Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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In the world of municipal leadership, career paths are rarely straight lines. Some of the most impactful city managers never set out to lead cities at all—they simply said “yes” when opportunity knocked.
This week on The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Nichole Rutherford, City Manager of Coos Bay, Oregon, for a conversation that reveals how unexpected opportunities and the courage to embrace them can lead to extraordinary leadership journeys.
Nichole’s story begins far from the city manager’s office. With a background in accounting and 14 years at a local CPA firm, she initially joined the City of Coos Bay simply seeking stability as her employers approached retirement. “I wasn’t looking to be in city management,” she confesses. “I was just looking for a job.”
Starting as a finance assistant, Nichole found herself continually saying “yes” to new challenges. Within a decade, she had risen through multiple positions to become City Manager—a remarkable trajectory she describes with characteristic humility: “For me, what it meant was showing up every day, doing the job you were hired to do, saying, ‘Yes, I’d like to learn more.'”
The turning point in Nichole’s career came when the previous City Manager, Roger Craddock, approached her with an unexpected proposition: a three-year succession plan to prepare her for the city manager role.
“If Roger says you could do something, you believe the guy,” Nichole reflects. Still, the decision wasn’t easy. She consulted with department heads, asking the crucial question: “Am I somebody who you could stand behind? Do you trust me to have your back?”
This moment of vulnerability—reaching out to colleagues for their honest assessment—exemplifies the kind of leadership that has made Nichole successful. It’s a reminder that courage isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to ask difficult questions.
What makes Nichole’s leadership style particularly refreshing is her emphasis on bringing humanity to government. “I lead with heart,” she explains, acknowledging that while this approach sometimes complicates tough decisions, it also creates space for positive change in how municipalities serve their communities.
Under her leadership, Coos Bay is moving from rigid adherence to policy toward a “getting to yes” mentality. “We know the rules best. We also know where there’s some gray,” she says. “How do we help the folks on the other side of the counter who don’t know those things get the work done that they’d like to get done?”
For listeners considering a move from the private to public sector, Nichole offers valuable perspective on both the challenges and rewards. While she took a pay cut initially, the comprehensive benefits package and opportunity to serve her community made the transition worthwhile.
She also addresses the significant mental shift required when moving from technical roles to leadership positions: “Up until that point, I was producing something… I had some tangible proof that I’m adding value to the group. And then this new position kind of set aside that, and you were more collaborating and thinking through things with people.”
Perhaps most compelling is Nichole’s candid discussion about how the demands of city management affect personal life. With a role that never truly shuts off, she and her husband had intentional conversations about creating space for focused connection and establishing boundaries that allow for mental rest.
“If you always have to be in the zone, your brain never gets to reset,” she observes, offering wisdom that resonates far beyond municipal leadership.
Nichole’s story also highlights the importance of intentional succession planning in municipal government. The structured three-year mentorship (that ultimately became two) demonstrates how experienced leaders can effectively prepare their successors while simultaneously reinvigorating their own perspective on the work.
This approach ensures continuity of service and vision while allowing for fresh eyes on established processes—a win for communities and organizations alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned municipal leader, considering a career in public service, or simply interested in how cities function, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, courage, and the impact of saying “yes” when opportunity calls.
Listen to Episode 154 of The HaltingWinter Podcast with Nichole Rutherford now on all major podcast platforms or at haltingwinter.com.
Seth Winterhalter is the host of The HaltingWinter Podcast and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to building stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through keynote speaking, VIP workshops, and executive coaching, Seth helps municipal leaders thrive personally and professionally. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
