371: Al Vandenberg: The Change Agent

Al Vanderberg: The Change Agent Building Trust Before Building Transformation Episode 371 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What does it take to lead meaningful change in local government without leaving people behind? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Al Vanderberg, County Administrator of Kent County, Michigan, to explore a career built on tackling complex challenges, transforming organizational culture, and earning trust through authentic leadership. From an unexpected internship that introduced him to city management to leading two of Michigan's largest counties, Al shares the lessons he's learned over four decades in public service. He explains why lasting transformation starts with relationships, how great leaders bring people along through change, and why understanding your team may be the most important leadership skill of all. Whether you're a city manager, county administrator, department director, or aspiring public servant, this conversation offers practical wisdom on leading with courage, building high-performing teams, and creating organizations where people genuinely want to do their best work. About Al VanderbergAl Vanderberg serves as the County Administrator for Kent County, Michigan, where he leads one of the state's largest and most complex county governments. Throughout his career, he has served in both city and county leadership roles, including as City Manager of South Haven and County Administrator of Ottawa County. Known as a thoughtful change agent, Al has built a reputation for transforming organizational culture, developing high-performing leadership teams, and guiding communities through some of their most significant challenges while keeping people at the center of every decision. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com