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Episode 349 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Every community has a story.
Some communities are content to preserve the past. Others are willing to build the future.
In Episode 349 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, I sat down with Shaun Barnett, City Manager of Woodward, Oklahoma, to discuss what it takes to lead a community forward while honoring the people and history that brought it to where it is today.
Shaun’s leadership journey is not the path most people would expect. He started mowing parks for the City of Woodward, served in law enforcement, helped build a countywide 911 system from the ground up, and eventually became city manager of the community he has called home nearly his entire life.
What stood out most during our conversation wasn’t Shaun’s career progression. It was his commitment to continuous growth and his belief that communities thrive when leaders are willing to think beyond today’s challenges.
Woodward is a city of roughly 13,000 residents, but it serves as a regional hub for more than 75,000 people across northwest Oklahoma, southwest Kansas, and the Texas Panhandle. That reality requires a different kind of leadership, one that understands collaboration, long-term planning, and the importance of creating opportunities not only for current residents but for future generations as well.
Throughout our conversation, Shaun shared valuable insights on:
One observation from Shaun particularly resonated with me:
“We love our history because it’s what built us, but it’s not what’s going to build tomorrow.”
That’s a challenge every local government leader faces.
The future of our communities will not be shaped by what we preserve alone. It will be shaped by the decisions we make today, the leaders we develop, and the opportunities we create for the generations that follow.
If you serve in local government and care deeply about the future of your community, this conversation is worth your time.
Listen to Episode 349: Shaun Barnett – The Future Won’t Build Itself
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 AI to budgeting solutions, 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 leadership and their organization. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/mldc →
The HaltingWinter Podcast shines a spotlight on the people behind our cities and counties. Through candid conversations with local government leaders from across the nation, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and ideas shaping stronger communities while inspiring the next generation of public servants.
