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A Reconnect with David Cameron on Mental Health and Municipal Leadership
Episode 274 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Some leadership stories deserve to be revisited, not because they were successful, but because they were honest.
David Cameron was the very first full-length local government leader interviewed on The HaltingWinter Podcast (Episode 107). At the time, he was City Administrator in Republic, Missouri. Today, he serves as City Manager of Springfield, Missouri, leading a city of more than 170,000 residents and a workforce of over 2,200 employees.
In this Reconnect episode, David and host Seth Winterhalter sit down for a candid conversation before replaying the original interview, one that goes deeper into the reality many leaders quietly live with.
They talk openly about mental health, the stigma leaders face around vulnerability, and the dangerous assumption that success means someone is “doing fine.” David shares why accomplishments can hide struggle, how leadership pressure compounds in isolation, and why it’s critical to create safe spaces where leaders don’t have to carry the weight alone.
The conversation also explores David’s approach to leadership at scale—empowering teams, decentralizing decision-making, and building trust across a growing region—without losing sight of the human side of the work.
This episode is for leaders who feel the weight but rarely talk about it.
For those who look successful on paper but know the internal cost.
For anyone who needs to hear this simple truth:
It’s okay not to be okay, but you don’t have to lead alone.
Listen to Episode 274: David Cameron: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
Transparency, Mental Health, and Leading When Success Hides the Struggle
Watch David’s Video: “Stories of Hope”
This episode is sponsored by Tyler Technologies, the leader in empowering the public sector with software solutions that connect data, streamline operations, and improve service delivery. From civic services to public safety, Tyler helps local governments build stronger, more resilient communities.
Learn more at tylertech.com/winter →
The MLDC is where local government leaders go to grow, together. It’s the fastest-growing leadership development community designed specifically for the public sector, now paired with a comprehensive 9-month Leadership & Culture Program for those ready to elevate their organization.
Members receive weekly leadership content, access to our daily podcast, monthly virtual trainings, and a clear roadmap for building a culture that reduces burnout, strengthens retention, and drives meaningful impact in every department.
If you’re committed to leading well and shaping a healthier culture for your team, now is the time to save your seat for the 2026 cohort.
Learn more at haltingwinter.com/mldc →
The HaltingWinter Podcast celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from cities, counties, and communities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.
