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Mastery: Mike Lard, Maintenance Supervisor
 Mike Lard came to Cunningham 18 years ago already skilled in the field of maintenance. Today, he exemplifies the value of Mastery, serving as a vital linchpin in the renovation and construction of multiple facilities to better meet the needs of our kids.
Mike’s role as the on-site project supervisor for our building projects has required him to be the eyes and ears of the agency, looking for potential problems or safety concerns on the construction site. He works closely with contractors to identify problems before mistakes are made by “building it as drawn.” Mike makes agency leadership aware of any major decisions needed to keep the project on schedule, and imparts his knowledge of the buildings to his staff to ensure that our new facilities will last for a long time.
Mike also demonstrates Mastery in his supervisory and interpersonal skills. He is not only good with buildings and equipment, but is also an observant and supportive supervisor, good listener, and effective communicator. Every day, Mike and his staff work to keep the clients’ residence and grounds beautiful, appealing, and home-like. Understanding the feelings of loss and abandonment that many of our children experience, he makes sure that clients’ rooms are painted, the residences are clean, and the campus feels like a good place to be.
Mike sets the tone for this work, and skillfully manages his team to help them do their best and understand their importance and connection to the agency’s mission and work. Under Mike’s leadership, his department has provided experiences of Mastery to our clients through the vocational program. As youth develop skills in lawn & grounds care, light housekeeping, and laundry duties, they also build relationships with members of Mike’s team and experience the satisfaction of a job well done.
Mike isn’t someone who brags about his success. He stands back and observes, listens, and finds effective solutions to get the job done. In the middle of the night when a fire alarm goes off or a window has been broken, more likely than not, it is Mike who will respond. His contributions literally keep the agency running, and he never asks for or expects to hear, “thanks.”
So let us say, thank you Mike. You are a model of compassionate effectiveness. Thank you for approaching your work with such high standards and commitment to the value of Mastery.
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