Show Notes: Kevin Richardson – The Silence of Our Service: Why Public Works Is Where Purpose Lives

Episode 179 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In celebration of National Public Works Week, The HaltingWinter Podcast features a powerful and personal conversation with Kevin Richardson, Water and Wastewater Engineering Project Manager for the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Kevin’s journey from global combat zones to managing public infrastructure at the local level is a story of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovered purpose. With over 16 years in the military, followed by a winding transition through private sector roles and public service positions, Kevin eventually found his professional calling in public works—an industry he describes as "quiet professionals keeping cities alive."

From solid waste to sanitation, water systems to citizen engagement, Kevin offers both a behind-the-scenes look at municipal operations and a front-row seat to what it means to lead with humility, structure, and soul.

Episode Highlights:

• From the Marines to Municipal Streets Kevin’s 16-year military career, 49 countries, multiple deployments, and the search for purpose after retirement

• Finding Public Works by Accident How a personality assessment and a college government class sparked an unexpected path into local service

• Why Public Works Is Purpose-Driven How Kevin reframed the “invisible work” of infrastructure as deeply meaningful and community-impacting

• The Transition Struggle Is Real What most people don’t understand about military-to-civilian life—and how one mentor helped Kevin rewrite his story

• Telling the Story of Public Works Why engineers, operators, and managers need to become better communicators and storytellers

• Citizen Engagement Done Right Rock Hill’s “Inside Rock Hill” program and how it turns curious residents into city ambassadors

• The Power of Mentorship From picking up trash to leading with character, Kevin shares how mentors helped him make the leap—and why he’s reaching back to help others now

• The Silence of Our Service Kevin’s mic-drop moment: “The silence of our service is the applause that we get.”

Connect with Kevin Richardson

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-richardson

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: We help local government leaders build thriving cultures and resilient teams through transformative keynotes, workshops, coaching, and community. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Upcoming Event:

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

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is the professional development home for city and county leaders who want to grow personally and lead with purpose.

Podcast listeners get 20% off their membership + a 7-day FREE trial Use code PODCAST at checkout JOIN THE MLDC