Show Notes: Ghida NeukirchWhen Leadership Meets Tragedy: Resilience, Recovery, and the Burden of City Management

Episode 239 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

What happens when the unimaginable strikes your community? For Ghida Neukirch, City Manager of Highland Park, Illinois, that question became reality on July 4, 2022, when a mass shooting shattered the city's annual parade.

In this conversation, Ghida shares her personal journey, from fleeing civil war in Lebanon as a child to becoming a respected city manager, and the lessons she's learned about resilience, leadership, and recovery in the face of tragedy.

Listeners will hear:

• The pipeline problem: how a college project sparked her career in local government.

• Breaking silos: why culture and collaboration matter more than org charts.

• Networks that save you: the value of professional associations when "it's lonely at the top."

• Preparedness in practice: how Highland Park's training and mutual aid agreements shaped the response that day.

• The human side of leadership: carrying both professional responsibility and personal grief.

This episode is both a case study in crisis leadership and a reminder of the unseen burdens city managers carry.

Connect with Ghida Neukirch

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ghida-neukirch

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 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

2026 Illinois City/County Management Association Winter Conference February 11-13 | Normal, IL Details at ILCMA

2026 Wisconsin City/County Management Association Winter Conference February 25-27 | Oshkosh, WI Details at WCMA

Show Notes: Lori Curtis Luther The Messy Truth of City Management: Power Struggles, Public Pressure, and Daily Firestorms

Episode 238 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

City management isn't just budgets, ordinances, and long-range planning. It's navigating crises, absorbing public pressure, and making decisions that can end careers overnight.

In this episode, Lori Curtis Luther, City Manager of Overland Park, Kansas, pulls back the curtain on what the job really looks like when the spotlight turns harsh. From removing police chiefs in the middle of a leadership crisis, to managing a divided community during COVID, to handling union fights and a governing body of 13 elected officials, her career is a study in resilience, influence, and survival.

We cover:

• Why straight shooting, even when unpopular, is the only way to build long-term trust.

• The public backlash and hate mail that came with COVID decisions.

• How to manage power struggles and union negotiations without losing credibility.

• Why leading with authenticity beats trying to emulate others.

• The recruiting truth: "No private industry can compete with our purpose. We build community."

Lori's journey reminds every city leader that the job isn't clean...it's messy, political, and high-stakes. But it's also deeply meaningful when you learn to stand firm in the firestorms.

Connect with Lori Curtis Luther

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lori-c

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 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

2026 Illinois City/County Management Association Winter Conference February 11-13 | Normal, IL Details at ILCMA

2026 Wisconsin City/County Management Association Winter Conference February 25-27 | Oshkosh, WI Details at WCMA

Show Notes: Book of the Week – The 8 Dimensions of LeadershipEpisode 237 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview

This week in the Municipal Leadership Development Community, we're exploring "The 8 Dimensions of Leadership" by Jeffrey Sugerman, Mark Scullard, and Emma Wilhelm. Discover why your biggest leadership challenges come from people who think completely differently than you and what you can do about it.

Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our live, weekly, virtual mastermind session ✔ Monthly webinars with relavant training from local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The 8 Dimensions of Leadership by Jeffrey Sugermen, et. al
• MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

Connect with Seth

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

Show Notes: Lee Feldman: When to Walk AwayHeart Attacks, Politics, and Permission to Leave

Episode 236 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

What does it take to lead a city for decades, and how do you know when it's time to step away?

In this episode, I sit down with Lee Feldman, past ICMA President and city manager in multiple Florida cities, to explore the highs, lows, and lessons from a 40-year career in local government. Lee's journey—from a teenage "gopher" in a city manager's office to the top seat in cities like North Miami, Palm Bay, Fort Lauderdale, and Gainesville—offers a rare window into the realities of municipal leadership.

We unpack:

• The jump from #2 to #1: Why being a city manager is lonelier, and why your words carry a different weight.

• Health and politics as turning points: How a heart attack and a hostile mayor taught Lee when it was time to move on.

• Culture through language: Why he stopped calling people "residents" and "employees," and instead reframed them as neighbors and community builders.

• Small gestures with big impact: From hand-signed anniversary cards to "Lunch with Lee," the little things that still matter to employees decades later.

• Navigating crises: Lessons from leading through the pandemic, where college students became "vectors" and a skate park filled with mulch made national news.

• Networks as lifelines: Why no city manager can thrive without professional associations and trusted peers.

Lee's story is a masterclass in resilience, culture change, and knowing your limits. For every municipal leader, it's both an encouragement and a challenge: you don't have to stay forever, but while you're in the seat, you can shape lives and communities in ways that last.

Connect with Lee Feldman

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leerfeldman

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:

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

Show Notes: Kiel Mangus: From Imposter Syndrome to ImpactThe Realities of City Management in Times of Uncertainty

Episode 235 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

What does it take to step into leadership when you don't feel ready, and how do you grow into impact while navigating floods, growth, and public pressure?

In this episode, I sit down with Kiel Mangus, City Manager of Derby, Kansas, to explore his unexpected path into local government and the lessons learned along the way. From a one-day internship that turned into a career in public service to leading through explosive community growth and devastating natural disasters, Kiel's story highlights both the challenges and the rewards of municipal leadership.

We talk about:

• Why imposter syndrome is part of every leader's journey and how to move through it.

• What floods, wastewater plants, and rapid housing growth taught him about crisis management.

• The overlooked role of Public Works as true first responders.

• Why residents often misunderstand local government and how leaders can tell their story better.

• How COVID reshaped work, balance, and the expectations of city staff.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned city manager, this episode is a reminder that uncertainty isn't a barrier to leadership; it's the proving ground where leaders are forged.

Connect with Kiel Mangus

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kiel-mangus

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:

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

Show Notes: Book of the Week – Leading with My Glass Half FullEpisode 234 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview

Municipal leaders face relentless pressures: staff turnover, budget constraints, political tensions, rising community expectations, and constant media scrutiny. In this environment, optimism can feel like a luxury you can't afford. But what if optimism is actually the key to solving these exact problems?

In this episode, Seth explores insights from Peter Crichton's "Leading with My Glass Half Full" and reveals why optimistic leadership isn't just a nice personality trait, it's a strategic approach that transforms organizational culture and effectiveness.

Crichton spent over 40 years in local government, including nearly 20 years as Cumberland County Manager in Maine. His approach to maintaining hope and effectiveness despite real constraints offers a roadmap for municipal leaders who want to build resilient, high-performing organizations.

Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our live, weekly, virtual mastermind session ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Leading with My Glass Half Full by Peter Crichton
• MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

Connect with Seth

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

Show Notes: Sean Grayson: From Sirens to Strategy: A Fire Chief's Unlikely Path to City Hall

Episode 233 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 Sean Grayson, City Manager of Nevada City, California. Sean's path into municipal leadership didn't begin in planning or finance; it began in a firehouse. After two decades in the fire service, rising to fire chief in Rialto, California, Sean found himself twice "voluntold" into the role of interim city administrator during critical moments of transition. Those unexpected assignments reshaped his career and ultimately brought him back to lead his hometown of Nevada City.

From fighting fires to managing cities, Sean shares the lessons he's learned about crisis leadership, breaking down silos, and building trust with the community. His story is a reminder that leadership isn't about titles—it's about answering the call when your city needs you most.

Connect with Sean Grayson

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sean-grayson

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

Show Notes: Regan Bolli: People Before Performance: The Culture Shift That Changed a City

Episode 232 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Regan Bolli, a city manager whose journey from law school and private-sector practice to local government reshaped his entire view of leadership. What began as a difficult transition—from a world of bottom-line efficiency to one built on transparency and inclusion—turned into a career-defining shift that has changed how he leads people, builds culture, and drives impact in his community.

Regan shares the lessons learned in redefining success, putting people before performance, and creating a workplace culture where employees thrive both at work and at home. His story offers a clear challenge to every municipal leader: culture isn't built on projects or efficiency—it's built on people, integrity, and trust.

Connect with Regan Bolli

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/regan-bolli

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

Show Notes: Book of the Week – The 6 Types of Working GeniusEpisode 231 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview

Have you ever wondered why some aspects of your leadership role energize you while others feel like pure drudgery? In this episode, Seth explores Patrick Lencioni's framework from The 6 Types of Working Genius that explains this universal leadership mystery. Discover why your energy patterns aren't random and how understanding them can transform your effectiveness.

Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our live, weekly, virtual mastermind session ✔ Monthly webinars with relavant training from local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
• MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

Connect with Seth

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

Show Notes: William "Buzzy" Newman: Succession Without a Script: Handing Over the City You Love

Episode 230 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

What does it look like to lead the city you grew up in and then hand it over to the next generation? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with William "Buzzy" Newman, longtime city leader in Henderson, Kentucky. From growing up as the son of a six-term mayor, to navigating economic transformation and social unrest, to leading through the chaos of COVID, Buzzy's story is one of legacy, resilience, and community-first leadership.

But the heart of this conversation isn't just about service—it's about succession. Buzzy shares how he mentored Dylan Ward from young engineer to city manager, and why he chose to step back into the assistant role to ensure a seamless transition. Along the way, he offers candid lessons on honesty in politics, balancing community loyalty with family life, and why mentoring the next generation may be the most important act of leadership.

Connect with William "Buzzy" Newman

LinkedIn:

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