The HaltingWinter Podcast

Al Vanderberg: The Change Agent
Building Trust Before Building Transformation
Episode 371 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
*]: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 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 Vanderberg
Al 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 Purpose
Leading One of America's Fastest-Growing Cities
Episode 370 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
*]: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 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 Eivens
Brenda 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 Lifetime
Episode 369 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> 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 Government
Finding Purpose Through an Unexpected Career

Episode 368 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
*]: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"> 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 LaCroix
Erica 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 Prestige
The Career Advice Every Public Servant Needs

Episode 367 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
*]: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"> 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 Corbin
Garrett 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