356: Mike Van Milligen: The Four Principles of Lasting Leadership

356: Mike Van Milligen: The Four Principles of Lasting Leadership

Mike Van Milligen: The Four Principles of Lasting LeadershipLessons from 33 Years of Transforming One Community Episode 356 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What does it take to lead a community through decades of meaningful transformation? After 33 years as City Manager of Dubuque, Iowa, Mike Van Milligen has a remarkable answer. During his tenure, Dubuque overcame economic decline, revitalized its downtown and riverfront, invested in neighborhoods, strengthened community partnerships, and became a five-time All-America City. None of it happened overnight. It happened through steady leadership, long-term vision, and a commitment to building trust one decision at a time. In this conversation, Mike reflects on the lessons that shaped his career, the challenges of leading through change, and the four guiding principles that became the foundation of his leadership philosophy. Mike's story is a powerful reminder that lasting leadership isn't measured by headlines or short-term wins. It's measured by the people you empower, the trust you build, and the community you leave better than you found it. Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or emerging leader, this episode offers practical wisdom for building organizations and communities that thrive for generations. About Mike Van MilligenMike Van Milligen has served as the City Manager of Dubuque, Iowa, since 1993. Under his leadership, Dubuque has become nationally recognized for its strategic planning, community engagement, sustainability initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, and collaborative approach to local government. As he prepares to retire after 33 years of service, Mike shares the leadership principles and life lessons that have guided one of the most respected careers 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 [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 [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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]

355: Opal Mauldin-Jones: If You Stop Learning, You Stop Leading

Opal Mauldin-Jones: If You Stop Learning, You Stop LeadingHow Continuous Growth Leads to Lasting Impact Episode 355 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What if the greatest investment you could make in your organization isn't a new strategic plan, technology, or initiative but your own growth as a leader? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Opal Mauldin-Jones, City Manager of Lancaster, Texas, to explore a leadership journey defined by service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. From growing up on a farm in East Texas to becoming one of the nation's most respected city managers, Opal shares how a single college assignment, an extraordinary mentor, and a lifelong pursuit of personal growth shaped her approach to leadership. Along the way, she reflects on leading through economic uncertainty, natural disasters, rapid community growth, and the daily realities of serving a community with purpose and integrity. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't a destination; it's a continual process of learning, growing, and helping others thrive. Whether you're an emerging supervisor, department director, city manager, or elected official, this conversation will encourage you to keep growing because the growth of your organization will never outpace the growth of its leaders. About Opal Mauldin-JonesOpal Mauldin-Jones has served as City Manager of Lancaster, Texas, since 2011, after holding multiple leadership roles within the organization. Recognized nationally for her commitment to public service and leadership development, she is a past President of the Texas City Management Association and was the first Black woman to serve in that role during the association's 100-year celebration. A lifelong learner, she continues to invest in executive education and leadership development while mentoring the next generation of public servants. 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 [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 [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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]

354: Book of the Week: The Boys in the Boat

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Boys in the BoatEpisode 354 of The HaltingWinter Podcast _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> This episode continues the MLDC Summer Series, Stories That Shape Leaders, with a deep dive into The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, the true story of the University of Washington's underdog crew team and their improbable run to gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Seth unpacks why this story resonates so strongly with local government leaders: working-class athletes with no institutional advantage, competing against far better-resourced programs, who win not by individual talent but by learning to trust each other completely. Seth introduces the book's central wisdom figure, boat builder George Pocock, and the concept of "swing" — the rare moment when a team moves as one. The episode closes with a preview of the week ahead inside the MLDC, where members will spend five days unpacking the book's leadership lessons in depth. 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 [https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/] Resources Mentioned * Book: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown [https://amzn.to/4g2AnMS] Connect with Seth Winterhalter * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter [http://linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://HaltingWinter.com [http://haltingwinter.com/]

353: Jeremy Scott: The Leaders Who Adapt

Jeremy Scott: The Leaders Who AdaptWhy Great Public Servants Rarely Follow a Straight Path Episode 353 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Jeremy Scott's journey to becoming a county administrator was anything but conventional...and that's exactly what makes his leadership story so compelling. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Jeremy Scott, County Administrator for Antrim County, Michigan, to explore how a career that included mathematics, communications, marketing, technology, church media, and IT prepared him to lead one of northern Michigan's most beautiful counties. Together, they discuss why adaptability is one of the most important leadership traits in local government, how servant leadership shaped Jeremy's approach to public service, and why great organizations are built by investing in people, not just processes. Jeremy also shares practical ideas for strengthening organizational culture, recognizing employees in meaningful ways, communicating more effectively with residents, and building cohesive teams that deliver better service to their communities. Whether you're a city manager, county administrator, department director, or aspiring leader, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about following the perfect career path; it's about continually learning, serving, and adapting. About Jeremy ScottJeremy Scott serves as the County Administrator for Antrim County, Michigan. After an unconventional career spanning technology, communications, marketing, and media, he discovered a passion for public service and organizational leadership. Today, he is committed to building a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement while helping local government better serve its communities. 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 [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 [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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]

352: Tim Ellis: The Communities People Choose

Tim Ellis: The Communities People ChooseWhy Quality of Life Is Your Greatest Economic Strategy *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Episode 350 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] What makes people choose one community over another? For Tim Ellis, the answer goes far beyond jobs, taxes, or housing. After four decades in local government—including 15 years as City Manager of Goodlettsville, Tennessee—he believes the communities that thrive are the ones that intentionally invest in quality of life. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Tim reflects on his remarkable 40-year career, from starting as a part-time parks employee to leading one of Tennessee's fastest-growing communities. Along the way, he shares why parks are more than amenities, how community identity shapes economic success, what it takes to lead through major redevelopment projects, and the lessons he's learned about perseverance, mentorship, and leaving an organization better than you found it. Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or aspiring leader, this conversation is filled with practical insights on building communities people are proud to call home. About Tim EllisTim Ellis recently retired after 40 years of distinguished service in local government, including the past 15 years as City Manager of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Throughout his career, he helped lead transformative community projects, championed parks and quality-of-life initiatives, and guided Goodlettsville through significant growth and redevelopment. 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 [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 [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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]