In this second chapter of our literacy mini-series, we’re back in Utah, where a bold statewide goal is in motion: get 70% of third-grade students reading at grade level by 2027. But how do you take that goal and turn it into real change? We find out in this episode of Impact in Action.

Today, we catch up with the Utah State Board of Education’s Savannah Hunt and Susie Estrada, and we lift the curtain on MGT’s contribution to SB127. We are joined by Sarah Iannucci, an education consultant from MGT, to discuss tangible solutions to engage better with students, at school or at home. Together, we draw a simple but powerful roadmap for educators and families.

Part 2 of our Literacy Crisis series is a lesson in how communities can come together to improve outcomes for children. From the science of reading to change management and family engagement, find out how statewide education reform happens, one step at a time.

Chapters:

1- Introduction and series recap (0:29)

2- MGT & the USBE: an innovative approach to education reform (5:45)

3- The cohort model, a tried and tested method to improve schools (9:01)

4- Why collaboration between teachers and families matters (17:43)

5- The power of school events to foster community support (25:24)

6- First results and preparing the future of SB127 (30:18)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Education solutions
• USBE Website
• Savannah Hunt LinkedIn
• Susie Estrada LinkedIn
• Sarah Iannucci LinkedIn
• Utah State Legislature - SB127
• [Article] NWEA - “The science of reading explained"
• [Article] MGT - “From Policy to Progress: How Senate Bill 127 is Transforming Early Literacy in Utah”
• [Book] Karen Mapp - Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family/School Partnerships
• [Resource] The National Literacy Institute - 2024-2025 Literacy Statistics
• [Resource] World Population Review - U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2025

Feedback:

If you have questions about the topics covered in this episode, or about MGT's work with the USBE, you can email Sarah Iannucci: siannucci@mgt.us

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT or the USBE or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

Reading is one of the most fundamental skills we have. It affects everything: our ability to get a job, navigate daily life, stay informed, or think critically. And yet, today in the U.S., reading is something we take for granted.

Recent studies show that our literacy rates are on the decline: more than half of Americans can’t read above a sixth-grade level. And in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many young students have fallen behind on reading, hindering their education long-term. So, how did we get here? And more importantly, how do we turn things around?

In this new mini-series, we show you how one state is responding to the literacy crisis. We dive into the life of the Utah State Board of Education, a government body that has made big commitments to literacy. With an ambitious bill signed into law, Utah intends to get 70% of third graders reading at grade level by 2027.

In Part 1 of this series, we meet with Savannah Hunt and Susie Estrada, two education specialists who work at the USBE, to dive into what Utah is doing to help its youngest students succeed. Together, we break down what good literacy looks like and explore the role of government in education reform. Beyond the science of reading, we discuss the social factors that impact literacy: life at school, family engagement, and inequality of access.

Whether you’re a teacher, policymaker, parent, or just passionate about equitable education, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

1- Welcome to Utah, with Savannah and Susie (3:07)

2- What good literacy looks like (10:22)

3- Social factors impacting education (16:26)

4- SB127: a bill to improve early literacy across the state (23:28)

5- Partnering with MGT to reach ambitious goals (27:57)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Education solutions
• USBE Website
• Savannah Hunt LinkedIn
• Susie Estrada LinkedIn
• Utah State Legislature - SB127
• [Article] KSL News Radio - “Third graders in Utah are falling behind on their reading skills”
• [Article] MGT - “MGT Partners with the Utah State Board of Education to Improve Literacy Statewide”
• [Article] The Conversation - “Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reform”
• [Resource] The National Literacy Institute - 2024-2025 Literacy Statistics
• [Resource] World Population Review - U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2025

Feedback:

If you have questions about the topics covered in this episode or MGT's work with the USBE, you can email Sarah Iannucci: siannucci@mgt.us

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT or the USBE or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

When Tom Joyce left military leadership to step into civilian life, the transition wasn’t easy. But he felt called to serve again, and with a little help, he found his way to city government. Now, in the final chapter of our Veteran Story mini-series, we hear how Tom made the leap; how he connected with the right people, discovered a hidden gem of a city in North Dakota, and finally found a role that fit.

In this episode, we also welcome Charlene Stevens to the show; Vice President of Human Capital at MGT, she played a key part in helping Tom navigate this transition. Charlene is a recruitment expert, a former city executive, and someone who understands exactly what makes a strong public servant. And when she met Tom, she saw his potential right away.

Together, we also take a closer look at Minot, North Dakota — the Magic City — to understand its history, its community, and why its government needed someone like Tom. We discuss how Tom’s leadership, problem-solving, and dedication to public service helped him land a role that really suited him, as Assistant City Manager of Minot.

This episode is not just about recruitment. It’s about what happens when the right person meets the right opportunity. It’s a story of community-building, perseverance, and making the most of your skills. And for veterans looking to transition into civilian careers? It’s proof that your next path is out there—you just need the right support to find it.

Chapters:

1- Series recap: Tom Joyce’s story so far (00:21)

2- Introducing Charlene Stevens and MGT’s recruitment services (2:52)

3- A picture of Minot’s history and community needs (7:02)

4- How Charlene helped Tom apply and showcase his skills (13:43)

5- Discovering the Magic City: Tom’s interview and first trip to Minot (18:17)
6- The start of a new chapter and reflections on a journey of reinvention (23:04)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Recruitment Solutions
• Tom Joyce LinkedIn
• Charlene Stevens LinkedIn
• City of Minot’s Government Website
• Resource – The International City/County Management Association’s Veteran Page
• Resource – North Dakota Tourism Office Website

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT, the City of Minot, or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

Tom Joyce was an Air Force colonel with 28 years of active duty when he was asked to retire and found himself at a crossroads. Leaving the military didn’t just mean leaving a job; it meant starting over and finding a new purpose.

So, how did Tom go from military service to a career in city management? What resources supported him in finding his new vocation? And what core skills gave him the perfect foundation to make that jump?

To help answer these questions, we continue our conversation with Tom and bring in Michael Brethorst, one of our recruitment experts here at MGT.

With two decades of experience in public service and past experience in the Minnesota Army National Guard, Mike has seen both worlds —government and military— and knows exactly how those experiences overlap. Today, Mike helps professionals like Tom identify their strengths and match them with the right opportunities.

In this episode, we speak with Mike about what military leadership really teaches you and how veteran skills translate into the civilian world. Together, we also discuss how resources like the ICMA, veteran and military civilian fellowship programmes, and MGT’s recruitment services can facilitate career transitions.

This episode offers you tools to recognize the value of your experience and explore new professional avenues. Whether you’re a veteran, a hiring manager, or just someone considering a career change, there's much to learn from today's guests.

Chapters:

1- Introduction and series recap (00:22)

2- Tom’s first steps post-military: switching to the civilian side to build a new vision (3:43)

3- What government and military life have in common, with Mike Brethorst (9:07)

4- Why a military background might be the most interesting part of your résumé (15:50)

5- Veteran and civilian leadership programs: how Tom found his way to local government (20:53)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Recruitment Solutions
• Tom Joyce LinkedIn
• Michael Brethorst LinkedIn
• Gallup - The Clifton Strengths Assessment
• The International City/County Management Association - Veteran Resources

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT, the City of Minot, or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

We all know someone who has served in the military. A grandparent, a friend from school, a new colleague – we’ve heard their stories, and we might think we know what life in the force looks like. But how do ex-military personnel find their way to us after their service ends? How do you start over?

For nearly 18 million veterans in the U.S., transitioning out of military life can be daunting. Finding a new purpose, a new career, and the support of a community isn’t always straightforward. But social impact solutions can help along the way.

So for our first series, we follow one man on his journey out of the Air Force and into the next life. We span continents, traveling from Germany and Kyrgyzstan to the heart of Minot, North Dakota. Introducing: Tom Jones, a Veteran Story.

In this episode, we meet Tom and discuss his first life: his upbringing, growing up in a typical military family; how he got started in the Air Force and rose up the ranks; and the chain of events that led him to retire early. We also discuss Tom’s expertise (a hint: it’s not combat arms) and how his first career paved the way for a vocation in city government. We find out what happens when, after 28 years in the force, a Colonel is given a year to plan his future.

Whether you’re a veteran, know someone in the military, or are simply interested in stories of career reinvention, leadership, and public service, this episode offers real insight into what it means to start over.

Chapters:

1- Meet Tom Joyce, Assistant City Manager for the City of Minot (01:19)

2- When military runs in the family: Tom’s vocation and early career (6:33)

3- How Tom built a career and a community in the Air Force (12:43)

4- Learning to lead from Alaska to the Pentagon (18:23)

5- When retirement strikes: “ the ultimate transition into the rest of my life” (25:03)

6- Next time on Impact In Action (31:01)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Recruitment Solutions
• Tom Joyce LinkedIn
• United States Census Bureau - Veterans
• Forbes - “Career Tips For Veterans: Transitioning To The Civilian Workforce”
• Study - “Challenges on The Home Front: Underemployment hits Veterans Hard”

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT, the City of Minot, or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

Introducing Impact in Action, from MGT. On this podcast, we dive into the real stories behind every social impact solution.

For each community that recovers from hardship, there’s a group of people that came together, made a plan, and got their hands in the dirt. Because social change is not just protests and new laws; it’s often a long process, where individuals come together, look for solutions, and learn through trials and errors.

From the vibrant heart of Baltimore to the rural depths of North Dakota, Impact in Action takes you across the U.S. to hear fascinating stories of social change. Technology solutions, school transformation, or human capital solutions… It takes a lot of work to transform a community. On this podcast, we show you how to get there, and live better together.

We’re MGT, a provider of specialized technology and advisory solutions. We are committed to social impact in everything we do; so on this podcast, we bring you the tools you need to make change happen.

Join us on Impact in Action, out now, and start on your own journey of social transformation.