Lisa Garcia: Not Just a ClerkThe Leadership, Influence, and Impact Behind the Title

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Episode 328 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

May 3 through May 9, 2026, marks the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and there's no better time to shine a light on one of the most essential and often overlooked roles in local government.

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Lisa Garcia, Clerk and Deputy Manager for the Town of Florence, Arizona, whose 30+ year career tells a story most people never hear, but every community depends on.

From her early days navigating uncertainty to becoming a nationally recognized leader and past president of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), Lisa shares what it really means to serve at the center of local government.

This conversation goes far beyond the title.

You'll hear:

• Why the municipal clerk role is far more than most people realize
• How local government leaders grow into roles they were never fully prepared for
• The power of mentorship, community, and continuous learning
• What transparency actually looks like behind the scenes
• How communication—and lack of it—shapes public trust
• The rising challenge of incivility and what leaders can do about it
• Why local government is not just a job, but a calling

Lisa also shares one of the most practical leadership exercises you'll hear all year, something every leader should be doing, but almost no one is.

This week, take a moment to recognize and thank the municipal clerks in your community...the ones working behind the scenes to bring order, transparency, and continuity to the work that keeps our cities running.

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