From Embezzlement to Empowerment: Building a City That Trusts Again

Episode 217 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity

In 2005, the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky, faced a moment that could have shattered public trust for a generation.

A senior leader had been embezzling public funds. The discovery fell into the lap of then City Treasurer Jeff Meisel, a lifelong Bowling Green resident, a CPA by training, and a man who had to decide whether to walk away from the mess or stay and lead through it.

He stayed.

This week on The HaltingWinter Podcast, Jeff tells the full story of what it was like to quietly call the bank president, the city manager, the police chief, and eventually the FBI. How it felt to go home that night unable to tell his wife why he couldn’t sleep. And why, despite the chaos and suspicion, he chose to remain, rebuild, and ultimately become City Manager of Kentucky’s third-largest city.

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What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• When Integrity Is Tested
  The moment Jeff realized the organization’s credibility was on the line—and how he anchored his decision to stay.
• Leading in a Fishbowl
  The public nature of city government means every decision could be tomorrow’s headline. Jeff shares how he learned to lead under constant scrutiny.
• From Crisis to Culture
  How seven department head retirements in his first two years as City Manager became an opportunity to handpick a dream leadership team.
• The People Equation
  Why Jeff believes the job comes down to balancing two priorities: serving the community and caring for the people who serve it.
• Personal Rhythms for Public Leaders
  From lunchtime basketball to mowing his own lawn, Jeff shares the routines that keep him grounded—even while managing a chronic illness.

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This isn’t just a story about scandal. It’s about the quiet, determined work of restoring trust, building strong teams, and leading a city with both head and heart.

Listen now: Episode 217: From Embezzlement to Empowerment: Building a City That Trusts Again

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About Our Sponsor

This episode is made possible by Zencity, a community engagement platform that helps local governments hear from their whole community—not just the loudest voices in the room. Whether you’re planning strategically, responding to crisis, or making everyday improvements, Zencity delivers the resident feedback you need to lead with confidence.

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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.