The Clear Voice

Mayor Alejandro Flores from Los Fresnos, Texas joins The Clear Voice for a PositionCast™ focused on the City Manager opportunity there. Los Fresnos is a growing South Texas community with strong local identity, respected schools, regional access, and major opportunities ahead. In this episode, Mayor Flores discusses his connection to the community, the City Council’s priorities, the organization, and the type of leader who can be successful in the role. The conversation highlights responsible growth, infrastructure planning, budget management, communication with council, staff relationships, community involvement, and the importance of preserving the close community feel that makes Los Fresnos special. Kent Myers, the recruiter for this search, also provides context for candidates. He discusses the stability of the organization, the strength of the existing staff team, the long tenure of the outgoing city manager, and the opportunity for the next City Manager to help guide the city through meaningful growth. This PositionCast™ is designed to help prospective candidates better understand the community, the organization, the role, the City Council’s expectations, and the leadership fit needed in Los Fresnos. This role can be found at https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/los-fresnos-city-manager-posting Chapters 00:00:00 Cold Open: Why Candidates Should Look at Los Fresnos00:00:36 Introduction to the City Manager PositionCast00:02:07 Mayor Alejandro Flores and His Connection to Los Fresnos00:04:56 Leadership, Stewardship, and Council Priorities00:08:34 Communication, Onboarding, and Early Expectations00:10:27 City Services, Staff Leadership, and Organizational Culture00:13:02 Community Growth, Schools, and Falcon Pride00:18:11 Local Events, Culture, and Quality of Life00:20:40 South Padre Island, Outdoor Life, and Regional Access00:23:35 Infrastructure, Development, and Budget Priorities00:26:32 Ideal Candidate Qualities and Leadership Fit00:28:17 Kent Myers on Why This Opportunity Stands Out00:34:28 Application Process, Candidate Communication, and Closing Thoughts Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

The City of Caldwell, Texas is searching for its next City Administrator, and this PositionCast™ episode gives candidates a deeper look at the community, the organization, and the leadership expectations behind the role. James Groom, Host of The Clear Voice and Retired Chief of Police, is joined by Brad Stafford of Clear Career Professionals, outgoing Mayor Janice Easter, and incoming Mayor John Rychlik for a conversation about Caldwell’s future. The discussion covers Caldwell’s small town identity, growth pressures, downtown opportunity, infrastructure priorities, full service city operations, community partnerships, and the type of leader who can build trust with staff, council, residents, and regional partners. Caldwell is described as a close knit Texas community with strong civic pride, a growing local economy, a historic downtown, major community events, strong parks and recreation assets, and a council focused on responsible growth. The next City Administrator will enter an organization with meaningful opportunities in communication, modernization, infrastructure planning, economic development, and community engagement. This episode is especially useful for candidates who want to understand not just the job description, but the people, expectations, and leadership environment behind the opportunity. For more information about this role by check the job posting: https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/caldwell-city-administrator-posting Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

Katie Hagen, CEO of CPS HR Consulting, joins Host of The Clear Voice James Groom and Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese for a conversation about public sector HR, workforce challenges, organizational change, and the future of public service. Katie brings decades of public sector leadership experience, including senior roles in California state government, where she worked in HR, civil service reform, organizational turnaround, and change management. In this episode, she discusses why hiring challenges are often about more than salary, how agencies can reduce barriers for applicants, why professional development still matters, and how public organizations can use technology without losing the human side of human resources. James and Michael join Katie to explore recruitment, candidate communication, civil service systems, organizational assessments, public sector partnerships, and the importance of helping agencies move forward before problems become crises. Topics include public sector HR, workforce challenges, hiring barriers, candidate experience, salary and flexibility, public service motivation, organizational turnaround, change management, civil service systems, AI, technology, professional development, organizational assessments, workforce planning, internships, apprenticeships, and keeping people at the center of public service. Learn more about CPS HR Consulting:https://www.cpshr.us/ Learn more about Katie Hagen:https://www.cpshr.us/katie-hagen/ Contact Katie Hagen:khagen@cpshr.us 00:00 Introduction to Public Sector Challenges03:58 Understanding Hiring Challenges in the Public Sector06:28 Generational Perspectives on Public Service08:48 Katie Hagen's Journey in HR and Leadership11:03 Leading Change in Public Sector Organizations13:29 The Political Landscape of Public Sector Leadership15:55 CPS HR Consulting and Public Sector HR Solutions17:50 Maintaining Culture Across a Remote Team20:14 Current Trends in Public Sector Recruitment22:47 Building Talent Pipelines for the Future Workforce25:10 Streamlining the Hiring Process for Applicants26:48 Candidate Communication and Modern Recruitment29:49 The Role of Technology in Public Sector HR32:18 Balancing AI and Human Interaction in HR34:29 Understanding Organizational Dynamics Before Acting36:55 Finding Simple Solutions to Complex Problems39:36 Professional Development for HR Leaders41:55 The Future of the Public Sector Workforce43:25 Organizational Assessments Before Crisis43:39 Employee Development in a Technology Driven Workplace44:54 Basic Technology Skills Still Matter46:12 TMHRA, CPS HR, and Public Sector Partnerships47:42 Final Advice for Public Service Leaders Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom and Michael Boese talk with Darren Mann, leadership coach, speaker, and author of Rise Above Routine. Darren shares lessons from his project management career, early leadership failures, and transition into coaching. The conversation covers daily leadership habits, asking for help, mentoring, building support systems, servant leadership, failure friendly cultures, and the importance of communication that actually connects with people. Connect with Darren Mann: dmann@dmanncoaching.comhttps://dmanncoaching.com/https://dmanncoaching.com/rise-above-routine-ebookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/manndarren/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:16 Darren Mann’s Career Journey and Transition to Coaching05:18 Managing Life Like a Project and Setting Clear Goals07:28 Daily Habits for Leadership Growth10:20 Learning from Failure and Using It to Grow12:23 Promoting Top Performers Into Leadership Roles15:12 Support Systems, Mentorship, and Leadership Blind Spots17:32 Acceptable Failure Versus Repeated Mistakes18:43 Sharing Failure to Build Trust and Resilience22:16 Core Concepts from Rise Above Routine24:30 Consistency and Building Leadership Habits26:37 Asking for Help and Overcoming Fear of Rejection28:42 Servant Leadership in Practice32:42 John Maxwell’s Rule of Five and Daily Leadership Practices34:32 Communication, Connection, and Being Heard37:02 Public Service Leadership and Rising Above Routine38:23 Final Advice for Leaders Feeling Stuck Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

When a school district prepares for a bond election, they aren't just asking for funding; they are asking for community trust. In an era of strict legislative oversight, accidental planning can sink a project before it starts. Host James Groom and co-host James Hopper (retired superintendent) sit down with Derek Bird (Director of Operations, Central Texas for AG|CM) and Jason Burdine (Texas education leader) to break down the "Two-Year Runway" for successful planning. The Superintendent’s Burden: The 75% Rule James Hopper introduces the 75% Rule: Without an Owner’s Representative, a superintendent will spend 75% of their time managing construction instead of education. A professional Owner’s Rep handles the high-stakes paperwork so leadership can stay focused on students. The Two-Year Runway: Planning vs. Reacting Successful bonds aren't built in a semester. Derek Bird recommends a 24-month planning cycle to address: Legislative Compliance: Navigating the Attorney General’s guidelines and Senate Bill 843. Facility Assessments: Identifying true infrastructure needs (HVAC, roofs) over "wants." Long-Range Strategy: Planning for fast-growth districts without sacrificing build quality. Engineering Public Trust through Transparency Jason Burdine explains that you can’t sell a "cure" (the bond) until the community is convinced of the "disease" (aging infrastructure). The Naysayer Strategy: Invite your biggest critics to the Community Advisory Committee. Site Visits: Let skeptics see outdated facilities firsthand to turn vocal opponents into informed stakeholders. Education over Advocacy: Bridging the gap on how schools are funded (M&O vs. I&S). What Does an Owner’s Rep Actually Do? Unlike architects or contractors, the Owner’s Rep has 100% loyalty to the district. Audit and Oversight: Verifying that the work in place matches the billing for 20+ subcontractors. Cost Control: Escalating budgets for 2-3 years out to mitigate inflation and supply chain volatility. Staff Augmentation: Providing scalable expertise without the need for permanent full-time hires. The Future Landscape: Declining Birth Rates As birth rates shift, many districts are pivoting from new construction to maintenance and consolidation. Using facility assessments ensures existing roofs and HVAC systems are prioritized for the long term. The Clearly Exceptional Finish The link between facilities and the classroom is undeniable. When you tie facility needs to student achievement, you show the community that the investment is about the kids, not just brick and mortar. Resources and Connections Official Website: AG|CM Project Management LinkedIn: AG|CM, Inc. on LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: School Bonds and the 75% Rule 02:51 The 10-Year Plan: Why Bonds Fail Without a Runway 06:05 Building Community Trust Before Asking for Funding 09:29 Transparency: Convincing the Community of the Need 13:38 Engaging the Naysayers: Advisory Committee Strategy 16:19 Linking Bricks and Mortar to Student Achievement 17:40 Why Superintendents Can't Be Project Managers 18:57 Quick Wins: Delivering Results in the First 60 Days 22:11 The Owner's Rep: Who is Actually on Your Side? 25:56 SB 843 and the New Landscape of Bond Transparency 29:59 Social Media and Modern Bond Communication 33:53 Declining Birth Rates: When Bonds Mean Consolidation 37:42 Final Thoughts: Invigorating Teachers and Students Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides

Certainly a lot to unpack as we feature three amazing opportunities from Ruidoso, New Mexico. Ruidoso is entering a defining moment. In this PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice, Mayor Lynn Crawford and City Manager Ron Sena join recruiter Kelly Kuenstler and Host James Groom to outline three critical leadership roles that will help shape the future of the Village of Ruidoso. This is more than a recruitment. It is an opportunity to step into a community that is rebuilding, growing, and positioning itself for long-term success after significant challenges. A Community at a Turning Point Ruidoso is a small mountain community with big aspirations. Located in the Lincoln National Forest at elevations between 6,500 and 12,000 feet, the Village blends natural beauty with a tourism-driven economy. It serves as a destination for both weekend visitors and long-term seasonal residents, particularly from Texas. Recent years have brought major challenges, including wildfires and flooding that destroyed over 1,300 homes. In response, the Village has secured substantial federal and state funding and is now actively rebuilding infrastructure, housing, and long-term resilience systems. At the same time, Ruidoso is advancing major initiatives, including a $145 million green energy project, expansion of the regional airport, and hosting international events such as Ironman and XTERRA. This is not a maintenance phase. This is transformation. The Opportunities Three director-level roles are open, each playing a critical role in the Village’s future. Economic Development DirectorNewly created position reporting to the City Manager. Focused on business recruitment, strategic growth, and long-term economic planning. Expected to grow into a larger department over time. Chief Financial OfficerOversees a $152 million budget and finance team. Critical role in grant management, audits, and maintaining the Village’s strong financial standing. Water Resources DirectorHighly specialized role overseeing water rights, conservation, and long-term sustainability. Works closely with technical experts and operations teams. Leadership Culture and Expectations Ruidoso operates with a high-performance, team-oriented culture. Leadership expectations include collaboration across departments, transparency with elected officials and the public, responsiveness to residents, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. The organization emphasizes hiring strong people, providing support, and allowing them to lead. Departments are expected to work together, not in silos. What Candidates Should Know This is a small town environment with big responsibilities. Candidates should understand the Village’s recovery from fires and floods, review key planning documents, and be prepared for a tourism-driven workload that includes seasonal demands. This is local government at its most direct. Your work will have a visible impact on the community. Why Ruidoso Ruidoso offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career in a place where leadership matters. It is a community where you can see the results of your work, be part of a close-knit team, and help shape the future during a critical period of growth and recovery. Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effect

In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom is joined by Chief Carrie Ellis, a law enforcement leader with more than three decades of experience and the author of Ma’am In Command. Chief Ellis currently serves as the Chief of Police at Central Texas College and was recently sworn in as President of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, becoming only the second woman to hold that position in roughly thirty years. This conversation explores the realities women face in law enforcement, but more importantly, the practical leadership lessons required to reach command positions. While the book is written with women in mind, much of the guidance applies to anyone pursuing executive leadership in policing. The discussion also expands beyond policing to examine how police chiefs, city managers, and elected officials influence organizational culture, recruitment, and leadership development inside departments. Chief Ellis shares her journey into law enforcement, the barriers she encountered, and the mindset required to overcome them. She also discusses the 30×30 initiative and what agencies are getting right, and where more work is needed to build sustainable leadership pipelines. This episode is a must listen for police executives, city managers, and anyone interested in leadership development within local government. Key Topics • Why Chief Ellis wrote Ma’am In Command and the gap it fills in leadership development• The reality of women in law enforcement and leadership roles• Practical advice for officers pursuing command positions• The importance of listening to understand in leadership• Cultural barriers inside police organizations and how they develop• What police chiefs can do to support leadership growth• The role of city managers and elected officials in shaping police culture• Chief Ellis’ leadership as President of the Texas Police Chiefs Association• Leadership lessons that apply beyond law enforcement Leadership Insights Leadership is built over time, not in a single momentChief Ellis describes her path as a series of experiences that shaped how she leads, rather than a single defining event. Listening is one of the most critical leadership skillsLeaders must listen to understand, not just to respond, in order to build trust and develop their teams. Leadership culture starts at the topThe approach of the chief directly influences recruitment, retention, and advancement opportunities within a department. Confidence and mindset are critical to advancementFuture leaders must push past doubt, avoid perfection paralysis, and take action even when conditions are not ideal. Resources 🔗 Ma’am In Commandhttps://www.amazon.com/Maam-Command-Guide-Aspiring-Positions/dp/B0GFT6889N Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

Marshall, TX City Manager Recruitment | PositionCast™ Marshall, Texas is at a pivotal moment. In this PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice, Mayor Amy Ware joins Clear Career Professionals Vice President and recruiter and Retired City Manager Brad Stafford along with Host, James Groom, to provide a detailed look at the City Manager opportunity in Marshall. This conversation goes beyond the job brochure to explore the leadership expectations, community culture, and real opportunities for impact. Marshall offers a rare combination of historic character and forward-looking growth. With major infrastructure investments, strong institutional partnerships, and a supportive governing body, this role presents a chance to lead meaningful, visible progress in a community ready to move forward. About the Opportunity The City Manager in Marshall will step into a role with both stability and momentum. The City is investing in core infrastructure, including major water and wastewater system upgrades, while also expanding quality of life initiatives such as parks, recreation, and community facilities. Key focus areas include: Infrastructure modernization, especially water and wastewater systems Economic development and retail expansion Building code updates and long-term planning Parks, recreation, and community amenities Strengthening regional and institutional partnerships This is a hands-on leadership role with the ability to influence multiple facets of the organization and community. What Makes Marshall, Texas Unique Marshall is located in Northeast Texas, approximately two hours east of Dallas, and offers a distinct blend of small-town accessibility and regional connectivity. Highlights include: Population of approximately 25,000 with a strong community identity Proximity to major highways including I-20 and future I-69 corridor Diverse local economy including healthcare, education, retail, and industry Four higher education institutions, creating strong workforce pipelines Affordable cost of living with flexible housing options The community maintains a welcoming culture while continuing to attract new residents and investment. Leadership Profile The ideal candidate is not just an administrator, but a visible and engaged leader. Key traits for success: Strong community presence and relationship-building ability Comfort engaging with civic groups, schools, and local organizations Transparency and responsiveness, especially during challenges Ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking leadership Commitment to communication and public trust This is a role for someone who wants to be part of the community. Community and Organizational Strengths Marshall benefits from strong collaboration across organizations and institutions. Notable strengths include: Supportive and aligned City Council Strong partnerships with schools, colleges, and workforce programs Active economic development efforts Regional cooperation with county and public safety partners High community engagement and civic pride The environment is cooperative, not siloed, allowing leaders to move initiatives forward more effectively. Why This Opportunity Stands Out This position offers a balance of operational leadership and strategic impact. Candidates will have the opportunity to: Lead major infrastructure investments that shape long-term growth Influence development patterns and community planning Build on an already engaged and supportive community foundation Deliver visible, meaningful results within a reasonable timeframe For the right leader, this is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark. How to Apply To learn more about this opportunity and apply: Career Opportunities: https://clearcareerpro.com/city-manager-marshall-tx/ Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government lead

In this episode of The Clear Voice, we sit down with Andrew Weber, a Texas attorney and public policy leader focused on groundwater, water governance, and aquifer sustainability. Andrew is a partner at Kelly Hart and Hallman, where he leads the Austin office and chairs the firm’s Public Law practice, working at the intersection of law, policy, and government relations before the Texas Legislature and state agencies. He currently serves as President and Executive Director of the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association and President of Friends of Wimberley Parks, where his work centers on groundwater protection and regional water stewardship. Earlier in his career, Andrew served on the staff of the Texas Supreme Court and later as First Assistant Attorney General of Texas, giving him experience at the highest levels of state government before transitioning into nonprofit advocacy and water policy. In this conversation, we break down how groundwater conservation districts work, why Desired Future Conditions matter, and the growing challenges around data, modeling, and determining how much water is truly available. We also explore “white zones” where no groundwater districts exist, creating gaps in regulation and long-term planning. Andrew shares insight into ongoing litigation involving Aqua Texas, the role of private utilities, and the broader tension between development, property rights, and resource sustainability. The discussion also covers recent legislative activity, funding efforts, and what may be coming next for water policy in Texas and beyond. The episode closes with practical advice for city leaders, emphasizing the importance of requiring sustainable water sourcing before approving development and the growing need for informed, science-based decision making at the local level. Learn more:Andrew Weber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-weber-61223217Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association: https://tespatexas.org/about/Friends of Wimberley Parks: https://friendsofwimberleyparks.org/ Training resource mentioned in the episode:Hill Country Alliance Leadership and Environmental Training Program: https://hillcountryalliance.org/ Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

Strong communities are built one life at a time, and at the center of every strong community are its kids. Episode 47 features Dena Petty, Founder and Director of Mentors Care, in conversation with host and Retired Police Chief James Groom. This episode explores how structured mentoring programs create measurable impact for at-risk students and strengthen schools, cities, and entire communities. Episode Summary Founded in Midlothian, Texas in 2009, Mentors Care connects students with consistent, caring adult mentors inside public high schools. What began as Dena Petty’s deeply personal journey through adversity has grown into a structured mentoring model now serving 23 high schools with documented outcomes. In this conversation, Dena shares how her childhood shaped the mission behind Mentors Care, why mentoring must be intentional and organized to succeed, and how measurable results demonstrate long-term community impact. Among students with a history of disciplinary referrals, 63 percent improved their behavior while in the program. Attendance rates have improved across participating campuses, and thousands of student outcries have been identified and addressed through consistent adult relationships. Key Topics Discussed • Mentoring at-risk students• Reducing disciplinary referrals and improving attendance• Community impact and workforce development• Why structured mentoring programs succeed• Mentoring inside public schools• Internal mentoring programs for employee retention and leadership development• The long-term economic and public safety impact of investing in youth About the Book and Launch Event Dena Petty’s new book, Collateral Hope, shares the deeply personal story behind Mentors Care and the adversity that shaped her mission. Through honest reflection and lived experience, the book highlights how resilience, faith, and the presence of caring mentors can alter the trajectory of a life. The official book launch event will take place: Thursday, March 12, 20264:30 PM to 6:30 PMAuthor Reading at 6:00 PM Wilson’s Seafood & Grill322 E Avenue FMidlothian, Texas Purchase Collateral Hope on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQGLN7QY Community Impact Mentors Care serves students facing a wide range of at-risk indicators, including behavioral challenges, home instability, anxiety, depression, food insecurity, and exposure to criminal environments. The program’s intentional, campus-based structure ensures that mentors meet weekly with students during the school day, creating consistency, accountability, and safety. For superintendents, school board members, city leaders, and community partners, this episode provides a clear example of how mentoring strengthens not just individual students, but entire communities. Learn More Mentors Carehttps://www.mentors.care Dena Pettyhttps://www.denapetty.com Wilson’s Seafood & Grill, Midlothian Texashttps://wilsonsseafood.com 00:00 Mentoring and Strong Communities09:35 Dena Petty’s Story and the Birth of Mentors Care18:40 How Mentoring Works Inside Public Schools27:04 Measurable Results and Student Success33:50 The Book and Community Impact36:45 How to Get Involved with Mentors Care Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with ci

Building Strong Public Sector Teams with Cheree Bontrager How do Texas cities attract, hire, and retain strong executive leaders? In this episode of The Clear Voice, host and Retired Police Chief James Groom and Retired City Manager Michael Boese speak with veteran municipal Director of Human Resources Cheree Bontrager about municipal hiring strategy, executive interview preparation, retention, and building a workplace culture that attracts leadership talent. For councils preparing to hire a City Manager in Texas or organizations navigating municipal executive recruitment, this episode provides practical guidance from inside local government HR. Municipal Hiring and Executive Recruitment Cities across Texas are facing leadership pipeline challenges. Roles such as City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Finance Director, and HR Director require leadership readiness, not just technical qualifications. This episode covers: Current hiring challenges in municipal government Why executive roles are harder to fill How cities must market purpose and community impact Why candidates evaluate council dynamics and city culture Successful city manager recruitment depends on both process and workplace culture. Resume and Interview Preparation for Municipal Leaders For candidates pursuing executive roles in local government: Why hiring managers review resumes in about one minute Writing concise cover letters that explain employment gaps Ethical use of AI in professional applications Using the STAR method for behavioral interviews How to answer “Tell us about yourself” effectively Candidates are interviewing the city just as much as the city is interviewing them. Retention, Culture, and HR Partnership Recruitment does not end when the offer is signed. Why culture often drives retention more than compensation Building a positive workplace culture in city government How HR supports department heads and executive leaders The importance of mentorship in developing future city managers For any Texas municipal executive search, culture is often the deciding factor for top candidates. TMHRA and Professional Development Cheree also discusses the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association and its role in advancing municipal HR leadership across the state. Learn more about TMHRA education and certification programs here:https://tmhra.org/education/ Chapters 00:00 What HR Really Does in Local Government03:03 Cheree’s Journey into Municipal Human Resources04:30 Resume Tips and Writing Effective Cover Letters10:57 Interview Preparation and the STAR Method14:35 Answering “Tell Us About Yourself” and Standing Out20:00 Remember, Candidates Are Interviewing the City Too22:43 Council Dynamics and City Reputation Matter24:11 Why Interview Skills Matter for Executive Leaders25:13 Current Hiring Challenges in Municipal Government27:11 Attracting Leadership Talent to Public Service28:16 Marketing the Value of City Government Careers29:53 Building a Positive Workplace Culture30:31 Retention Strategies Beyond Compensation31:53 How HR Supports Departments and Leadership33:37 TMHRA, Certification, and Statewide HR Collaboration37:14 Final Advice for City Managers and HR Professionals Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effe

Bobby Quinten, PCC, Founder of To A Better Place Executive Coaching, joins James Groom, Retired Chief of Police and Host of The Clear Voice, for a powerful conversation on executive coaching, emotional intelligence, work life balance, culture transformation, and sustainable leadership in both public and private sector organizations. With decades of experience in leadership development, nonprofit governance, and municipal advisory service, Bobby helps executives strengthen communication, performance, and organizational culture through strengths based leadership and intentional growth strategies. Executive Coaching vs Training vs Mentoring Executive coaching is not training and it is not mentoring. Bobby explains how coaching creates structured space for leaders to think differently, identify blind spots, and build intentional action plans. The most effective coaching sessions are client centered and solution driven, often leading to powerful “aha” moments that shift perspective and unlock momentum. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Emotional intelligence is a foundational leadership competency. Leaders who fail to regulate emotions erode trust and credibility. This episode explores emotional regulation, active listening, vulnerability, and why mastering your emotional responses is critical for long term executive success. Work Life Balance and Burnout Burnout is common among high performers, especially city managers, department heads, and executive leaders. Bobby discusses how unmanaged ambition can shorten careers and why sustainable leadership requires intentional pacing, healthy modeling, and proactive stress management. Building Organizational Trust Trust cannot be established through policy or slogans. It is built through credibility, consistency, accountability, and human connection. Leaders who admit mistakes, listen actively, and respond with compassion create cultures that retain high performers and reduce burnout. Culture Change in Government and Business Culture transformation requires participation at every level, especially frontline supervisors and informal influencers. Leaders must assess the current state honestly, define a clear future vision, and involve ambassadors who will carry the culture forward beyond any single leader’s tenure. Strengths Based Leadership Rather than focusing primarily on weaknesses, high performing leaders identify and lean into their natural talents. Bobby discusses the impact of Clifton Strengths and how leveraging strengths increases engagement, motivation, and long term performance. Volunteer Leadership and Community Perspective Drawing from his experience in Kiwanis International and municipal advisory work, Bobby shares how community service broadens executive perspective. Leaders who step outside their organizational bubble gain insight that strengthens decision making and deepens community impact. Key Takeaways • Emotional intelligence drives leadership credibility• Active listening strengthens trust and team cohesion• Culture change requires involvement, not announcements• Leaders are often harder on themselves than others are Connect with Bobby Quinten Bobby Quinten, PCCFounder, To A Better Place Executive Coaching LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyquinten Email - bobby@toabetterplace.net Gallup Certified Strengths CoachMHS Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach2025 to 2026 Immediate Past Governor, Texas Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International Bobby is offering a complimentary 15 to 20 minute consultation for leaders interested in exploring executive coaching. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Coaching03:25 Bobby Quinten's Journey to Coaching06:00 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence09:30 Learning from Bad Leaders11:44 Work-Life Balance and Burnout15:07 Leading Work-Life Balance in Teams17:33 Building Trust Through Human Leadership20:21 The Power of Admitting Mistakes23:39 Culture Change in Organizations26:02 The Role of Frontline Supervisors i

Infrastructure problems rarely start the day a pipe breaks or a road fails. Most begin years earlier with decisions cities did not realize carried long term consequences. In this episode of The Clear Voice, Host James Groom and Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese sit down with municipal engineer Craig Kerkhoff, Managing Partner at BHC, to discuss the infrastructure realities city leaders face but often cannot see coming. Craig explains what engineers regularly encounter once construction begins, hidden system deficiencies, aging infrastructure that was never mapped or evaluated, and the difficult conversations that follow when unexpected costs appear. The discussion covers growth pressure in smaller cities, why master planning matters, how political decision making intersects with engineering recommendations, and the truth about grants versus long term funding strategy. City managers, elected officials, and department leaders will gain insight into how infrastructure planning affects public safety, taxpayer dollars, and a community’s long term stability. This episode offers a practical look at what happens behind the scenes of roads, water systems, and utilities, and why proactive leadership matters long before something fails. About Craig KerkhoffCraig Kerkhoff is the Managing Partner at BHC, an engineering firm serving municipalities across Texas. With more than 20 years of experience in municipal engineering, Craig works with cities to plan, design, and deliver infrastructure that supports long term community success. 🌐 BHC Website: https://www.bhcllp.com📧 Craig Kerkhoff: ckerkhoff@bhcllp.com For more leadership conversations focused on local government, follow The Clear Voice and visit Clear Career Professionals for current career opportunities. 00:00 Introduction to Municipal Engineering and Infrastructure03:01 Craig Kerkhoff's Journey in Engineering04:33 Understanding BHC and Its Focus on Municipalities06:25 Building Relationships with Cities09:50 Common Infrastructure Challenges for Cities11:49 Navigating Infrastructure Issues in Smaller vs. Larger Cities18:51 Leadership Dynamics in Municipal Decision-Making27:06 Funding Infrastructure: Grants and Financial Planning31:40 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Infrastructure Challenges Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes. Career Opportunitieshttps://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro