379: Joe Ambrosini: Are We Hiring for the Future or Protecting the Past?

Joe Ambrosini: Are We Hiring for the Future or Protecting the Past?Rethinking the systems standing between local government and great talent Episode 379 of The HaltingWinter PodcastSponsored by Tyler Technologies Local government desperately needs talented people. But are the systems designed to protect our organizations actually making it harder for great people to get through the door? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter talks with Joe Ambrosini, Director of Human Resources for Placer County, California, about local government hiring, public sector recruitment, and the systems standing between great candidates and careers in public service. Joe knows the challenge from both sides. Before entering local government, he was repeatedly passed over because he lacked government experience. Years later, as an HR leader for the City of Long Beach, he helped tackle a 109-year-old civil service hiring system while the city faced nearly a 25% vacancy rate and an average hiring process of seven months. Seth and Joe discuss why government experience can become an unnecessary barrier, how outdated hiring processes drive away talented candidates, why vacancies are ultimately a service-delivery problem, and how HR can become a strategic force for organizational transformation. They also explore Joe's leadership journey across cities, counties, and special districts, the importance of organizational culture, and what leaders can do to build workplaces where talented people want to stay. Are we hiring for the future of local government or protecting the systems of the past? About Joe AmbrosiniJoe Ambrosini is the Director of Human Resources for Placer County, California, bringing nearly two decades of HR leadership experience across healthcare and local government. His public-sector career has included leadership roles with Butte County, Cosumnes Community Services District, and the City of Long Beach, where he helped lead significant reforms to the city's century-old civil service hiring system. Joe's work focuses on building stronger organizations by modernizing hiring practices, strengthening labor relationships, and positioning human resources as a strategic partner in organizational transformation. 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