Show Notes: Jason Monroe: Commanding Chaos: What Firefighting Teaches About Leading a City Under Pressure

Episode 229 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jason Monroe, City Manager of Frankfort, Kentucky. Jason's journey is anything but ordinary, rising from a childhood of constant change to a career in firefighting and paramedicine, and now leading Kentucky's capital city through political pressure and organizational challenges.

From the adrenaline of the firehouse to the complexity of City Hall, Jason shares how adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to "step up" have defined his career. His story reveals why leadership isn't about titles—it's about showing up when everything feels like chaos.

Connect with Jason Monroe

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jason-monroe

About Our Sponsors

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

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

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