Show Notes: Dylan Ward: From LEGO Sets to City Streets: How Curiosity Built a City Manager

Episode 223 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Zencity and Tyler Technologies

Overview

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Dylan Ward, City Manager of Henderson, Kentucky. Dylan's path to leadership wasn't planned; it was discovered. What began as a love of Legos, math, and problem-solving turned into a career that blended engineering precision with people-first leadership.

From inspecting sidewalks and asphalt crews to navigating multimillion-dollar projects and public-private partnerships, Dylan's story is a window into the often-overlooked but deeply impactful world of local government. Along the way, his journey through personal trials—including his son's life-threatening heart condition—shaped him into a leader marked not just by skill, but by resilience and empathy.

This conversation is packed with insight for anyone curious about the realities of local government, the surprises of public works, and the humility it takes to grow into leadership you never expected.

Connect with Dylan Ward

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-h-ward

About Our Sponsors

Zencity This episode is made possible by Zencity, a trusted partner to hundreds of local governments worldwide. Zencity helps leaders cut through the noise of the "same ten people" by gathering real-time resident feedback across every neighborhood and demographic. With Zencity's AI-powered tools, decisions can be made with clarity and confidence.

Learn more at Zencity.io

Tyler TechnologiesWe're also proud to be sponsored by Tyler Technologies, the largest software company in the nation dedicated exclusively to the public sector. From financial management and utility billing to citizen engagement and digital government solutions, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently, transparently, and effectively.

Learn more at Tyler Technologies

Connect with Seth Winterhalter:

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

At HaltingWinter, we help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient workplace cultures through keynotes, workshops, and leadership development programs like the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDC).

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Annual Conference & Expo September 23-26 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

ELGL 2025 Conference | Camp Govlife October 1-3 | Santa Rose, CA Details at ELGL

2025 City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar November 12-14 | Los Angeles, CA Details at CalCities

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 3-5 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA