• #44 - Morgan's Point Resort, Texas City Manager PositionCast™
    Feb 20 2026

    In this PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice, Host James Groom, Clear Vice President and Retired Police Chief, sits down with Mayor Jimbo Snyder of Morgan’s Point Resort, Texas, alongside Retired City Manager Kent Meyers, Vice President at Clear Career Professionals, to provide a detailed look at the City Manager recruitment.

    Listeners gain direct insight into council expectations, organizational structure, leadership culture, and the real priorities facing the next City Manager.

    Morgan’s Point Resort is a residential lakeside community on Belton Lake in Central Texas, offering small town quality of life with access to modern amenities, regional healthcare, and nearby economic centers including Temple and Belton. The city operates with a lean team of approximately 35 employees, making this a highly visible and hands on executive leadership role.

    During the conversation, Mayor Snyder discusses governance philosophy, communication expectations, infrastructure needs, water supply considerations, staff development, and long term planning. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement, organizational leadership, and strong council manager relationships in a small city environment.

    Retired City Manager Kent Meyers provides professional context on the recruitment process, compensation structure, candidate expectations, and what makes this opportunity competitive in the Texas municipal executive market. The episode also reflects Clear Career Professionals’ candidate focused recruiting approach, known as the Clear Way, emphasizing transparency, preparation, and professional guidance throughout the hiring process.

    Key topics covered in this episode include: • Texas City Manager recruitment • Texas city manager recruiter insights • Municipal executive search in Texas • Council manager form of government leadership • Infrastructure and strategic planning • Staff mentoring and organizational development • Small city executive leadership expectations • Quality of life in Central Texas communities

    This episode is especially valuable for City Managers, Assistant City Managers, and senior municipal executives seeking executive opportunities in Texas local government.

    00:00 Introduction to Morgan's Point Resort and City Manager Role 03:51 Leadership Lessons from Military Experience 07:03 Council's Relationship with the City Manager 09:50 City Priorities for the Next Few Years 13:23 Mentoring and Developing City Staff 14:52 Software Transition Challenges 16:08 City's Financial Position and Debt Management 17:17 Community Volunteerism and Support 19:15 Community Expectations for the Next City Manager 20:34 The Role of a City Manager 21:47 Organizational Culture and Staff Dynamics 23:09 Community Vibe and Natural Beauty 25:23 Family Life and Community Amenities 26:56 Safety and Education in the Community 27:48 Challenges and Opportunities for Growth 28:27 Defining Success for the New City Manager 29:47 Key Takeaways for Candidates 32:33 Unique Characteristics of Morgan's Point Resort 35:32 Clear Career Professionals' Recruitment Process 37:41 Final Thoughts and Community Appeal

    Job Posting

    Apply Here: https://clearcareerpro.com/city-manager-mpr/

    Connect With Clear Career Professionals

    Website https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

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    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    40 mins
  • #43 - To A Better Place with Bobby Quinten
    Feb 17 2026

    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 • Burnout often stems from unmanaged pace and ambition • Culture change requires involvement, not announcements • Leaders are often harder on themselves than others are • Sustainable leadership is intentional leadership

    Connect with Bobby Quinten

    Bobby Quinten, PCC Founder, To A Better Place Executive Coaching Mansfield, Texas

    Gallup Certified Strengths Coach MHS Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach 2025 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.

    LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyquinten

    Email https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

    Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment

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    About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us

    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    47 mins
  • #42 - Depopulation and the Future of Local Government | Bill King
    Feb 10 2026

    Episode 42 of The Clear Voice looks at a shift many public leaders are not planning for, the possibility that population growth cannot be assumed.

    Author and public policy researcher Bill King joins the show to discuss how changing demographics are reshaping the long-term outlook for cities, school districts, and public infrastructure. The conversation moves beyond theory and focuses on practical implications for capital planning, facilities, and financial strategy.

    King explains why growth has historically helped local governments manage debt, expand services, and plan for the future, and why that cushion may not be there in the decades ahead. For leaders making decisions about new schools, major roadway projects, utility expansion, and long-term bonds, this episode challenges the assumption that more people will always be coming.

    Topics include: • Why declining birth rates are changing long-term planning • The risk of overbuilding schools and infrastructure • Right-sizing versus expanding public systems • Repurposing existing facilities instead of adding capacity • The role immigration plays in U.S. demographic trends • What city managers, superintendents, and elected officials should be monitoring now

    This is not a panic discussion. It is a planning discussion. The focus is on aligning long-range public investment decisions with demographic reality rather than past growth patterns.

    Learn more from Bill King:

    Bill King's Blog, Data-Driven Discussion on Public Policy and Politics https://billkingblog.com/

    Bill King's Book, Depopulation, Our New Demographics Reality https://www.amazon.com/Depopulation-Our-New-Demographics-Reality/dp/1965766641

    Follow The Clear Voice and Clear Career Professionals for more conversations focused on leadership, governance, and the future of local government.

    #clearcareerprofessionals #theclearvoice #positioncast #podcast

    00:00 Introduction to Depopulation and Demographics 03:18 The End of Assumed Growth 07:01 Aging Population and Its Implications 09:44 Global Demographic Divergence 13:09 Economic Implications of Declining Population 16:45 Local Impacts and Future Planning 22:06 Understanding Depopulation Trends 26:36 Adapting Infrastructure and Services 31:19 The Role of Technology in Future Planning 35:14 Demographic Monitoring and Policy Implications 40:11 Strategic Consolidation and Repurposing Assets 41:51 Outro and Thanks!

    Connect With Clear Career Professionals

    Website https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

    Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment

    Interim Services https://clearcareerpro.com/interim-services

    Other Services https://clearcareerpro.com/other-professional-services

    About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us

    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    43 mins
  • #41 - What Engineers Wish City Leaders Knew | Craig Kerkhoff
    Feb 3 2026

    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 Kerkhoff Craig 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: https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

    Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment

    Interim Services https://clearcareerpro.com/interim-services

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    About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us

    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    36 mins
  • #40 - Odessa, Texas CFO Opportunity PositionCast™
    Jan 29 2026

    What does it take to lead municipal finance in one of the most economically dynamic regions in the United States?

    In this PositionCast™, James Groom, Host of The Clear Voice, is joined by Kelly Kuenstler, Vice President with Clear Career Professionals, and Aaron Smith, City Manager of Odessa, Texas, to discuss the Chief Financial Officer opportunity with the City of Odessa. This conversation goes beyond a job posting and gives candidates a direct look at executive leadership expectations, organizational direction, and the financial complexity facing Odessa’s next CFO.

    Odessa operates in the heart of the Permian Basin, where oil and gas economic cycles influence municipal revenue, forecasting, and long term financial strategy. The CFO will oversee a 300 million dollar plus municipal budget environment, enterprise operations, financial planning, internal controls, debt management, audits, grants administration, and serve as a principal financial advisor to the City Manager and City Council. The role combines technical municipal finance expertise with executive level strategic leadership.

    Aaron Smith shares his servant leadership philosophy, discusses rebuilding organizational stability, strengthening council and staff trust, expanding grant capacity, and positioning Odessa to become a benchmark community for municipal finance best practices. Kelly Kuenstler provides insight into what the City is seeking in its next financial leader and how this role fits into Odessa’s broader executive team structure.

    Aaron also talks about quality of life in Odessa and West Texas, highlighting the strong sense of community, family friendly environment, and access to outdoor recreation. He mentions proximity to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Big Bend National Park, and destinations in New Mexico, making Odessa appealing for leaders who value both professional impact and lifestyle balance.

    Candidates will gain clarity on executive team dynamics, expectations for communication with council, support for professional development, and the opportunity to help shape financial operations during a period of growth and organizational renewal.

    This episode is designed for municipal finance leaders, finance directors, assistant city managers, city managers, and public sector executives seeking high impact leadership roles in local government.

    Learn more and apply for the Chief Financial Officer position here https://clearcareerpro.com/chief-financial-officer-odessa-texas/

    #ClearCareerProfessionals #TheClearVoice #PositionCast #MunicipalFinance #LocalGovernmentCareers #CityFinance #PublicSectorLeadership

    00:00 Introduction to the CFO Position in Odessa 04:09 Aaron Smith's Journey to City Manager 05:53 Understanding the CFO Role and Responsibilities 09:25 Current Projects and Future Opportunities 10:38 Challenges Facing the New Finance Director 12:22 Community Engagement and Communication 13:40 Living in Odessa: A Personal Perspective 15:08 Impact of the Permian Basin on Odessa 16:43 Support for Professional Development 17:25 Final Thoughts for Applicants 18:08 Outro

    Connect With Clear Career Professionals

    Website https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

    Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment

    Interim Services https://clearcareerpro.com/interim-services

    Other Services https://clearcareerpro.com/other-professional-services

    About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us

    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    19 mins
  • #39 - Brad Stafford on City Manager Burnout
    Jan 27 2026
    Episode #39 of The Clear Voice features Brad Stafford, retired City Manager and Vice President at Clear Career Professionals, in an honest and important conversation about city manager burnout, leadership stress, and mental health in local government. Brad is joined by Kelly Kuenstler, Vice President at Clear Career Professionals and former city and county manager, along with James Groom, Host of The Clear Voice and public sector leader. After 28 years serving as a City Manager, Brad Stafford shares the personal and professional realities that led him to step away from city management, not because he stopped caring, but because the cumulative weight of the job finally caught up with him. His experience reflects what many local government executives face but rarely discuss publicly. This episode explores the long term impact of constant crisis response, political pressure, public scrutiny, and the expectation that city managers must always be steady, available, and composed for everyone else. Brad Stafford discusses how burnout does not happen overnight. It builds through years of council meetings, community demands, staff oversight, emergency situations, and major events such as COVID and severe weather crises. Over time, the pace, responsibility, and emotional load can erode even the most committed public servant. James Groom guides the conversation toward the human side of leadership in municipal government, highlighting how leaders often take care of everyone else while neglecting their own well being. Kelly Kuenstler adds perspective from her experience in local government recruitment and executive leadership, emphasizing how widespread stress and burnout have become in city administration. Listeners will hear Brad Stafford describe the moment he realized something had changed. The work that once energized him no longer felt sustainable. He talks about identity and leadership, and how serving as a City Manager for decades can become deeply tied to who you are as a person. Letting go of that role can feel like losing part of yourself, yet recognizing the need to step away is also a form of leadership. Key topics in this episode include city manager burnout in local government, leadership stress in high responsibility public service roles, mental health challenges for city managers and executive leaders, the impact of politics and public meetings on administrators, the pressure of being on call at all times, and the challenge of balancing professional responsibility with family and personal well being. The conversation also covers the importance of peer networks, professional associations, and how councils and communities can better support their city manager and department heads. Brad Stafford emphasizes peer support, family support, and professional networks such as state and regional city management associations. He explains that many leaders struggle in silence because of stigma or the belief that they must always appear strong. By sharing his story, he hopes to help other city managers, assistant city managers, and department directors recognize early warning signs and feel less alone. This episode of The Clear Voice is especially relevant for City Managers, Assistant City Managers, Department Directors, municipal executives, elected officials, and anyone working in local government leadership. It also offers valuable perspective for city councils and community members who want to understand the human side of the city manager role. Behind every agenda packet, policy decision, and public meeting is a person carrying significant responsibility. The Clear Voice podcast, produced in partnership with Clear Career Professionals, highlights leadership, careers in local government, and the people behind public service. Episode #39 adds an important discussion about sustainability in leadership and protecting the well being of those who serve communities every day. Listen to Episode 39 of The Clear Voice to hear Brad Stafford, Kelly Kuenstler, and James Groom discuss burnout in city management, leadership stress, and mental health in public service. Connect With Clear Career Professionals Website https://clearcareerpro.com Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment Interim Services https://clearcareerpro.com/interim-services Other Services https://clearcareerpro.com/other-professional-services About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes. Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals
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    33 mins
  • #38 - The Next Generation of Public Service with Max Fisher
    Jan 20 2026

    In this episode of The Clear Voice, host James Groom is joined by Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese to welcome Max Fisher, a recent Texas Tech Master of Public Administration graduate and emerging local government professional. Together, they explore what the next generation of public service looks like and how cities can build stronger leadership pipelines.

    Max shares his journey from considering law school to discovering a passion for city management, policy development, and community impact. He reflects on the transition from classroom theory to real world municipal leadership and how early career experiences in West Texas shaped his understanding of public administration. The discussion highlights the gap between academic preparation and daily City Hall operations, and why hands on learning remains essential for emerging leaders.

    Michael Boese adds perspective from his work recruiting city managers, finance directors, and department leaders across Texas, particularly in West Texas communities that are building the future of municipal government. He emphasizes the role of mentorship, culture, and personal connection in helping young professionals find the right community and the right first opportunity.

    The conversation explores how technology is changing government work while face to face relationships still drive effective leadership. Max discusses internships, early exposure to local government, and how cities can connect with students at the high school and college level to introduce careers in public administration, public works, utilities, and municipal finance.

    This episode examines the leadership pipeline facing communities across Texas and the nation. Topics include workforce development, the role of MPA programs, attracting young professionals to municipal careers, and preparing for assistant city manager and city manager roles while staying grounded in humility and service.

    If this conversation resonates with you, follow The Clear Voice on your favorite podcast platform and connect with Clear Career Professionals on LinkedIn for ongoing discussions about leadership and local government careers. You can also explore current municipal opportunities through our career portal to find places where your skills can make a real community impact.

    Connect With Clear Career Professionals

    Website https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

    Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment

    Interim Services https://clearcareerpro.com/interim-services

    Other Services https://clearcareerpro.com/other-professional-services

    About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us

    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    43 mins
  • #37 – Nederland, Texas PositionCast™ | City Manager Search with Mayor Jeff Darby
    Jan 16 2026

    This PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice focuses on the City Manager search for Nederland, Texas. Clear Voice Host James Groom is joined by Michael Boese, President of Clear Career Professionals, and James Hopper, Vice President of Clear Career Professionals, along with special guest Mayor Jeff Darby of Nederland to discuss the expectations and opportunities for the next City Manager.

    The conversation provides direct insight into the priorities shaping Nederland’s future, including renewal of aging infrastructure, grant development and outside funding, emergency management readiness along the Gulf Coast, and the importance of strong relationships with employees, residents, and regional industry partners. Mayor Darby explains the leadership qualities the City Council values most, open communication, humility, visibility in the community, and collaboration with represented police and fire professionals.

    President Michael Boese reviews the recruitment process, salary range, and benefits, while Vice President James Hopper highlights the professional and leadership competencies that will help a new City Manager succeed in a complex Southeast Texas environment. Host James Groom guides the discussion to ensure candidates hear practical perspectives about culture, priorities, and the day to day realities of the role.

    Nederland offers highly rated schools, proximity to Houston, access to Gulf Coast amenities, and a stable economic base supported by major energy investment. The next City Manager will play a critical role in strategic planning, capital project delivery, and preparing the community for future growth and emergency events.

    This PositionCast™ is designed to help qualified municipal leaders determine if Nederland is the right professional and personal fit for the next chapter of their career.

    Position Details

    City Manager, Nederland Texas Salary Range: $161,000 to $219,000 DOQ Residency within city limits required Application Deadline, January 23 View posting and apply: https://clearcareerpro.com/city-manager-nederland-tx/

    Connect With Clear Career Professionals

    Website https://clearcareerpro.com

    Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

    Recruitment https://clearcareerpro.com/recruitment

    Interim Services https://clearcareerpro.com/interim-services

    Other Services https://clearcareerpro.com/other-professional-services

    About https://clearcareerpro.com/about-us

    LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    Listen and Subscribe: Subscribe to The Clear Voice wherever you get your podcasts to receive future episodes.

    Production Credit: Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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    41 mins