your time in the MPA program contributed to your career?

The MPA Program contributed to the success in my career in many ways. First. The education itself and the Master’s curriculum from budgeting, data analysis, statistics, and planning all prepared me for the work in local government.

Second, the mentoring by my professors was of vital importance. When I started at NKU in 1988 Dr. Dennis Sies offered guidance in my Political Science undergraduate courses, and he later became the Administrator for Symmes Township. He peaked my interest when he taught in the MPA program and gave us real examples of issues encountered in his position. Also, Dr. Fred Rynhart was working in Campbell County, KY Administration and had students work in real scenarios that they would encounter in this type of work.

Finally, networking through the MPA Program prepared me for my success. The professors also extended their network to the students to provide recommendations for internship positions and they eventually facilitated my landing a position in local government as well.

My fellow students from the MPA program have also provided a great resource for me in my profession. Many of my classmates and others who are working as city managers, police, fire chiefs, and other roles in local government are a great resource to contact regarding areas of mutual concerns or questions. There is a common bond with NKU MPA graduates that I feel we can always call one another to get an opinion, chat or vent about any challenges in our role in local government.

4. Why did you choose the MPA program at NKU?

Following my graduation in 1992 with a Political Science Degree, I was considering applying to Chase Law School or the MPA Program. I spoke to graduates of both as well as to professors in the Law School and MPA program whom I had known from my prior years in Political Science and working on campus. I think it became clear in my discussion that I was more interested in local government than in law. I also appreciated the accessibility of the program, since I was able to work full time to pay tuition and attend classes in the evening.

It was a great choice! I learned so much and matured as a student as preparation for my professional experience in my first local government position.

But for the MPA program, I have no doubt that it set the foundation for my success in my career. The MPA Degree, my network and support from mentors provided the foundation to ensure future success.