#Recruitment #PublicSector #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

City managers, directors, and department heads don’t just appear—they’re recruited, chosen, and tested under pressure. Recruiting these top leaders for local government has never been more complex—or more urgent. In this episode of Authenticity FM, we’re joined by Charlene Stevens, Vice President of Human Capital at MGT and a veteran executive recruiter who’s seen every angle of the hiring table. With communities facing waves of retirement, rising expectations, and candidate pools that look nothing like they did a decade ago, how do you actually find the right leader—and what really works in high-stakes recruitment?

Phil, Corri, and Mike dig into today’s realities with Charlene, exploring everything from the challenge of attracting great candidates and the influence of social media, to the tension between internal and national searches and the surprising ways mentorship shapes careers. Whether you’ve been through a city manager search or you’re thinking about your next step in public service, you’ll find unfiltered perspectives on what’s changing, what’s challenging, and the practical strategies that can set both organizations and candidates up for success.

00:00 The Importance of Executive Recruitment in Local Government

01:30 Charlene Stevens: A Journey Through Public Sector Recruitment

04:18 Current Trends in Executive Recruitment

06:28 Navigating Internal vs. External Candidates

11:44 Generational Shifts in Local Government Recruitment

15:29 Addressing Reputation Issues in Recruitment

18:58 Understanding Governing Body Dynamics

29:56 Negotiating Offers: The Role of the Recruiter

37:52 Navigating Candidate Communication

43:10 Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

50:19 Mentorship and Talent Spotting

56:27 Networking and Building Professional Relationships