Jessica Leavins: Called to CareEmpathy, Public Scrutiny, and the Weight of Municipal Leadership

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Episode 308 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What prepares someone to become a city manager?

For Jessica Leavins, it wasn't a lifelong plan. It was a calling shaped by family roots, social work, organizational psychology, and a deep desire to serve people well.

In this conversation, Jessica shares her journey from growing up in rural Florida on land her family has stewarded for generations, to working in child welfare, to becoming the first HR professional for the City of Crestview, and ultimately stepping into the city manager's seat.

But this episode isn't just about career progression. It's about the emotional reality of municipal leadership.

She speaks candidly about the moment she realized her family could see public criticism online and how that changed her understanding of leadership visibility.

Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out: Municipal leadership isn't about applause. It's about doing good with good people, even when it's heavy.

Sponsored by:

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

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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