The Clear Voice

Clear Career Professionals
  • 5.0 (1)
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The Clear Voice features candid talks with City Managers and public sector leaders on growth, council dynamics, and culture. Produced by Clear Career Professionals. Learn more: clearcareerpro.com

  1. 1d ago

    #71 - HR Serves the People Who Serve the Community | Matt Wright

    In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom sits down with Matt Wright, Human Resources Director for the City of Buda, Texas, to talk about employee retention, organizational culture, and the human side of public service. Matt brings a unique perspective to the conversation after transitioning from a long career with the Austin Police Department into municipal HR. The discussion explores why good employees leave public sector organizations, why culture often matters as much as compensation, and how leaders can better serve the employees who serve the community. James and Matt also discuss the importance of organizational justice, procedural fairness, emotional regulation, and treating employees with dignity and respect. From public works crews fixing water lines in the Texas heat to police officers serving the public after a difficult interaction with a supervisor, this conversation focuses on how internal leadership directly affects external service. Matt’s key takeaway for leaders is simple but powerful: you get to decide how you show up in your next interaction. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and why good employees leave 02:50 Culture, retention, and feeling valued 05:13 Balancing community expectations and employee needs 07:48 Public Works and the unseen work of local government 08:09 Recognizing employee disengagement before they leave 12:52 Matt’s transition from policing to municipal HR 22:20 The human element in public service leadership 24:31 HR as service to the people who serve the community 28:08 Organizational justice, fairness, and internal culture 32:50 Dignity, respect, and emotional regulation in leadership 35:10 Push versus hold: slowing down leadership reactions 38:12 Using AI to improve communication and understanding 41:18 Matt’s future aspirations and leadership growth 42:37 Final takeaway for 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    45 min

  2. Jun 23

    #70 - Director of Governmental Relations | TMRS PositionCast™

    In this episode of The Clear Voice, guests Debbie Munoz, Executive Director of the Texas Municipal Retirement System, Dan Wattles, former TMRS Director of Governmental Relations, and Michael Boese, President of Clear Career Professionals, join host James Groom to discuss an important executive leadership opportunity with TMRS. TMRS is recruiting for its next Director of Governmental Relations, a role that sits at the intersection of public policy, relationships, pension governance, and public service. This position plays a critical role in protecting the retirement system that serves Texas cities, public servants, retirees, and their families. Throughout the conversation, Debbie and Dan explain why governmental relations at TMRS is about much more than monitoring legislation. The right person must build trust before session begins, understand how policy changes can impact the system, work closely with internal departments, and maintain strong relationships with state and federal stakeholders. Dan shares his experience serving in the role and describes TMRS as one of the most rewarding positions of his career. Debbie also discusses TMRS’s organizational culture, the importance of collaboration, and the kind of energetic, engaged, mission-driven leader she hopes to bring into the organization. For candidates with governmental relations experience, public policy knowledge, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for public service, this is a rare opportunity to help protect one of the most important retirement systems in Texas. Apply for the Position Learn more and apply for the TMRS Director of Governmental Relations position here: https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/tmrs-director-of-governmental-relations-posting In This Episode 00:00 Introduction and Why This Role Matters 03:02 Dan Wattles’ Path to TMRS 06:17 Serving Texas Cities, Public Servants, and Retirees 08:11 Debbie Munoz’s Background and TMRS Mission 12:53 Why Governmental Relations Is Critical to TMRS 15:16 Building Trust Before Legislative Session 18:11 Playing Defense and Protecting the System 21:04 Federal Issues and Pension Policy 25:25 Why TMRS Is Different from a State Agency 28:57 The Culture and Organizational Health at TMRS 32:55 Internal Relationships and Cross-Department Collaboration 38:23 The Work Between Legislative Sessions 42:23 How to Apply for the TMRS Opportunity 45:20 Living and Working in Austin 50:19 Can Private-Sector GR Experience Transfer? 53:17 Final Advice for Applicants   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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    58 min

  3. Jun 16

    #69 - City Manager | La Marque, Texas PositionCast™

    La Marque, Texas is looking for its next City Manager. In this PositionCast™, Mayor Keith Bell joins The Clear Voice host James Groom and Clear Career Professionals recruiters Brad Stafford and James Hopper to discuss the opportunity, the community, the council’s priorities, and the leadership qualities needed for La Marque’s next chapter. Known as the Gateway to the Gulf, La Marque sits along the I-45 corridor between Houston and Galveston, offering a unique blend of hometown community, regional access, economic development opportunity, and strong local pride. This conversation covers: • The type of City Manager La Marque needs • Council and community expectations • City services, infrastructure, and fiscal accountability • Economic development along the I-45 corridor • Staff culture and organizational leadership • Stakeholder relationships and regional partnerships • What success could look like in the first year For leaders who can manage people, build trust, communicate clearly, and lead with steady accountability, La Marque offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact. Learn more about this role and apply through Clear Career Professionals. 00:00 Opening: Getting La Marque Back on Track 01:05 Introducing the La Marque City Manager Opportunity 03:01 Mayor Keith Bell’s Public Service Journey 05:29 Leadership, Diversity, and Community Voice 11:49 Gateway to the Gulf: Location, Growth, and Opportunity 19:48 What La Marque Needs from Its Next City Manager 24:45 Leading a Passionate Council, Staff, and Community 29:41 Desired Experience and Leadership Style 33:48 Schools, Football, and Community Pride 36:45 City Staff, Culture, and Organizational Leadership 42:25 Accountability, Infrastructure, and Economic Development 46:24 Building Relationships with Stakeholders and Regional Partners 54:57 First-Year Success and Recruitment Details 59:15 Candidate Advice from Clear Career Professionals 1:02:07 Final Thoughts: Why La Marque 1:07:56 Closing: Leave Your Mark on La Marque 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    1h 9m

  4. Jun 12

    #68 - From Chief to City Hall Part 2 | Jim Devlin’s Next Chapter

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Jim Devlin, we pick up with his transition from Police Chief to Assistant City Manager and what that move has taught him about leadership, succession planning, relationships, and service beyond the badge. Jim talks about the natural progression from leading a department to helping lead an organization, the importance of collaboration across city departments, and why relationship building remains one of the most transferable skills in local government. He also shares thoughts on mental health and wellness in city management, the value of professional development through the Texas City Management Institute, and the importance of regional partnerships in serving communities well. The episode closes with Jim’s advice for emerging public servants: know yourself, build relationships, stay humble, strive for excellence, and remember that people may forget the programs and projects, but they will remember how you treated them. Chapters 00:00 - Welcome Back to Part 2 00:57 - Moving from Police Chief to Assistant City Manager 06:17 - Skills That Transfer from Police Leadership to City Management 11:55 - Leadership, Wellness, and Taking Care of Yourself 12:45 - Mental Health in Public Safety and City Administration 16:53 - Burnout, Pressure, and Secondhand Smoke in City Leadership 19:43 - Texas City Management Institute 24:43 - Borrowing Good Ideas and Making Them Fit Your Community 25:51 - Hewitt, Waco, and the Real Central Texas 32:33 - Regional Partnerships and Shared Services 35:15 - Advice for Emerging Public Servants 38:05 - Is a Career in Public Service Worth It? 39:43 - Closing Thoughts Connect with Jim Devlin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-devlin-cpm-15886570/ 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    40 min

  5. Jun 9

    #67 - Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime of Service | Bryan Lockerby

    In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom and Michael Boese sit down with Bryan Lockerby to discuss leadership, law enforcement, city management, organizational assessments, and the lessons learned from more than four decades of public service. Bryan shares perspective from his career in Montana law enforcement, including leading the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation, working with rural agencies, managing complex public safety challenges, and transitioning into city management. The conversation also covers leadership clarity, decision-making, mentorship, organizational health, and why strong systems matter long after individual leaders move on. Chapters 00:00 Leadership Principles and Opening Thoughts 03:55 Clarity Purpose and Courage in Decision-Making 06:30 Difficult Decisions in Law Enforcement Leadership 09:12 Early Career Lessons and the Value of Experience 11:48 Rural Law Enforcement and Resource Challenges 14:23 Community Relationships and Police Legitimacy 17:01 How Law Enforcement Has Improved Over Time 20:07 Recruitment Staffing and the Future of the Profession 25:07 Officer Trauma Secondary Trauma and Mental Health 27:33 The Complexity of Modern Law Enforcement 31:26 Leading Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation 33:38 Major Cases Politics and Public Safety Priorities 35:56 Building Effective Teams and Protecting the Mission 37:19 Career Highlights Montana and Public Perception 41:34 The Unique Challenges of Law Enforcement in Montana 44:52 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to City Management 49:29 Organizational Assessments Communication and Leadership Health 54:39 Bryan’s Advice for Future Leaders Learn more about Bryan Lockerby and Lockerby Leadership Group: https://bryanlockerby.com/ Services: https://bryanlockerby.com/services/ 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    56 min

  6. Jun 2

    #66 - Reflective Resonance and Authentic Leadership with Joseph Lujan

    In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom is joined by Joseph Lujan, author of Reflective Resonance, A Quiet Spark Approach to Authentic Leadership, and creator of the CAMP OUT Method. Joseph shares his perspective on authentic leadership, generational change in the workplace, employee motivation, and the importance of leaders staying consistent, self aware, and emotionally present. The conversation explores how workplace culture has shifted since COVID, why autonomy and trust matter, and why leaders must be willing to reflect on their own influence before trying to improve the people around them. Joseph also discusses his background in county probation, federal probation, and leadership, explaining how working with people under supervision shaped his understanding of human behavior. He shares practical lessons about individualizing leadership, building trust, avoiding robotic communication, and helping employees feel seen, valued, and heard. The episode also breaks down Joseph’s CAMP OUT Method, which focuses on consistency, authenticity, mindfulness, purpose, optimizing leadership, upshifting, and transforming leadership practices. These concepts provide a practical framework for leaders who want to grow, strengthen their teams, and create healthier workplace cultures. Joseph’s final takeaway is simple but important. Leaders need to show up authentically and genuinely. Employees notice more than leaders sometimes realize, and the way leaders communicate, respond, and carry themselves can shape the culture around them. Resources Reflective Resonance Website https://www.reflectiveresonance.org/ Reflective Resonance Worksheets https://www.reflectiveresonance.org/documents/ Reflective Resonance Book https://a.co/d/0fZNrEGQ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Reflective Resonance and Authentic Leadership 00:02:47 Workplace Culture After COVID 00:05:20 Autonomy, Trust, and Accountability 00:07:32 Employee Motivation and Finding Purpose 00:10:05 Joseph Lujan’s Leadership Journey 00:12:53 Emotional Intelligence and Human Behavior 00:15:12 Common Leadership Failures 00:17:43 The Story Behind Reflective Resonance 00:22:11 Consistency in Leadership 00:24:14 Authenticity and Effective Leadership 00:25:31 Mindfulness in Leadership Communication 00:28:54 Purposeful Leadership and the Why 00:31:09 Optimizing Leadership Through Reflection 00:33:35 Upshift and Transform 00:36:15 Continuous Growth and Feedback 00:39:21 Final Takeaway, Showing Up Authentically 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    41 min

  7. May 26

    #65 - City Manager | Los Fresnos, TX PositionCast™

    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 Fresnos 00:00:36 Introduction to the City Manager PositionCast 00:02:07 Mayor Alejandro Flores and His Connection to Los Fresnos 00:04:56 Leadership, Stewardship, and Council Priorities 00:08:34 Communication, Onboarding, and Early Expectations 00:10:27 City Services, Staff Leadership, and Organizational Culture 00:13:02 Community Growth, Schools, and Falcon Pride 00:18:11 Local Events, Culture, and Quality of Life 00:20:40 South Padre Island, Outdoor Life, and Regional Access 00:23:35 Infrastructure, Development, and Budget Priorities 00:26:32 Ideal Candidate Qualities and Leadership Fit 00:28:17 Kent Myers on Why This Opportunity Stands Out 00:34:28 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    39 min

  8. May 19

    #64 - From Chief to City Hall | Jim Devlin on Leadership

    Jim Devlin joins James Groom for Part 1 of a 2 part conversation on leadership, accountability, culture, and the move from Police Chief to City Hall. Jim serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Hewitt, Texas, after nearly three decades in law enforcement, including more than a decade as Chief of Police. In this episode, he discusses dynamic leadership, correcting people without tearing them down, building trust inside an organization, and why culture matters in public service. The conversation also covers Jim’s decision to move to Hewitt, the challenge of helping reshape an organization, the value of community connection, and how police leadership can prepare someone for broader municipal leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jim Devlin 02:39 Dynamic leadership in law enforcement 07:00 Accountability and relationships 10:20 Correcting people without tearing them down 16:55 Taking on the challenge in Hewitt 23:04 Building community trust 26:10 Succession planning and leadership development 29:04 Culture fit in recruitment 32:02 Problem solving in local government 35:33 Moving from police chief to city hall 40:51 Part 2 Coming Soon Announcement 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 Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro

    41 min
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About

The Clear Voice features candid talks with City Managers and public sector leaders on growth, council dynamics, and culture. Produced by Clear Career Professionals. Learn more: clearcareerpro.com

Information

  • Creator
    Clear Career Professionals
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Clear Voice

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