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.
Episode 226 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity
In Episode 226 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, I sat down with Andrew Hart, Town Manager of Carmel, Maine. Andrew’s story is a masterclass in resilience, humility, and the unseen realities of municipal leadership.
Most city managers never plan to enter the profession. Andrew certainly didn’t. But at just 24 years old, he was thrown headfirst into leadership when his town uncovered embezzlement, all before he’d even officially started. His trial by fire set the stage for a career that would span three decades, across towns and counties, with lessons every local government leader can relate to.
This week, we’re exploring Thomas Erikson’s “Surrounded by Idiots,” a fascinating guide to understanding the four personality types that shape every interaction in your professional life. Based on the proven DISC behavioral model, this book reveals why smart people often seem to completely miss each other’s points and provides a practical framework for communicating effectively with anyone.
Episode 224 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity and Tyler Technologies
Scott Andrews didn’t take the straight road into city management. He started as a recreation supervisor, hustling his way into opportunities by handing out resumes at conferences, introducing himself to strangers, and following up with handwritten thank-you cards.
That persistence paid off. He helped build Sugar Hill, Georgia’s downtown from scratch, transformed development in Smyrna during the Atlanta Braves’ stadium move, and eventually took the reins as City Manager of Covington—all before moving west to serve in Bakersfield, California, and now as County Manager in New Mexico.
But behind the titles is a much deeper story.
Episode 223 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity and Tyler Technologies
What does it take to become a city manager? For Dylan Ward of Henderson, Kentucky, the journey started with a box of Legos.
As a kid, Dylan loved to build, problem-solve, and create. That curiosity led him to study civil engineering. But he soon realized he didn’t want to spend his life behind a computer screen designing projects in AutoCAD. He wanted to be where the action was—out in the field, working with people, and seeing ideas come to life.
You’ve balanced another budget. Completed another major project. Navigated another political crisis. Your performance metrics look strong, your council is satisfied, and your community is growing. By every traditional measure, you’re succeeding.
So why do you feel like you’re failing at what matters most?
Episode 221 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity
In local government, cities and counties share the same residents, the same challenges, and too often, a complicated relationship. Budgets, responsibilities, and political pressures can pull them apart, even when their success depends on working together.
This week on The HaltingWinter Podcast, we hear Ryan Pelletier’s story, a leader who’s been on both sides of the table. From managing a one-person town office to overseeing a sprawling county government, he’s navigated the unique demands, personalities, and politics that come with each role. His perspective is rare and exactly what’s needed to move from friction to collaboration.
Episode 220 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity
Some leaders choose public service. For others, it’s woven into who they are from the very beginning.
In our latest episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we share the story of a mayor whose journey began in the most unassuming way — as a neighborhood kid answering the call (literally) from the local mayor to help unclog storm drains, throw cinders on icy streets, and pitch in wherever he was needed.
You know what good leadership looks like. You’ve read the books, attended the workshops, and genuinely care about serving your community well. But when the pressure hits—budget crises, council conflicts, emergency situations—do you find yourself making decisions that don’t align with your stated values?
HaltingWinter Podcast, Episode 218
Featuring the story of Sugar Land, TX City Manager (and former Coral Springs, FL City Manager)
Michael Goodrum’s resume reads like a case study in climbing the municipal ladder.
Parks coordinator. Department head. Public works director. Assistant city manager.
But behind the impressive job titles was something few people saw:
A leadership approach that got results while quietly burning people out.
Episode 217 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Zencity
In 2005, the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky, faced a moment that could have shattered public trust for a generation.
A senior leader had been embezzling public funds. The discovery fell into the lap of then City Treasurer Jeff Meisel, a lifelong Bowling Green resident, a CPA by training, and a man who had to decide whether to walk away from the mess or stay and lead through it.
