Leading Thriving Cities

Today's guest is Anello Hill Zanoni, a Management Analyst from Kerrville, Texas. He shares his journey into public service, inspired by his father's career as a City Manager. In our conversation, we discuss generational differences, navigating burnout, and how to make choices for work-life balance when everything feels like a priority. Join us for a great discussion about growing up in public serv...

In this episode, we chat with Dalton Rice, the City Manager of Kerrville, Texas. He dives into how public service and entrepreneurship are connected. Dalton talks about the importance of building relationships, driving sustainable change, and fostering collaboration among teams. He also shares valuable lessons from his wins and losses, reminding us all to focus on personal development and getting...

How can we lead with political neutrality in an increasingly partisan world? In today’s episode, we chat with Tony Moline, President of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce. Tony discusses the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses while maintaining political neutrality, especially during challenges like COVID-19. He shares insights on building strong relationships, emphasizes the importance...

How can we be more intentional about building relationships across our organizations? Today we have a conversation with Becca Miears, the HR Director from New Braunfels, TX. Becca discusses the importance of caring for people and intentionally building healthy relationships. She shares her career journey, the challenges she faced in becoming a director, and the value of mentorship. Becca offers st...

Today, Jackson Daly, the Assistant Public Works Director of Georgetown, TX, joins us to explore some practical advice on public service and making a positive impact in your community! We had a great conversation about focusing on the importance of being responsive, handling unexpected disruptions, and showing gratitude in public service. We also talked about the need to solve problems instead of p...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Stephanie Reyes, the City Manager of San Marcos, TX. Stephanie shares her journey of nurturing the city's growth while preserving its unique charm. She delves into the influence of her fourth-generation roots, the significance of self-care, and empowering future generations. Stephanie highlights the importance of building strong relationships wi...

Our guest today is LaShon Ross, she is the Deputy City Manager of Plano, TX, and she shares invaluable insights from her 35 years in public service. LaShon emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, modeling vulnerability, and the value of legacy. The discussion covers the shift from technical roles to leadership positions and the impact of public service on enhancing quality of life. La...

Can public service be fun? In today’s episode, we sit down for a wonderful discussion with Sara Costlow, Assistant City Manager of Deer Park, Texas. Sara shares her journey in city management, overcoming personal challenges, the fun that can be found in city management, and her passion for spreadsheets! Tune in to gain insights about leading as a woman in public service, and how we can all embrace...

How do emotions and logic intersect in public service leadership? The answer is fascinating! Join us for an engaging discussion with Lauren Rose, Assistant City Manager of Sachse, Texas. Lauren shares about Local Government 2030, which is working to reimagine the future of public service. Lauren shares her insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building trust, and the importance of maintaining...

Today's guest is Tony Haden, the Fire Chief at Travis County ESD 8, Pedernales Fire Department. With over 25 years of experience in the fire service, he brings a unique perspective to leadership. Tony is known for being a Vision Caster and Culture Warrior. In this enlightening discussion, he shares insights from his journey to chief and emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and collaboration ar...

Mike Harmon is the Chief of Police for Cedar Park, Texas. Chief Harmon shares with us his optimism about the next generation of officers and discusses how leadership is evolving to prepare for future generations. He also provided valuable insights into establishing strong, transparent relationships with the community and highlighted the need for a clear mission and a commitment to lifelong le...

Today's guest is Chase Stapp, who brings a unique perspective from his 30 years of experience as Police Chief and Assistant City Manager for the city of San Marcos. Chase currently serves as a Law Enforcement Outreach Consultant with TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool. He shares insights from his journey, including his transition out of public service, and delves into the importance of emotional and...

Today, Chief Allen Banks of the Round Rock Police Department joins us. We talk about how important it is for police officers to see their work as more than just a job. Chief Banks explains that it's essential for officers to build strong connections with the people they serve. He also emphasizes the need for self-care to maintain well-being, including taking regular breaks to rest and recharge. Le...

How do you find time in the crazy schedule of a city manager to take care of yourself? “If we did it in combat, we can do it in everyday life.” Today’s guest, Dean Huard, has some fascinating insight into the importance of self-care for city managers and he uses his time in the Army to inform how he sees things today. We dive into his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel and the transition into publ...

What is the legacy of a city manager? David Morgan is the city manager of Georgetown, Texas, ranked as the fastest growing city in America. He dives into the legacy a city staff can leave for the future. He has real insight into navigating city councils, how to establish great working relationships with them, and navigating the politics that come into play. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Par...

What does it mean to be an authentic leader in law enforcement? Today’s guest, Matt Davis, is a Lieutenant for the Arapaho County Sheriff’s office. He shares insight on what it’s like to experience things as a police officer that no human should experience, and how to go on a journey of healing. Matt leads with a courageous vulnerability, and he helps us understand how more transparency will lead...

How can city managers learn to set healthy boundaries? Today’s guest, Emily Crawford, the City Manager for Brownwood, Texas, helps us understand the effort that goes into every decision that crosses a city manager’s desk. How do you find middle-ground solutions for groups of citizens with different opinions? Emily helps us understand how to find humanity in city policies to truly care for employee...

How do we deploy healthy vulnerability to lead the next generation in law enforcement? Today’s guest, Assistant Chief Willie Richards, from Round Rock Police Department, helps us understand the weight carried by every police officer and member of command staff. He dives into how he has navigated a long career sustainably, and why he is excited his sons have chosen to go into law enforcement as wel...

How has the world changed for women in public leadership over the last 30 years? Spoiler alert: it’s changed a lot and it’s been a difficult journey. Today’s guest, Karen Daly, is a legend in city management, and the founder of the Texas Women’s Leadership Institute. She shares her tremendous wisdom, and the best part according to her is, “I don’t have an employer or stakeholder out there so I can...

How do you find wins as a city manager when all the challenges are so complex? Today we have a conversation with Katherine Caffrey, former Deputy City Manager of Cedar Park, Texas about the increasingly complex problems facing cities. Katherine gives us insight into navigating the various levels of her career in public service and all the things she learned along the way, including processing diff...

About Leading Thriving Cities Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy l...