340: Jordan Villwock: The Culture Advantage

341: Dean Huard: The Second Mission

Dean Huard: The Second MissionWhy Veterans Belong in Local Government *]: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 341 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] What happens when a military career ends but the desire to serve remains? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with former Army Lieutenant Colonel and former city manager Dean Huard to discuss leadership, purpose, transition, and why local government may be one of the best-kept secrets for veterans looking for their next mission. Dean's journey has taken him from growing up in a Coast Guard family, to serving more than three decades in the military, to leading a Texas municipality, and ultimately into consulting and advocacy work supporting state and local governments. Along the way, he experienced career setbacks, health challenges, and difficult transitions that tested his resilience and reshaped his perspective on service. Together, Seth and Dean explore the surprising similarities between military leadership and municipal leadership, the untapped potential veterans bring to local government, and why communities benefit when experienced leaders continue serving beyond the uniform. Whether you're a veteran exploring your next chapter, a city manager looking to build stronger teams, or a local government leader seeking encouragement, Dean's story is a powerful reminder that service doesn't end when one career closes—it simply finds a new mission. About Dean Huard Dean Huard is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, former city manager, and senior consultant specializing in state and local government engagement. Throughout his career, he has served in military, corporate, and municipal leadership roles, bringing a unique perspective on leadership, service, and organizational effectiveness. Dean is passionate about helping veterans successfully transition into local government careers and strengthening the connection between public service and community impact. Connect with Dean Huard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-huard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-huard-52619ab/] 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 [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 [https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/] Connect with Seth Winterhalter * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]

340: Jordan Villwock: The Culture Advantage

Jordan Villwock: The Culture AdvantageHow Ontario Became America's Top Local Government Workplace *]: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 340 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] What does it take to build a workplace where people want to stay, grow, and lead? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jordan Villwock, Deputy City Manager for the City of Ontario, California, to explore the leadership, culture, and intentional employee development practices that helped Ontario earn recognition as the #1 local government workplace in America among organizations with 1,000–2,500 employees. Jordan's journey into local government began as a police dispatcher in Laguna Beach before evolving into roles in emergency management, fire administration, and executive leadership. Along the way, he discovered a passion for developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating systems that help both employees and communities thrive. Together, Seth and Jordan discuss the realities of emergency management, leading through growth, succession planning, employee engagement, and the practical steps Ontario has taken to build a culture that employees are proud to be part of. They talk about: * How Ontario became a nationally recognized top workplace * Why culture is built through consistency, communication, and intentionality * The role strategic planning plays in organizational alignment * How Ontario's leadership development programs are preparing the next generation of municipal leaders * Why succession planning can no longer be an afterthought in local government * The importance of breaking down silos and building collaboration across departments * Lessons learned from a career spanning dispatch, emergency management, fire administration, and executive leadership * Why employee development is one of the most important investments a city can make Whether you're a city manager, department director, emerging leader, or someone passionate about building stronger organizations, this conversation offers practical ideas for creating a workplace where people can do their best work and grow into their full potential. About Jordan Villwock Jordan Villwock serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Ontario, California. During his local government career, he has served in public safety, emergency management, fire administration, and executive leadership roles. He is also an adjunct professor in emergency management and was recently recognized by ELGL as a 2026 Top Influencer in Local Government. 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 [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 [https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/] Connect with Seth Winterhalter * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]

339: Book of the Week: Unreasonable Hospitality

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Unreasonable HospitalityEpisode 339 of The HaltingWinter Podcast _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> What separates a competent organization from one that people actually trust? It's not efficiency. It's not accuracy. It's not even innovation. _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> According to Will Guidara, former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park (once named the best restaurant in the world), the answer is hospitality. And there's a critical difference between hospitality and service that most leaders have never stopped to consider. _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> In this episode, Seth Winterhalter continues a 3-month series inside the MLDC focused on organizational culture by exploring the central ideas from Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect and making the case for why this book belongs on every local government leader's desk. _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> Local government is extraordinarily good at service delivery. But service alone doesn't build trust. This episode explores what does and why the answer is both more demanding and more achievable than most leaders expect. 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/MLDC [https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/] Resources Mentioned * Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guiadara [https://amzn.to/4o2sIjA] Connect with Seth Winterhalter * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: www.HaltingWinter.com [http://www.haltingwinter.com/]

338: Leonard Hernandez: More Than Books and Buildings

Leonard Hernandez: More Than Books and BuildingsHow Libraries and Counties Create Community *]: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 338 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] What do libraries, museums, parks, and county government have in common? Far more than most people realize. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Leonard Hernandez (County Manager in Thurston County, Washington) to explore the often unseen role counties play in shaping thriving communities and how public spaces like libraries can become some of the most powerful tools for connection, learning, and belonging. Leonard shares his remarkable journey from shelving books as a library page in Southern California to leading one of Washington State's fastest-growing counties. Along the way, the conversation dives into the evolution of libraries from quiet book repositories into vibrant community hubs, the importance of collaboration across local government, and the small moments of encouragement that can change the trajectory of a person's life and leadership. They also unpack: * Why counties are one of the most misunderstood levels of government * How local government can foster belonging through public spaces * The connection between literacy, opportunity, and community outcomes * What the pandemic revealed about communication and collaboration in government * Why curiosity and creativity are essential leadership skills * How Thurston County is navigating growth, regional partnership, and the future of community development This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about the invisible work local government does every day to hold communities together. 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 [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 [https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/] Connect with Seth Winterhalter * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]

337: Mike Winder: The City Hall People Actually Want to Visit

Mike Winder: The City Hall People Actually Want to VisitRethinking Community, Communication, and Civic Trust *]: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 337 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies [https://tylertech.com/winter] What if City Hall became one of the most engaging places in the community instead of one of the most intimidating? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Mike Winder—recently recognized as one of America's 250 Public Service Champions—to explore how local government can move beyond simply delivering services and begin intentionally creating belonging, trust, and community connection. Mike shares his unconventional journey from growing up in a fifth-generation dairy family to serving as a city councilmember, mayor, state legislator, economic development director, and ultimately city manager of one of Utah's newest cities. Together, they discuss: * Why local government is still the most impactful level of government * How cities can foster belonging in an increasingly disconnected culture * The importance of storytelling and communication in rebuilding civic trust * Why City Hall should feel welcoming, engaging, and alive * The creation of Millcreek Common and a City Hall designed as a true community destination * How intentional culture-building strengthens both organizations and communities * Practical ways local leaders can create connection without massive budgets * The challenge of leadership boundaries and protecting personal well-being in public service This conversation is filled with practical ideas, hopeful vision, and a refreshing reminder that local government still has the power to shape everyday life in meaningful ways. 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 [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 [https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/] Connect with Seth Winterhalter * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter] * Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com [https://www.haltingwinter.com/]