Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
In the latest episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Dawn Peters, a transformative figure in municipal leadership development who serves as Executive Director for both the Illinois and Wisconsin City and County Management Associations.
Dawn’s journey into public service began far from City Hall. Growing up in a family-owned restaurant in Rochelle, Illinois, she watched her father work “80 hours a week for 20 years instead of 40 hours a week for 40 years.” This early exposure to entrepreneurial dedication shaped her understanding of work rhythms and leadership, though in ways she couldn’t have anticipated.
“I always wanted to be a city manager,” Dawn reflects, “and I want to feel like I maybe would have been a good one.” Instead, her path led her to become one of the most influential figures supporting and developing city managers across the Midwest, without ever holding the position herself.
What makes this conversation essential listening for municipal leaders is Dawn’s candid discussion of the emotional weight that comes with public service leadership. She addresses head-on the shame and isolation many city managers experience but rarely discuss.
“Don’t let shame get you,” Dawn advises. “Know that others have walked in your shoes and not everyone can understand where you’ve been or where you’re coming from. And that’s the beauty of this network and this profession—knowing that other people are there with you and you’re not alone.”
City managers struggling with the relentless demands of their position will find particular resonance in Dawn’s perspective on sustainability. “I don’t believe in [work-life balance],” she states. “I think it’s a lie, it’s a myth. You’ve got to push and pull, but you have to do that intentionally.”
Instead, she advocates for recognizing and leveraging the seasonal nature of municipal work: “There are seasons of your life. There are cycles to your work. Focus on when you know there will be a down cycle, and then take advantage of that downtime.”
Perhaps most critically, Dawn explains why professional associations are vital lifelines for city managers. She describes conferences and association activities as “protected spaces” where municipal leaders can be vulnerable, share challenges, and find support without fear or judgment.
“This is a tough career path. We all know that. And it really, truly is about having your support network. And no one knows this profession like your manager down the road.”
Whether you’re a seasoned municipal leader or just beginning your journey in public service, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and emotional validation for the unique challenges of city management. Dawn’s insights on professional development, leadership growth, and finding sustainable practices make this an episode you won’t want to miss.
The full conversation with Dawn Peters is available now on The HaltingWinter Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
The HaltingWinter Podcast highlights the leaders behind the scenes of local government—the city managers, administrators, and public servants whose everyday decisions quietly shape the places we live and love. Host Seth Winterhalter brings over two decades of leadership experience and a passion for empowering those who serve in municipal leadership roles.
