Managers do things right, leaders do the right thing
#leadership visibility
My time with Mike during the APTA Emerging Leaders Program (23-24) left a lasting impact on me, both professionally and personally. As a mentor, Mike led an exercise that taught me profound lessons in humility and leadership-insights I carry with me every day. One of the tangible reminders created during that leadership exercise still lives in my professional bag, a symbol of the mindset he helped instill. His influence helped shape the foundation of the team I later created, embedding those leadership principles into the way I work and lead today.
Mat Olson
HDR
I'm writing regarding Mike Heidkamp and the working relationship we have had. Mike was always the kind of guy who never forgot where he came from. He was always someone who would answer a question with any situation that came up. He has always endorsed union relationships while addressing our union at-will probationary new members. I have known him for over 21 years and have full confidence Mike would be an asset in any work he seeks in his future endeavors or working relationships.
Mike Allen
ATU Local 85
Business agent-Operators
I first met Mike during a visit to Pittsburgh Regional Transit in June of 2023 while attending EnoMAX. Mike brought me up to his office along with a few members of his management team to advise me on my business project. During lunch we also discussed recruiting, effective leadership, transit operations and rail infrastructure. After returning home, I applied for a couple of management positions. I called Mike for advise, and he provided me a lot of pertinent insight. It was because of my conversations with Mike that I began my journey into grad school at the University of Colorado for my Master's in Public Administration. Our conversations have inspired me to grow in ways I had not imagined only a few years ago.
Mike is someone who genuinely cares for other success, both professionally and in life outside of work. He is relentlessly supportive and taps into a wealth of experience when providing guidance. Mike's unique and optimistic perspective fosters motivation and sound guidance for professional success while reminding me to stay grounded.
Joe Hopfner
RTD
I am writing this regarding Mike Heidkamp and some of the experiences I had working with him. We worked for the same company and Mike was in a leadership position and I for the local union. Mike was always more than fair and was willing to resolve issues when they arose. When covid came along Mike came to work every day while others were working from home. Mike was always was on time for meetings, and always would make everyone in the room feel welcomed. I have known Mike for over 25 years and would recommend him to anyone I know. If I had my own business and needed five people to run it, I would hire five Mikes!
Jim McDonough
ATU Local 85
Business Agent-Maintenance
