The Clear Voice

Latest Episodes:

#32 - Lamesa, Texas City Manager PositionCast Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

The City Manager position in Lamesa, Texas offers a rare opportunity to lead a full service West Texas city at a moment of real transition. In this City Manager PositionCast, Mayor Hayden Davis, Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese, and The Clear Voice host, James Groom, provide a candid discussion about the Lamesa City Manager role, including council expectations, governance philosophy, economic development strategy, infrastructure priorities, and community culture.

This episode covers what it is like to live and work in Lamesa TX, the City Manager salary and benefits, TMRS retirement, quality of life in West Texas, and the leadership qualities the City Council is seeking in its next City Manager. Topics include I-27 corridor growth, housing development, city branding, customer service culture, public safety, infrastructure investment, and long term economic opportunity.

If you are a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or senior municipal leader considering your next move in Texas local government, this episode will help you determine fit before applying.

City Manager job opening in Lamesa Texas. Council Manager form of government. Full service city. Professional management opportunity.

Learn more and apply
https://clearcareerpro.com/city-manager-lamesa-tx/

Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
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
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#31 - Weatherford, Texas Director of Finance Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Clear Voice, host James Groom is joined by Clear President Michael Boese and City of Weatherford leadership for a PositionCast highlighting an exceptional municipal finance opportunity, Director of Finance for the City of Weatherford, Texas.

City Manager James Hotopp and Assistant City Manager and CFO Dawn Brooks provide an in depth look at Weatherford’s culture, values, and strategic approach to growth. They discuss why the city has intentionally pursued steady, well managed expansion, how fiscal discipline supports quality of life and public safety, and what makes Weatherford an attractive place to live and work just west of the DFW Metroplex.

The conversation explores the structure and strengths of the Finance Department, leadership expectations for the next Director of Finance, and the importance of mentoring, modernization, and strategic advising. Listeners will hear how Weatherford empowers directors to operate their departments with autonomy while maintaining accountability, collaboration, and a strong people focused culture.

This PositionCast also covers key challenges and opportunities ahead, including managing growth, navigating legislative changes, complex capital planning, and maximizing the city’s ERP system. Compensation, benefits, and Clear’s candidate focused recruitment process are also discussed.

This PositionCast is essential listening for finance professionals seeking a high impact leadership role in a financially healthy, values driven, and forward looking city.

More information or to Apply - https://clearcareerpro.com/director-of-finance-weatherford-tx

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#30 - Liberty, Texas Assistant Police Chief Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

The Clear Voice sits down with Liberty Police Chief Rick Ashe for a detailed look at one of the most meaningful leadership opportunities currently open in Texas, the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Liberty.

Chief Ashe shares his decades long journey in law enforcement, including his tenure in Temple, his time as an assessor for TPCA accreditation, and the path that ultimately brought him to Liberty. He provides a clear and candid overview of the department’s structure, culture, technology modernization, and the transformative work underway to elevate service delivery, community visibility, and supervisory accountability.

This episode explores the vision behind the newly created Assistant Chief role, which will oversee investigations, dispatch, records, evidence, internal affairs, accreditation, and training. Chief Ashe details the qualities he is seeking in a second-in-command, why the position is ideal for lieutenants or senior sergeants ready for their next professional step, and how the selected candidate will be mentored to eventually assume command of the organization.

Listeners will also learn about Liberty’s low crime rate, community support, operational improvements, upcoming TPCA reaccreditation cycle, investment in technology including MDTs and Flock ALPR, and the city’s future economic growth tied to new subdivisions and the developing shallow-water port.

Whether you are a seasoned law enforcement leader looking for upward mobility or simply want to understand how a department modernizes while strengthening culture, this episode provides an in-depth look at a compelling opportunity in a growing Texas community.

Learn more or apply at:

https://clearcareerpro.com/assistant-chief-of-police-liberty-tx/

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#29 - Marble Falls, Texas Finance Director Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Clear Voice, Clear recruiter Kelly Kuenstler visits with Marble Falls City Manager Caleb Kraenzel to discuss the city’s open Finance Director position. The conversation gives listeners a grounded look at the role, the organizational culture, and the opportunities that come with serving a fast-growing Hill Country community.

Caleb outlines how the finance team supports budgeting, accounting, purchasing, utility billing, payroll, and financial reporting for a city that operates as a regional hub. He also emphasizes Marble Falls’ commitment to customer service and clear internal and external communication.

The discussion highlights the city’s significant capital environment, including major water and wastewater investments, park and trail enhancements, transportation improvements, and a variety of state and federal grants. These projects provide a strong platform for a finance professional who enjoys complex planning, multi-source funding, and collaboration across departments.

Inside the organization, Caleb speaks to process improvements, policy updates, staffing assessments, and the city’s focus on leadership development and stable governance. He describes an executive environment that supports thoughtful, long-range financial work without political turbulence.

The episode closes with a practical look at life in Marble Falls, touching on housing, community culture, and the flexibility offered to new directors considering relocation.

If you are a finance director or senior finance professional seeking meaningful work, organizational stability, and the chance to help shape a growing Hill Country city, explore the full posting and apply at:

https://clearcareerpro.com/finance-director-marble-falls-tx/

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#28 - Power Thinking, Purpose, and Leadership with Dr. Don Hooper Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 28 of The Clear Voice, we sit down with Dr. Don Hooper, a lifelong educator and national leadership expert whose work connects neuroscience, purpose, mindset, and organizational performance. Dr. Hooper has served as a superintendent, university professor, and the longtime president and CEO of the Center for Quality Leadership. His career has been shaped by decades of studying high performing leaders, refining problem solving systems, and teaching others how to unlock the full potential of their own thinking.

During this conversation, Dr. Hooper explains the core principles behind Power Thinking, a practical and disciplined approach that helps leaders understand how their brains shape decisions, how purpose sharpens clarity, and how daily habits create new neural pathways. He also challenges conventional ideas about data driven decision making and provides a model that places wisdom, intentional thought, and disciplined reflection at the center of leadership.

Listeners will hear Dr. Hooper’s insights on selective thought, thought control, self regulation, culture building, organizational listening, and the habits that strengthen clarity at every leadership level. The discussion highlights how Power Thinking can improve problem solving in education, municipal government, business, and any environment where leaders must navigate complex challenges.

Explore Dr. Hooper’s work at the Center for Quality Leadership:
https://cql.net

Find Dr. Hooper's book, Power Thinking: Discovering the Unknown by Unlocking Your Brain, on Amazon.

If you are a current or aspiring leader searching for your next opportunity, Clear Career Professionals has open recruitments that need strong leaders. View active postings here:
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities/

Tune in, learn something useful, and take your leadership thinking to a higher level.

#clearcareerprofessionals #theclearvoice

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#27 - Montgomery County, Texas Emergency Communication District Deputy Director Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Clear Voice, brought to you by Clear Career Professionals, host James Groom sits down with Executive Director Chip VanSteenberg and Clear Associate Vice President Brian Beasley to explore what makes this opportunity both unique and highly accessible to strong government leaders.

Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas, with a rapidly expanding population, complex interagency dynamics, and a 9-1-1 system that plays a critical role in daily public safety. Chip explains how the Deputy Director position supports long-range planning, system modernization, and operational reliability for a network of partner agencies across law enforcement, fire, EMS, and education.

This conversation covers:

• Why a 9-1-1 background is not required for this role
• The county’s rapid growth and its impact on emergency communications
• How budgeting, policy, and project leadership drive success in this position
• The culture of MCECD, built on service, family, and excellence
• Major initiatives, system challenges, and long-term strategic planning
• What qualities distinguish a strong candidate from a great one
• How the Deputy Director will shape the next 20 to 30 years of 9-1-1 service

For leaders who thrive in complex environments and enjoy work that blends strategic planning with operational support, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact in a fast-growing region.

To review the full job posting and apply, visit: https://clearcareerpro.com/9-1-1-deputy-director-montgomery-county-tx/

Email the Recruiter, Brian Beasley, with any questions: brian@clearcareerpro.org

Please email your cover letter and resume in .pdf format to applymontgomery@clearcareerpro.com

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#26 - Fairfield, Texas City Administrator Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Episode 26 takes you to Fairfield, Texas, where the city is recruiting its next City Administrator. Mayor Robert Nichols joins the show to share Fairfield’s small town character, its strong council dynamics, and the vision guiding the community as it plans for future growth along the I 45 corridor. He discusses the city’s ongoing investments in streets, drainage, water, sewer, and parks, as well as the qualities he believes are essential for the city’s next organizational leader.

Clear Vice President Mark Shrives outlines the role in detail, including salary and benefits, relocation support, preferred experience, and the February 1, 2026 start date. Together, the conversation offers candidates a clear, direct look at Fairfield’s culture, priorities, expectations for community engagement, and the opportunities awaiting the next City Administrator.

This episode is a valuable resource for municipal leaders who want to understand the community, the leadership environment, and what success looks like in this role.

More information about the position and the recruitment brochure can be found at:
https://clearcareerpro.com/city-administrator-fairfield-tx/

#theclearvoice #clearcareerprofessionals #leadership #podcast

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#25 - Dumas, Texas Finance Director Position Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Clear Voice, we sit down with Dumas City Manager Mark Hall and finance expert Debbie Reid, who is currently consulting with the City of Dumas to support its financial operations. Together, they walk listeners through the Finance Director opportunity in this growing community in the Texas Panhandle.

Mark shares his vision for Dumas, the culture he is building, and why the finance function is central to the city’s long term success. Debbie provides insights into the current financial structure, ongoing improvements, and what a new director can expect to take on in the months ahead.

From strong community support to a collaborative leadership team, both guests highlight why Dumas offers a unique place to build a meaningful career in public finance. The Finance Director will play a key role in budgeting, long range planning, financial reporting, and partnering with city leadership to strengthen Dumas for the future.

Candidates will appreciate the competitive salary range of $90,000 to $110,000, full benefits, TMRS retirement, strong organizational support, and available relocation assistance. The city welcomes experienced professionals from both inside and outside Texas, including those transitioning from the private sector who bring strong accounting and leadership skills.

To learn more about the position, view the full brochure, or submit your application, visit:

https://clearcareerpro.com/finance-director-dumas-tx/

Applicants may also apply directly by sending a resume and cover letter to applydumas@clearcareerpro.com

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

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#24 - From Conflict to Community with Dr. Alex del Carmen Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, The Clear Voice host James Groom and Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese sit down with Dr. Alex del Carmen, one of the nation’s leading experts on policing practices, racial profiling research, and community trust. For nearly three decades, Dr. del Carmen has trained every police chief in Texas, consulted with agencies across the country, and helped shape modern accountability standards.

Dr. del Carmen shares his remarkable personal journey from civil war and communism in Nicaragua to becoming a nationally recognized criminologist, professor, consultant, and Fulbright scholar. He explains how those early life experiences shaped his views on justice, service, and the responsibility that police and city leaders have to build real trust with diverse communities.

The conversation explores practical steps leaders can take today, warning signs city managers should pay attention to, and why honest assessment, transparency, and community partnership matter more now than ever. Dr. del Carmen also discusses his full time consulting work, including constitutional policing initiatives, racial profiling analysis, and organizational reviews designed to reduce liability and strengthen public confidence.

He closes with powerful advice for young leaders about preparation, humility, faith, and the courage to ask the hard questions.

Learn more about Dr. Del Carmen’s services:
https://www.delcarmenconsulting.com

Explore Clear Career Professionals and current leadership opportunities:
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

#23 - From the Classroom to City Hall with Pey Zeigler Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Clear Voice, host James Groom and Clear President Michael Boese sit down with Pey Zeigler, a graduate student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing her Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA).

Pey shares how faith, family, and hands-on experience shaped her calling to serve, including her internship with the City of College Station, Texas. The conversation explores how thoughtful internship programs, both paid and unpaid, can create opportunities for students from every background while helping cities invest in the next generation of leaders.

From lessons learned in the classroom to insights gained inside City Hall, Pey’s story reminds us that public service is more than a career path. It is a commitment to community.

🌐 Learn more about Clear Career Professionals, including current recruitments, leadership services, and contact information, at clearcareerpro.com.

🎓 Discover the Bush School of Government and Public Service and explore admissions for the Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) program at https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected