Sherilyn Lombos: The Most Important Council Meetings Aren't Public
The Conversations That Build Trust, Defuse Conflict, and Keep Politics from Derailing Progress

Episode 404 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

The most important conversations between city managers and elected officials often happen long before anyone takes their seat at the dais.

After 20 years as City Manager of Tualatin, Oregon, Sherilyn Lombos has learned that trust isn't built during a crisis. It's developed through intentional relationships, honest conversations, and a willingness to address difficult issues before they become public confrontations.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Sherilyn joins Seth Winterhalter to explore how regular one-on-one meetings with elected officials can strengthen relationships, reduce surprises, protect staff, and create the conditions for effective governance.

But the conversation goes far beyond council relationships. Sherilyn shares lessons from two decades of leadership about building a lasting organizational culture, developing resilience through adversity, and creating a legacy that continues long after you've left the position.

Because the relationships you invest in today often determine how you navigate the challenges of tomorrow.

2026 ICMA Annual Conference: Sherilyn presented How to Make Your One-on-Ones with Your Elected Officials Really Count in Long Beach, California. The session explores why regular individual conversations with elected officials matter and how city managers can use them to build trust, improve communication, and prepare for more productive council meetings. Find the recording on the ICMA members' website.

About Sherilyn Lombos
Sherilyn Lombos has served as City Manager of Tualatin, Oregon, for 20 years, helping shape the city's organizational culture, community engagement, and approach to local governance. Her leadership emphasizes trust, employee well-being, strong relationships with elected officials, and building an organization where people want to work.

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): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at 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