Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 283 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Most people discover leadership after they’re given the title.
Elvin “EJ” Hardwick found it long before.
In Episode 283 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with EJ Hardwick, Town Manager of Somerset, Maryland, to explore a question local government needs to ask more often:
What happens when we invite people into public service early, before burnout, before cynicism, and before politics take over?
EJ’s journey didn’t begin with an MPA or a corner office. It started as a teenager serving on a Youth City Council and a citizen committee, seeing firsthand how local government actually works, how decisions are made, and how community is built.
Today, EJ leads a small town just outside Washington, D.C., navigating the real tensions of municipal leadership: council dynamics, community expectations, infrastructure needs, innovation, and trust.
In this conversation, we explore:
This episode is a reminder that local government doesn’t just manage systems; it shapes lives.
And the future of the profession depends on who we invite in, how early we do it, and whether we help them discover the call before the title.
Listen to Episode 283: Finding the Call Before the Title
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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.
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.
