Jeremy Scott: The Leaders Who Adapt
Why Great Public Servants Rarely Follow a Straight Path

Episode 353 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

Jeremy Scott's journey to becoming a county administrator was anything but conventional...and that's exactly what makes his leadership story so compelling.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Jeremy Scott, County Administrator for Antrim County, Michigan, to explore how a career that included mathematics, communications, marketing, technology, church media, and IT prepared him to lead one of northern Michigan's most beautiful counties.

Together, they discuss why adaptability is one of the most important leadership traits in local government, how servant leadership shaped Jeremy's approach to public service, and why great organizations are built by investing in people, not just processes.

Jeremy also shares practical ideas for strengthening organizational culture, recognizing employees in meaningful ways, communicating more effectively with residents, and building cohesive teams that deliver better service to their communities.

Whether you're a city manager, county administrator, department director, or aspiring leader, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about following the perfect career path; it's about continually learning, serving, and adapting.

About Jeremy Scott
Jeremy Scott serves as the County Administrator for Antrim County, Michigan. After an unconventional career spanning technology, communications, marketing, and media, he discovered a passion for public service and organizational leadership. Today, he is committed to building a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement while helping local government better serve its communities.

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, 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

Tim Ellis: The Communities People Choose
Why Quality of Life Is Your Greatest Economic Strategy

Episode 350 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What makes people choose one community over another?

For Tim Ellis, the answer goes far beyond jobs, taxes, or housing. After four decades in local government—including 15 years as City Manager of Goodlettsville, Tennessee—he believes the communities that thrive are the ones that intentionally invest in quality of life.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Tim reflects on his remarkable 40-year career, from starting as a part-time parks employee to leading one of Tennessee's fastest-growing communities. Along the way, he shares why parks are more than amenities, how community identity shapes economic success, what it takes to lead through major redevelopment projects, and the lessons he's learned about perseverance, mentorship, and leaving an organization better than you found it.

Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or aspiring leader, this conversation is filled with practical insights on building communities people are proud to call home.

About Tim Ellis
Tim Ellis recently retired after 40 years of distinguished service in local government, including the past 15 years as City Manager of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Throughout his career, he helped lead transformative community projects, championed parks and quality-of-life initiatives, and guided Goodlettsville through significant growth and redevelopment.

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, 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 – Team of Rivals
Episode 351 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Republican nomination over three men who were more experienced, more connected, and more respected than he was...and then handed them the most powerful jobs in his administration.

This week on The HaltingWinter Podcast, we're kicking off something special in the MLDC...our Special Summer Series, Stories That Shape Leaders, and we're starting with Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. It's a 750-page presidential biography and one of the most useful leadership books you'll find, even though it never mentions a city council or a budget hearing.

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: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: https://HaltingWinter.com