Deborah Stuart: Are You Developing Leaders or Just Promoting Employees?
Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline in Local Government

Episode 397 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

What if the biggest challenge in your leadership pipeline isn't finding better people but preparing the people you already have?

In Episode 397 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Deborah Stuart, City Manager of Mason, Michigan, to explore what it takes to intentionally develop the next generation of municipal leaders.

Deborah shares how "stay" interviews helped her uncover what employees actually wanted from their careers and where the organization was unintentionally setting talented people up for failure. Being technically excellent at a job doesn't automatically prepare someone to manage people, navigate conflict, oversee budgets, or lead a team.

That realization led Mason to rethink its approach to employee development, creating clearer pathways for advancement and giving employees opportunities to build leadership skills before the next position opens.

Seth and Deborah also discuss why people sometimes need someone else to help them see what's possible, the importance of mentorship in city management, and why economic development is ultimately about relationships, not simply incentives, projects, and data.

Deb's commitment to developing and supporting others has also earned her the Christine Burns Award from Michigan Municipal Executives two years in a row, recognizing her work to support and advance women in the municipal management profession.

About Deborah Stuart
Deborah Stuart serves as City Manager for the City of Mason, Michigan, a role she has held since 2016. Her career includes extensive experience in downtown and economic development at both the local and state levels before moving into city management. She is passionate about developing people from within, creating visible pathways for employee growth, and helping emerging leaders recognize opportunities they may not yet see for themselves.

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): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now: 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