The HaltingWinter Podcast

India Adams-Jacobs: Planning Your JoySustaining a Career in Local Government Leadership

Episode 374 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

What does it take to build a meaningful career in local government without losing yourself along the way?

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with India Adams-Jacobs, Town Manager of Bowling Green, Virginia, whose leadership journey has taken her from county government in Virginia to Tacoma, Washington, Delray Beach, Florida, and back home to lead the very community that shaped her.

India shares how growing up surrounded by public service inspired her own path into local government, why she believes professional associations and mentorship are essential for developing future leaders, and how embracing innovation, including AI, can help organizations accomplish more with limited resources.

Perhaps most importantly, India offers a refreshing perspective on sustaining a career in public service. Rather than chasing work-life balance, she encourages leaders to intentionally "plan their joy," establish healthy boundaries, and invest in the relationships and experiences that allow them to continue serving others well.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned city manager, or simply passionate about strengthening your community, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and encouragement for the journey.

About India Adams-JacobsIndia Adams-Jacobs is the Town Manager of Bowling Green, Virginia, where she leads the community she proudly calls home. Her career in local government has included leadership roles in Virginia, Washington, and Florida, including serving with the City of Tacoma, the City of Delray Beach, and the City of Petersburg. A passionate advocate for innovation, mentorship, and public service, India currently serves as President of the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA), where she is the first Black woman to hold the position in the organization's 80-year history.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

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

Britt Lusk: Growth with PurposeLeading Through Change While Preserving Community Identity

Episode 373 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

Before becoming a city manager, Britt tried nearly everything from foster care caseworker, teacher, factory worker, mental health professional, HR director, and nonprofit leader. None of those careers felt like the right fit. But each one prepared him for the leadership role he never saw coming.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Britt Lusk, City Manager of Pilot Point, Texas, to explore an unconventional journey into local government, the importance of mentorship, and what it takes to lead a community through explosive growth without sacrificing its identity.

Britt shares how mentors encouraged him to pursue a Master of Public Administration, why saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities accelerated his career, and how his early experiences shaped the leader he is today. He also offers practical insights from leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating political complexity, and guiding one of Texas's fastest-growing communities with intentional planning and authentic community engagement.

If your community is experiencing rapid growth, you're wrestling with organizational change, or you're simply trying to become a better leader, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.

About Britt LuskBritt Lusk is the City Manager of Pilot Point, Texas, where he leads one of the state's fastest-growing communities while working to preserve its small-town character and rich history. Before discovering his passion for local government, Britt built a diverse career in foster care, education, mental health, human resources, and nonprofit leadership. His unique journey and people-first leadership philosophy have shaped his approach to navigating growth, building trust, and serving communities with purpose.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Educated: A MemoirEpisode 372 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Tara Westover never set foot in a classroom until she was seventeen. She grew up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho...no school, no outside voices, no reason to question the version of reality she'd been handed. What she built from there — BYU, Cambridge, a PhD — is one of the most remarkable stories of self-transformation in recent memory.

But the reason Seth is bringing Educated into the MLDC Summer Series isn't the academic journey. It's what Westover's story reveals about the maps we inherit: the assumptions, norms, and beliefs we accept as reality without ever choosing them. For local government leaders operating inside organizations with deep cultures and enormous pressure to conform, this book holds up a mirror that's worth looking into.

This episode introduces the week's themes: inherited assumptions, intellectual humility, the loyalty that makes room for honesty, and the difference between occupying a role and actually leading. If you're ready to take custody of your own leadership, this is the week for it. Learn more about the MLDC at haltingwinter.com/MLDC.

Join the MLDC

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 monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

Al Vanderberg: The Change Agent Building Trust Before Building Transformation

Episode 371 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

What does it take to lead meaningful change in local government without leaving people behind?

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Al Vanderberg, County Administrator of Kent County, Michigan, to explore a career built on tackling complex challenges, transforming organizational culture, and earning trust through authentic leadership.

From an unexpected internship that introduced him to city management to leading two of Michigan's largest counties, Al shares the lessons he's learned over four decades in public service. He explains why lasting transformation starts with relationships, how great leaders bring people along through change, and why understanding your team may be the most important leadership skill of all.

Whether you're a city manager, county administrator, department director, or aspiring public servant, this conversation offers practical wisdom on leading with courage, building high-performing teams, and creating organizations where people genuinely want to do their best work.

About Al VanderbergAl Vanderberg serves as the County Administrator for Kent County, Michigan, where he leads one of the state's largest and most complex county governments. Throughout his career, he has served in both city and county leadership roles, including as City Manager of South Haven and County Administrator of Ottawa County. Known as a thoughtful change agent, Al has built a reputation for transforming organizational culture, developing high-performing leadership teams, and guiding communities through some of their most significant challenges while keeping people at the center of every decision.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

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

Brenda Eivens: Growing with PurposeLeading One of America's Fastest-Growing Cities

Episode 370 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

What does it take to lead one community through decades of extraordinary growth without losing sight of the people who call it home?

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Brenda Eivens, City Manager of Cedar Park, Texas. Over more than two decades in the role, Brenda has helped guide one of America's fastest-growing cities through explosive population growth, major community investments, natural disasters, political change, and the evolving needs of its residents.

Brenda's journey into local government wasn't part of a grand career plan. An English major who began her career in human resources, she discovered municipal leadership through graduate school and a willingness to keep raising her hand when new opportunities appeared. That mindset eventually led her from HR Manager to Assistant City Manager and, ultimately, City Manager.

Together, Seth and Brenda explore what it means to build more than roads, libraries, parks, and public facilities. They discuss how great local government creates places where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call home.

Whether you're leading a rapidly growing community or simply looking to strengthen your leadership, Brenda offers practical wisdom on relationships, long-term planning, mentorship, and why the most important investment any organization can make is in its people.

About Brenda EivensBrenda Eivens has served as the City Manager of Cedar Park, Texas, since 2005, leading one of America's fastest-growing communities through decades of transformational growth. Beginning her career in human resources, Brenda rose through the organization by embracing new opportunities and investing in people. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she is passionate about building strong teams, planning for the future, and creating communities where residents can truly thrive.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Ride of a LifetimeEpisode 369 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

What can a Hollywood CEO teach a city manager? More than you'd think.

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter introduces The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger, the memoir of fifteen years leading The Walt Disney Company through one of the most remarkable institutional transformations in modern history. Strip away the acquisitions and the brand, and what Iger is really describing is the challenge of leading a large, complex, legacy organization under public scrutiny, with a deeply embedded culture and very little margin for visible failure.

Seth unpacks why this book translates so powerfully into the local government context and previews the five leadership principles the MLDC is exploring this week, from communicating priorities clearly to the quiet power of sustained integrity. If you lead in local government and you haven't read this one, this episode will make you want to.

Join the MLDC

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 monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

Erica LaCroix: There's a Place for You in Local GovernmentFinding Purpose Through an Unexpected Career Episode 368 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

Few people set out to become a town manager. Erica LaCroix certainly didn't.

As a young girl growing up in rural Maine, Erica dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. But life had other plans. What began as a temporary job in a city parking department eventually led her through public works, transportation, state government, law enforcement, employee benefits, and ultimately back home to Maine as the Town Manager of Farmington.

In this episode, Erica shares how curiosity, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities shaped a career dedicated to serving communities. Along the way, she reminds us that local government needs people from every background and that meaningful work often finds us long before we know exactly where we're headed.

Whether you're a seasoned municipal leader, just beginning your career, or wondering how your unique skills might fit into public service, Erica's story is a powerful reminder that there truly is a place for you in local government.

About Erica LaCroixErica LaCroix is the Town Manager for Farmington, Maine, where she leads municipal operations and works alongside elected officials, staff, and community partners to strengthen one of western Maine's most vibrant communities. Her career has included leadership roles with the City of Lansing, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, and the Town of Winslow. A lifelong learner and passionate advocate for public service, Erica is committed to mentoring future leaders and helping people discover that there truly is a place for everyone in local government.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

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

Garrett Corbin: Chasing Purpose, Not PrestigeThe Career Advice Every Public Servant Needs Episode 367 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

Most people think successful careers are built by carefully following a plan. Garrett Corbin's story suggests otherwise.

As Town Manager of Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Garrett's path to local government was anything but predictable. He dreamed of working in Washington, D.C., studied international relations and law, served in state government, practiced as an attorney, and spent years advocating for municipalities through the Maine Municipal Association before discovering that his greatest opportunity to make a difference was in a small mountain town he had loved since childhood.

In this conversation, Garrett shares how each unexpected stop along his journey prepared him for leadership, why experience often teaches more than education, and why the most meaningful careers are built around purpose rather than prestige.

We also explore the unique role local government plays in shaping communities, the importance of leading with integrity, and why finding work you truly believe in can transform both your career and your life.

About Garrett CorbinGarrett Corbin is the Town Manager of Carrabassett Valley, Maine, home to Sugarloaf Mountain. Before becoming town manager, he spent more than a decade with the Maine Municipal Association as both a legislative advocate and attorney, helping municipalities navigate public policy and legal issues. Garrett holds degrees from Boston University, the University of Maine School of Law, and the University of Southern Maine, and is passionate about strengthening local government and serving the communities that make Maine unique.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleEpisode 366 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Dale Carnegie published this book in 1936 and it has never gone out of print. Its core principles still fail to consistently show up in the average staff meeting, council session, or hard conversation. This week inside the MLDC, we're spending five days with Carnegie, not because his ideas are new, but because the gap between knowing them and actually practicing them is where most leadership breakdowns live. Seth unpacks why Carnegie's framework hits differently in local government, where authority has real limits, relationships are long, and the ability to lead through genuine influence rather than positional power isn't optional. If you're a local government leader who wants to go deeper, the MLDC is where this week's work is happening. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC.

Join the MLDC

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 monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

Eric Swanson: Just Keep Showing UpWhy Resilience Is a Leader's Greatest Strength Episode 365 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

Leadership isn't about avoiding adversity. It's about continuing to show up, especially when the path gets difficult.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Eric Swanson, City Manager of Phoenix, Oregon, retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Colonel, and a public servant whose career has taken him from small-town Maine to North Carolina, South Dakota, and Oregon. Along the way, Eric has navigated political transitions, military deployments, community disasters, career setbacks, and one of Oregon's most devastating wildfires.

Eric shares how a childhood rooted in faith, family, and service shaped his approach to leadership long before he entered local government. He reflects on becoming a town manager at just 25 years old, learning to lead without having all the answers, and why asking for help is one of a leader's greatest strengths.

The conversation also explores the realities of city management that rarely make headlines: adapting to new councils and mayors, earning trust during times of uncertainty, balancing public service with family, and staying committed when criticism inevitably comes.

Eric also recounts returning to Phoenix after stepping away from city management, only to lead the community through COVID-19 and the devastating Almeda Fire. His story illustrates how trust, resilience, and strong relationships can help communities recover and rebuild even after unimaginable loss.

Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or aspiring public servant, this episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't measured by a career without setbacks; it's measured by the courage to keep showing up.

About Eric SwansonEric Swanson is the City Manager of Phoenix, Oregon, and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve with more than three decades of leadership in public service. Throughout his municipal career, Eric has served communities in Maine, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Oregon, leading organizations through political transitions, natural disasters, economic challenges, and long-term community development. Following the devastating 2020 Almeda Fire, he helped guide Phoenix's recovery by securing millions of dollars in grant funding and rebuilding critical infrastructure. Drawing from both military and municipal leadership, Eric is passionate about resilient leadership, public service, and helping communities thrive through trust, adaptability, and unwavering commitment.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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