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 this week’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of a leader who transformed county government in Maine and built a legacy of collaboration spanning four decades.
Many great municipal leaders trace their path back to a defining childhood moment. For Peter Crichton, it was attending town meetings in Mars Hill, Maine (population under 2,000) with his father at the tender age of eight. These early exposures to local democracy planted seeds that would flourish into a remarkable 40-year career in public service.
In our latest episode, Peter shares how his journey from a small town on the Canadian border led him through positions of increasing responsibility, from economic development director in his hometown to eventually becoming Cumberland County’s longest-serving manager (almost 20 years) and later city manager of Auburn.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Peter’s story is how he revolutionized county government in Maine. When he accepted the county manager position, his colleagues warned him he was “going to the dark side” – a reference to how county government was viewed by municipalities who resented receiving tax bills from the county.
Rather than accepting this status quo, Peter implemented innovative strategic planning processes that brought municipal officials directly into county decision-making. His philosophy? If people could see there weren’t “horns growing out of our heads,” trust and collaboration would naturally follow.
“You can’t fly like an eagle if you’re flying with turkeys,” Peter notes in one of the episode’s most quotable moments. His approach to team-building included creating Cumberland County’s first-ever Finance Director position and transforming an executive assistant role into an assistant county manager position.
Peter’s willingness to step back and let others lead initiatives rather than being the face of every project demonstrates a leadership maturity that contributed to his longevity in roles where the average tenure is typically just 3-4 years.
Beyond professional achievements, Peter offers candid insights into sustainable leadership in demanding municipal roles. His practice of taking his children’s birthdays off to spend the entire day with them shows how even small adjustments can create meaningful work-life integration.
The critical role his wife Jen played in major career decisions highlights how personal support systems often determine professional success in high-pressure municipal leadership positions.
Whether you’re a seasoned city manager or just starting your municipal career, Peter’s insights provide valuable guidance on:
Now retired and sharing his wisdom through his new book “Leading with My Glass Half Full,” Peter Crichton embodies what sustainable, impactful leadership can look like in the municipal sector.
Don’t miss this conversation with one of New England’s most respected municipal leaders. Listen to the full episode now on your favorite podcast platform or at HaltingWinter.com.
The HaltingWinter Podcast celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from cities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.
