Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 252 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
When most people think about improving government, they think about efficiency. Better data. Smarter systems. Faster service.
But Stephanie Hirsch has learned that numbers alone don’t change lives—people do.
Born just a mile from Eau Claire City Hall, Stephanie’s path to becoming her city’s manager took her through some of the most complex corners of America: the cracked streets of Philadelphia during the AIDS epidemic, rural Georgia’s legacy of racial inequity, and Boston’s high-performing but deeply human city halls. Each stop added a layer to her understanding of leadership, how systems shape outcomes, and how empathy must shape systems.
“I wanted to be the person solving the problem, not just reporting it.”
That simple realization redirected her from journalism to government, from observer to change-maker.
Over time, she saw what few do: that misaligned incentives—not bad intentions—are often the root of government inefficiency. From child welfare programs that paid by the day instead of by the outcome, to cities struggling to coordinate across silos, Stephanie witnessed how “the system” can quietly work against the very people it’s meant to serve.
Now, as City Manager of Eau Claire, she’s bringing those lessons home—literally. Leading the city where she grew up, she’s focused on continuity, trust, and a culture of excellence that has defined Eau Claire for decades. Her approach blends the precision of performance management with the heart of human connection.
“Real leadership lives in the tension between analysis and empathy, structure and service, performance and purpose.”
In this conversation, Stephanie and host Seth Winterhalter unpack what it takes to lead a modern city with both intellect and humanity. They discuss why some of the most meaningful leadership happens not in the council chambers, but on the front porches, listening to the people who call a city home.
Listen to Episode 252 on The HaltingWinter Podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms. –> www.HaltingWinter.com
We are proud to be sponsored by Tyler Technologies, the leader in empowering the public sector with software solutions that connect data, streamline operations, and improve service delivery. From civic services to public safety, Tyler helps local governments build stronger, more resilient communities.
Learn more at tylertech.com/winter →
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.
