Blazing Your Own Trail: Insights from Odessa’s City Administrator Shawna Davis

In the latest episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Shawna Davis, City Administrator of Odessa, Missouri, for a conversation that reveals both the challenges and rewards of municipal leadership in small communities.

From Farm Country to City Hall

Shawna’s journey begins in rural Illinois, where growing up on a family farm instilled the work ethic that would later serve her in public administration. While many aspiring city managers follow traditional paths, Shawna’s story demonstrates the power of initiative and strategic thinking.

“I just called our city administrator and asked, ‘Hey, can I job shadow you?'” Shawna recalls about creating her own internship opportunity when none existed. This bold approach set the tone for a career marked by proactive leadership.

Small City, Big Responsibilities

Leading a city of 5,600 with just 45 employees creates unique challenges compared to larger municipalities. In Odessa, the boundaries between roles blur significantly:

“In Odessa, everyone wears multiple hats,” Shawna explains. “As city administrator, I juggle numerous responsibilities, but this isn’t unique to my position. Almost all our employees handle multiple functions across departments—very few staff members have the luxury of focusing on just one specialized role.”

This reality contrasts sharply with her previous experience in Olathe, Kansas (population 140,000+), where specialized departments with hundreds of staff members handle distinct responsibilities.

The Work-Life Tightrope

Perhaps most compelling is Shawna’s candid discussion about sustainability in leadership. After initially throwing herself completely into her work as finance director, she recognized the need for balance:

“I got a dog. It helped so much, and I wasn’t anticipating it helping me reel it back a little bit and not put so much time and energy into my position.”

This refreshingly honest perspective acknowledges what many municipal leaders experience but few discuss openly—the struggle to establish boundaries in roles that could easily consume every waking hour.

Leadership Wisdom for Municipal Leaders

The conversation offers valuable insights for current and aspiring city managers:

1. Create your own opportunities – Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity
2. Leverage professional networks – Use your resources, and those resources are the other city managers in your area
3. Take care with contracts – Get legal counsel for city manager/administrator agreements
4. Find sustainable rhythms – “It still wouldn’t have been sustainable. I would have burnt myself out so quickly to continue at that pace.”
5. Respect the pace of municipal progress – “Local government does not move that fast… you can’t force the pace.”

Listen to the Full Conversation

In Episode 167 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Shawna shares much more about navigating the complex relationship with elected officials, bringing innovation to long-standing municipal practices, and finding fulfillment in public service.

This conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring perspectives for anyone in municipal leadership, whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for fresh insights after years in the field.

Subscribe to The HaltingWinter Podcast to hear the full interview with Shawna Davis and explore our archive of conversations with municipal leaders who are creating stronger cities through stronger leadership.

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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, impact 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.