The HaltingWinter Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

The Table That Serves Us All
Thanksgiving Special 2025

Episode 261 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

For most people, Thanksgiving centers around one table—the one filled with family, food, and the stories we share. But there's another table that rarely gets noticed. A table that holds up entire communities. A table built—not with wood and nails—but with early mornings, late nights, and the steady commitment of public servants who choose to show up every single day.

In this Thanksgiving Special, Seth Winterhalter steps away from the interview format to speak directly to the people who keep cities and counties running. From public works crews in the trenches to clerks safeguarding democracy, from utility teams keeping water flowing to city managers carrying the weight of constant decision-making, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to every role that makes public life possible.

If you're a local government leader or someone who serves behind the scenes, this episode is for you. It's a thank you—long overdue and deeply earned.

Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Paul Nerland: The Leader Who Never Stopped Listening
The Hidden Power of Paying Attention

Episode 260 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What happens when a leader treats listening not as a courtesy, but as a strategy?
In this episode, Paul Nerland—CEO of Fresno County—opens the door to a different kind of public-sector leadership: one grounded in humility, clarity, and a deep respect for the people who make local government work.

Paul shares his journey from Calgary to California, from HR to CAO, and the lessons that shaped how he leads one of the largest and most complex counties in America. His approach is simple but rare: pay attention, ask better questions, and don't pretend you already know the answers.

Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed specifically for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Enrico Villegas: From Manual Labor to Municipal Leadership: The Journey from Doing to Leading

Episode 251 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What does it take to go from digging trenches in the summer heat to leading a full-service city?

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter explores the remarkable journey of Enrico Villegas, City Manager of Hutchinson, Kansas, and a story defined by grit, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning when no one's handing you the answers.

From growing up in a small Iowa town to teaching English in Japan, from late-night study sessions at "the University of Google" to managing multimillion-dollar public works projects, Enrico's story is a masterclass in building leadership the hard way and the right way.

We dive into:

• Adversity as a teacher: How a tough upbringing and manual-labor jobs shaped Enrico's resilience and work ethic.

• Curiosity as a catalyst: Why self-education and endless questioning opened doors that formal credentials never could.

• The turning point: How a landscaping job, a six-foot trench, and a photo became a lifelong reminder of perspective.

• From technician to city manager: The leap from project inspector to public works to the city's top seat and what it really takes to lead people, not just projects.

• Redefining neighborhood improvement: How Hutchinson is tackling blight, revitalizing streets, and restoring civic pride.

• Leadership philosophy: Why Enrico believes real progress begins when you stop playing it safe and start leading with conviction.

Show Some Love for Our Sponsor

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: Brent Buerck: Small-Town Roots, World-Class Vision
Episode 161 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview
In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Brent Buerck, City Administrator of Perryville, Missouri. Brent shares his journey from growing up in Perryville to returning as its city administrator after 15 years with the Missouri Division of Youth Services. Through his leadership, Perryville has weathered multiple natural disasters while developing unique attractions and strong economic opportunities. Their conversation explores the value of relationship-building in municipal leadership, practical approaches to disaster response, and the delicate balance between professional impact and personal life.

Episode Highlights:

• Hometown Leadership: How Brent's deep connection to Perryville has shaped his approach to city administration and his commitment to telling its story
• Crisis Management Mastery: Navigating multiple major disasters - a 2017 EF4 tornado, 2023 ice storm, and 2023 EF3 tornado - and applying lessons from each to improve response time
• Community Collaboration: Building essential relationships between city, county, and regional partners to achieve greater impact together
• Economic Development Success: Transforming Perryville into a community with more jobs than people, including growing TG Missouri from 30 employees to 1,700+
• Unique Attractions: Developing distinctive community assets like the American Tractor Museum, Vietnam Wall replica, and the Miraculous Medal shrine
• Volunteer Management: Coordinating community response during disasters and the importance of being prepared to receive volunteer help
• The Municipal Leadership Philosophy: "If we're doing our job correctly, nobody should even know we're there" - success means invisibility
• Work-Life Integration Challenges: Candid reflections on the struggle to balance family commitments with the demands of city leadership
• The Value of Intentional Relationships: Not delegating relationship-building and being deliberate about bringing conflicting groups together

Connect with Brent Buerck:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Brent Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC 
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Jon Amundson: Thriving at the Crossroads of Nuclear History
Episode 160 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jon Amundson, City Manager of Richland, Washington. Jon shares his journey from a curious Cub Scout attending his first city council meeting to leading a city with deep ties to American nuclear history. Through his story, Jon reveals valuable insights on municipal leadership development, finding the right career fit, and creating thriving organizational cultures while maintaining meaningful family connections. Their conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of the Tri-Cities region, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and practical strategies for balancing the demands of city management with personal well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• The Spark of Interest: How attending a city council meeting as a Cub Scout ignited Jon's lifelong passion for local government
• From Politics to Public Service: Jon's transition from political aspirations to city management after shadowing the City Manager of Orem, Utah
• Educational Path: Leveraging the University of Kansas program's practical approach to city management education and the value of the KUSAMAT network
• The Allen Experience: Lessons learned during his time at the City of Allen, Texas, including the hidden value of managing council agendas for professional development
• Finding the Right Fit: Strategic career decisions that balanced professional advancement with family priorities, including turning down opportunities that weren't aligned with both
• Self-Awareness in Leadership: Jon's candid assessment of his strengths (technology integration, organizational culture) and areas where he relies on team members (economic development)
• Building Future Leaders: Implementing the "Core Leadership Program" in Richland with Impact Academy, Change Team, and growth sessions to develop talent at all levels
• Creating Community Connection: The "Richland Cares" initiative that helps employees engage with and serve the community beyond their official roles
• Tri-Cities Collaboration: How Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco work together rather than compete, coordinating services and supporting regional economic development
• Work-Life Integration: Practical strategies for achieving balance, including being selective about meetings, delegating appropriately, and making intentional trade-offs to prioritize family

Connect with Jon Amundson:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Jon Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC 
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "Essentialism"
Episode 159 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
(Part 1 of 5: "Essentialism" Series)

Seth Winterhalter kicks off a 5-part series diving into Greg McKeown's must-read book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, applying its insights directly to the daily pressures of municipal leadership. In this episode, Seth challenges the myth of having "twenty top priorities" and introduces the essentialist mindset: doing less, but better.

Through a real-world story of a city manager who focused on fewer initiatives for greater impact, Seth reveals how essentialism isn't about neglect—it's about being laser-focused on what truly moves the needle for your community. Discover how this shift in thinking—from managing everything to choosing the vital few—can transform council relationships, community outcomes, and your own leadership clarity.

• Why trying to do everything often leads to accomplishing nothing of significance

• The historical truth about the word "priority"—and what it means for your leadership

• How one city's shift from 15 to 3 priorities led to surprising success

• What to eliminate from your calendar to free up bandwidth for impact

• Why essentialism isn't about time management but value management

• How to identify the "one initiative" that will define your administration's legacy

Monday: Introduction to essentialism for city leaders
Tuesday–Thursday: Focused insights on strategic narrowing, decision filtering, and system design
Friday: Live Virtual Book Club discussion – applying essentialism in real municipal contexts

Get full access this week to:

• All five "Essentialism" podcast episodes

• Daily deep-dive blog posts expanding each theme

• Friday's Virtual Book Club with city leaders nationwide

• Complete MLDC platform and leadership resource library
  No commitment. Join the movement.

🔗 Start Your Trial at HaltingWinter.com

• Book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

• Weekly Newsletter – The Leader's Lens (free subscription)

• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter

• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: Kristen Dorman: From Reluctant Start to Intentional Journey
Episode 158 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview
In this insightful episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with Kristen Dorman, Assistant City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. Kristen shares her fascinating journey from dismissing municipal government as a career ("whatever career that is, I don't want it") despite her mother being a county manager, to finding her calling in city management, and ultimately serving as interim city manager just six weeks into a new position. Their conversation explores the importance of mentorship in municipal careers, the value of creating work-life boundaries, the realities of managing different-sized communities, and how the profession must evolve to attract the next generation of leaders.

Episode Highlights:

• The Reluctant Beginning: How Kristen initially avoided following in her mother's municipal leadership footsteps before discovering her passion for local government through a Fellowship program
• The Value of Mentorship: The crucial role of mentors like Zach Walker who provided opportunities for growth by including Kristen in high-level projects and pushing her to seek new challenges
• Size Matters in City Management: Contrasting experiences in large cities (Independence, Surprise) versus smaller communities (Pleasant Hill) and the hands-on knowledge gained from wearing multiple department director hats in smaller organizations
• Stepping Away & Returning Stronger: Kristen's decision to leave municipal government to work for the Alliance for Innovation and how this break helped her clarify her passion while establishing healthier work boundaries
• Sudden Leadership Transition: Being thrust into the interim city manager role after just six weeks as assistant city manager and navigating leadership with transparency and teamwork
• Work-Life Integration: Challenging the 60-70 hour workweek norm in city management and demonstrating that effective leadership is possible with healthy boundaries
• The Future of Municipal Management: Candid discussion about how the profession must evolve beyond burnout culture to attract younger generations who value work-life balance
• Leading by Example: How city manager work habits set the tone for organizational culture and the importance of modeling sustainable practices
• Motherhood and Leadership: Insights on how becoming a parent enhanced Kristen's empathy and perspective as a municipal leader

Connect with Kristen Dorman:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Kristen Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: John Mauro: A Global Journey of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Episode 157 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview
In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with John Mauro, City Manager of Port Townsend, Washington. John shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Maine to traveling across four continents on a prestigious fellowship, and ultimately leading municipal transformation in both Auckland and Washington state. Their conversation explores the power of global perspective in local governance, innovative approaches to community engagement, and the delicate balance between addressing immediate municipal needs while planning for long-term sustainability.

Episode Highlights:

• New England Roots: How John's upbringing in Maine and exposure to natural landscapes shaped his environmental consciousness and public service path
• Global Education: His transformative Thomas Watson fellowship that took him to Ghana, Bhutan, Australia, and Bolivia to study indigenous relationships with nature
• Finding His Purpose: John's evolution from environmental science to sustainability leadership, discovering his passion for systems thinking and collaborative governance
• International Municipal Leadership: Serving as Auckland, New Zealand's first Chief Sustainability Officer and navigating a complex "super city" government structure
• Interagency Collaboration: Transforming adversarial relationships with sister agencies like the Port of Port Townsend into million-dollar collaborative projects
• Infrastructure Challenges: Tackling long-deferred maintenance, including a century-old water agreement, and creating sustainable funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure
• Innovative Community Engagement: Using "The Bureaucracy Now" radio show and monthly coffee chats to build trust and transparency with citizens
• COVID Leadership: Managing municipal operations during the pandemic just months into his tenure as city manager
• Team Development: Building a "dream team" of department directors who are dedicated to service and tackling systemic challenges
• Personal Rejuvenation: Balancing the demands of public service through outdoor activities, family adventures, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life

Connect with John Mauro:

• LinkedIn: Connect with John 

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the United States to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Book of the Week - "Conscious Business"
Episode 156 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
(Part 1 of 5: "Conscious Business" Series)

Seth Winterhalter kicks off a 5-part series exploring Fred Kofman's book "Conscious Business" and its critical applications for municipal leadership. This first episode introduces the powerful concept of conscious leadership - blending decisive action with deeper awareness to transform municipal organizations. Through an engaging story about a public works department facing multiple challenges, Seth illustrates how moving beyond traditional command-and-control approaches creates remarkable results without sacrificing decisiveness. Discover how conscious leadership provides a framework for seeing and addressing systemic issues that top-down directives alone cannot solve.

• How effective municipal leaders blend decisive action with conscious awareness
• The power of listening sessions and safe spaces for authentic feedback
• Why understanding daily realities transforms organizational culture
• How conscious leadership builds the trust necessary for organizational transformation
• The three crucial aspects of conscious leadership every city manager needs to master

• Monday: Foundations of conscious leadership in municipal settings
• Tuesday-Thursday: Deep dives into organizational awareness, stakeholder relationships, and proactive systems
• Friday: Implementation Guides & the Virtual Book Club discussion

Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five "Conscious Business" podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete MLDC platform resources
• Nationwide community of city managers and administrators
• No upfront commitment required

• Book: "Conscious Business" by Fred Kofman
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More

Connect With Seth

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: De'Carlon Seewood: From Crisis to Community Renewal
Episode 155 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview
In this powerful episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with De'Carlon Seewood, City Manager of Columbia, Missouri. De'Carlon shares his extraordinary journey from witnessing urban decay in East St. Louis to leading Ferguson through national crisis, and finally revitalizing Columbia through innovative community engagement and employee investment. Their conversation explores the realities of municipal leadership during tumultuous times, rebuilding fractured community trust, and creating a sustainable culture of excellence in local government.

Episode Highlights:

• The Public Service Calling: How De'Carlon's childhood in East St. Louis and witnessing urban decline inspired his lifelong commitment to public service
• Hands-On Municipal Experience: The invaluable cross-functional knowledge gained through "assistant to" roles where De'Carlon served as interim department head in planning, parks, and finance
• Community Revitalization: Transforming the historically Black Carver neighborhood in Fulton by rehabilitating properties and creating innovative housing solutions
• Leading Through Crisis: De'Carlon's courageous decision to return to Ferguson after the Michael Brown shooting and the complex realities of managing a city under intense national scrutiny
• Navigating Federal Intervention: Practical insights on implementing a Department of Justice consent decree with limited resources in a small municipality
• Employee Investment Strategy: Columbia's $10 million initiative to properly value staff and address retention challenges in critical departments
• Innovative Engagement Approaches: Creating "Coffee with the City Manager," Citizen Academies, and Community Summits to rebuild trust between residents and local government
• Municipal Leadership Sustainability: Candid discussion about the personal toll of city management and practical advice for maintaining well-being in demanding leadership roles
• Communicating Municipal Value: Helping citizens understand the significance of local government services and the true nature of municipal budgets

Connect with De'Carlon Seewood:

• LinkedIn: Connect with De'Carlon Here

At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

The MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE