Mario Trevino, is a retired Fire Chief from Bellevue, Washington and a 2007 graduate of the Executive MPA program.
Why did you choose to apply for the Evans School of Public Affairs MPA Program?
“Achieving a master’s degree had always been a personal life-goal of mine, and I was also convinced that it would assist me in performing my job more professionally and with more confidence. However, I had never initiated the process because I did not have the time to attend classes during regular business hours due to my professional obligations and work schedule. I had no interest in obtaining an online degree, as I felt the quality and the benefits of such a program would be less-than optimal for my needs.
By chance, I spoke with a representative of the Evans School to discuss a separate matter (I was seeking assistance to facilitate a strategic planning process I wanted to institute at my office), and ended up discussing the Executive MPA program. When the program was described to me I became interested because the schedule consisted mostly of weekends and a few weekdays. Otherwise, there was an opportunity to study in the evening when I had time available. I was very impressed with the quality of instruction and the credentials of the faculty, as well as the outstanding reputation of the University of Washington as an institution of higher learning. The program seemed to be a way to achieve a high-quality MPA, on an accommodating schedule, without having to compromise on the quality of the academic program or the status of the learning source to do so. I was convinced that this was the right time and the right place, so I pursued it.”
What was your academic and professional background when you applied at the Evans School?
“At the time that I made my application, I was the Fire Chief of Bellevue, Washington. Previously, I had served as Fire Chief of both San Francisco, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. My career had begun with the Seattle Fire Department, where I had risen through the ranks over a 24-year period to the level of Deputy Fire Chief. I had been a manager in the public sector for approximately twenty years, and an executive for over ten years, with operating budget oversight responsibilities of up to $227 million. I had received my Bachelor’s Degree (Summa cum Laude) from Seattle University in 1986.”
What was the most inspirational or motivational thing you learned during the program, and how have you used it in your work?
“There were many inspirational and motivational experiences during the program for me, but I found the synergetic experience of networking with and learning from my fellow classmates to be the single most inspirational and motivational facet of the process. My classmates were from widely varied backgrounds, and represented all stages of career development from new manager to top-level executive. Each of them also had his/her own individual set of life experiences to draw from. Their energy, commitment, and perseverance were both contagious and enlightening. Each of them approached the problems we were given from a unique perspective, and many of the individual approaches to problem-solving were especially innovative, rich with high-levels of creativity. The whole of our class proved to be greater than the sum of the separate parts.”
What is the most useful skill or tool you learned in the Executive MPA program, and how have you applied it at work?
“All of the other lessons from the program were useful for me, professionally, because they provided me with insights into the work for which my staff was responsible. However, the communication module helped me do my own job better. One notable example was the video-taping of my oral presentation in Professor Michael Shadow’s module, which provided an opportunity to considerably improve my media interaction and communication skills; within a year of graduating I was thrust into a disaster in my city that brought national media attention to my department and myself. I’m convinced that my participation in the Executive MPA program added to my success in this situation and expanded my abilities in my chosen field.”
How has being part of the Evans School network benefited you in your career?
“My classmates and I have stayed in touch since graduation and I have taken advantage of the input from several of them to assist in my day-to-day work process. It has been my experience that even the most complicated problem is more easily addressed when you can draw from more than one mind to seek solutions. I also enjoy some life-long friendships, thanks to my time at the Evans School.”
How has your participation in the program influenced your career and helped you meet your goals?
“Predictably, I found that my colleagues and workmates were inspired by the fact that I was able to return to school and achieve a graduate degree after having been away from the academic environment for over two decades. I have enjoyed an increased level of respect for my skills and experiences by decision-makers, which has opened new doors for me. For example, I was offered a position on the Seattle Seafair Board of Directors. Aside from improving my performance at work, my degree has also allowed me to teach classes to graduate-level students. Since graduating, I have presented material at several different public speaking venues across the country and found that my credentials and increased confidence level have served me very well. I have also had some of my writings published in professional journals and am working on a book.”
If you were to use one phrase or sentence to describe the Evans School MPA program, what would it be?
“Have the courage to break from your comfortable routine and explore new challenges; shift your mind into overdrive among others like yourself in an environment of learning excellence, and you will be amazed at the results.”
What advice would you have for someone who is considering applying to the Executive MPA program?
“Don’t wait too long! While all of us have our own personal and professional obligations, most with precious few hours available for additional work, you will find that the schedule and the staff of the Evans School accommodating for even the most demanding career position. Counter to your intuition, you may find, as I did, that the lessons you glean from the program will actually streamline your own work products in a manner which will free-up your time and your mind which will more than make up for the time you dedicate to class work. Further, you may find that the more you engage your mind and challenge your skills, the easier it is to be decisive and productive in everything you do. There is an old adage that says, 'if you want something done, give it to a busy person to do.' This is particularly true with your time at the Evans School.”