The HaltingWinter Podcast

Patrick Bryant: Relationships Before Results
The Hidden Key to Organizational and Community Success
*]: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 346 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Patrick Bryant, City Manager in Avondale Estates, Georgia, who shares his journey from growing up in a politically engaged family in Alabama to serving communities across Nevada, California, Alabama, and Georgia. Along the way, he discovered that successful local government leadership is about far more than policies, plans, and projects; it's about people.
Patrick reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, including legendary city managers Sam Gaston, Ken Pulskamp, and Ken Striplin, and discusses how investing in relationships opened doors, accelerated his growth, and continues to influence his leadership philosophy today.
He also shares the remarkable story of Avondale Estates' transformation. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and long-term thinking, the city has doubled its value in just seven years while creating a more sustainable future for residents and businesses alike.
Whether you're a city manager, department director, aspiring leader, or someone passionate about building stronger communities, this conversation offers practical wisdom on leadership, culture, economic development, and the power of investing in people.
About Patrick Bryant
Patrick Bryant serves as the City Manager of Avondale Estates, Georgia. Since joining the city in 2018, he has helped lead significant community and economic development initiatives that have strengthened the city's long-term sustainability and revitalized its downtown. Prior to Avondale Estates, Patrick served as City Manager of Talladega, Alabama, and held leadership roles with the City of Santa Clarita, California, and Douglas County, Nevada. He is passionate about mentorship, organizational culture, and helping communities thrive through strong leadership and strategic vision.
This Episode is 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

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
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

Jeff Niten: Building Beyond Today
Why Great Communities Require Long-Term Thinking
*]: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 346 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jeff Niten, City Manager of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, to explore what it takes to lead a community with the future in mind.
Jeff's journey into local government began far from city hall. Growing up as the son of an Army drill sergeant, he learned discipline, service, and adaptability through a childhood that took him from Alaska to South Carolina to Southern California. What started as an interest in public policy and urban planning eventually led him through county government, community development, and city management.
Throughout the conversation, Jeff shares lessons learned from helping rapidly growing communities navigate development, infrastructure, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. He discusses why professional local government leadership matters, the challenges cities face when growth outpaces resources, and how leaders must often make decisions today that won't reveal their full impact for decades.
Jeff also offers valuable insights on building trust with elected officials and residents, empowering staff to lead, breaking down organizational silos, and creating a culture where innovation is encouraged rather than feared.
Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or aspiring local government leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that great communities aren't built by reacting to today's challenges alone—they are built by leaders willing to think beyond today.
About Jeff Niten
Jeff Niten is the City Manager of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, with more than two decades of experience in local government leadership, planning, and community development. Throughout his career, he has helped communities navigate growth, infrastructure challenges, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. Passionate about public service, Jeff is known for his commitment to transparency, empowering staff, and building communities that thrive not just today, but for generations to come.
This Episode is 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

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
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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – No Rules Rules
Episode 345 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> Most local government organizations have plenty of processes. What they're often missing is trust; the kind that comes from a leader who shares the full picture, creates enough safety that people tell the truth, and has built a team capable of handling both.
This week on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter digs into No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer, the book that pulls back the curtain on the organizational culture that allowed Netflix to reinvent itself four times over. The framework Hastings built runs on three principles: talent density, radical candor, and leading with context instead of control. Seth unpacks each one and translates it directly into the realities of local government leadership.



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
Resources Mentioned
Book: No Rule Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer
Connect with Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Katelyn Zeits: Beyond the Corner Office
How Relationships Transform Organizational Culture
*]: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 344 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
What if transforming organizational culture isn't about policies, strategic plans, or organizational charts, but about relationships?
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Katelyn Zeits, County Administrator for Benzie County, Michigan, to explore the leadership lessons she's learned from a childhood on a dairy farm, a career that began in local government clerking and elections, and her journey to becoming the first female County Administrator in Benzie County's history.
Katelyn shares how growing up in a family deeply rooted in public service shaped her passion for community, why she believes local government must do a better job of introducing young people to public service careers, and how a culture transformation effort began with a simple realization: employees were afraid to walk into the administrator's office.
From building trust within an organization to fostering collaboration across townships, villages, elected offices, and community partners, Katelyn offers a practical and inspiring look at what it means to lead with humility, accessibility, and purpose.
Whether you're a city manager, county administrator, department director, or emerging leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the strongest organizations are built on relationships.
About Katelyn Zeits
Katelyn Zeits serves as the County Administrator for Benzie County, Michigan, where she leads organizational operations and strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of collaboration and service. A lifelong advocate for public service, Katelyn is passionate about developing future local government leaders, strengthening organizational culture, and helping communities thrive through strong relationships and shared purpose.
This Episode is 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

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
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

Scottie Harris: Calm in the Chaos
Leading a Community Through Crisis, Recovery, and Uncertainty
*]: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 343 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
What does leadership look like when the phones stop working, the roads wash away, and an entire community is looking for answers?
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Scottie Harris, Town Manager of Weaverville, North Carolina, whose career has taken him from fire service and military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan to the front lines of local government leadership during Hurricane Helene.
Scottie's journey is anything but conventional. From serving as a firefighter and 911 supervisor to leading emergency operations around the world and ultimately becoming a town manager, his story offers powerful lessons on leadership, preparedness, culture, and public service.
Together, Seth and Scottie discuss what it means to lead when circumstances are at their worst, why trust must be built long before a crisis arrives, and how leaders can remain steady when everything around them feels uncertain.
About Scottie Harris
Scottie Harris is the Town Manager of Weaverville, North Carolina, with more than 30 years of experience in firefighting, emergency management, 911 communications, military service, and municipal leadership. From helping establish fire operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to leading Weaverville through Hurricane Helene and its recovery, Scottie has built a career centered on service, preparedness, and community resilience. He was recently recognized by the North Carolina League of Municipalities with a Certificate of Municipal Excellence at its CityVision Conference.
This Episode is 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

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
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