David Putz, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

I am a management analyst at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and work directly with our COO. The DOT is implementing a new business plan which will undoubtedly bring change. This isn’t a bad thing – if you aren’t willing to change, you can’t make things better! Initially hired to be the analytical side of a three-person Quality Team (QT), which consisted of a trainer, myself, and a lead specializing in work environment (what was then called the “soft side”), I am the sole surviving member - still providing support in all three areas.Recent responsibilities include: tracking and reporting requirements for Iowa’s Accountable Government Act (AGA), strategic and performance planning, survey and measurement advisor, group and project facilitation, and supporting organizational efforts identified by the department’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Among these efforts over the years have been getting an employee engagement program off the ground (its first program manager), overseeing the development of an organizational performance management RFP, and learning frameworks and approaches to help improve organizational performance. I serve on a couple of national transportation committees and have made multiple presentations at the Transportation Research Board annual meeting over the years.In transportation, performance management is often viewed solely through the lens of transportation modes/systems. My experience leads me to promote “organizational” performance management - a broader definition of performance management, one that includes the health and performance of the organization, its culture, and its employees. Of all the things organizations can leverage to help them stand out, it won’t be tools or technology which anyone can obtain – it will be how they view and treat their employees. An organization’s culture is the “lubricant” in which all work gets accomplished. Without a healthy culture and support for its employees, an organization’s performance will suffer.You may not be surprised to learn I often describe my job as “duties as assigned.” I’m not sure I would have it any other way. If there is a way to help better understand and improve how we go about getting things done, count me in!

Listed skills include Public Speaking, Strategic Planning, Management, Public Policy, and 12 others.