The HaltingWinter Podcast

178: Ryan Blancke: More Than Roads: Building Systems, People, and Purpose in Public Works


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Show Notes: Ryan Blancke – More Than Roads: Building Systems, People, and Purpose in Public Works

Episode 178 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In honor of National Public Works Week, The HaltingWinter Podcast turns the spotlight on one of the most vital yet often misunderstood pillars of local government: public works. In this episode, host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Ryan Blancke, Assistant Public Works Director for York County, South Carolina—one of the fastest-growing counties in the Southeast—to uncover what it really takes to keep a modern county moving forward.

From starting as a high school intern in 11th grade to now overseeing more than 260 employees and millions in infrastructure, Ryan’s story is a masterclass in saying “yes” to growth, embracing leadership, and building systems that serve people.

If you’ve ever wondered what public works actually does or how the right leader can make it all run with excellence and purpose, this episode will open your eyes to the complexity, creativity, and calling behind the scenes.

Episode Highlights:
  • The Internship That Changed Everything How a high school program opened the door to a lifelong career in local government

  • From Engineering to Leadership Why Ryan pivoted from design to process and how that shift helped modernize operations across multiple departments

  • More Than Just Roads The incredible scope of public works in York County, from fleet and facilities to landfill, water/sewer, and even animal control

  • Stretch Roles and Smart Risks How saying “yes” to opportunities before you feel ready can shape a powerful leadership path

  • Managing the Chaos How Ryan leads systems, staff, and service across 700 square miles, 600+ vehicles, and millions in capital projects

  • Partnering with the Private Sector Why collaboration, procurement, and communication are just as vital as equipment and manpower

  • Telling the Story of Public Works Why we need to do a better job educating residents, and even other city departments, about what Public Works does and why it matters

Connect with Ryan Blancke

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-blancke-1930921b/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: We build stronger cities by building stronger leaders. Explore our leadership development keynotes, workshops, and services at HaltingWinter.com

Upcoming Event:

Seth Winterhalter headlines the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd–26th. Register here

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The HaltingWinter PodcastBy Seth Winterhalter

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