350: Sabrina Cotta: The Best Leaders Don't Have All the Answers

Sabrina Cotta: The Best Leaders Don't Have All the Answers
Why Better Solutions Start on the Frontline

Episode 350 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What if the best ideas in your organization aren't sitting in the executive office?

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Sabrina Cotta, City Manager of Ashland, Oregon, and President-Elect of the Oregon City/County Management Association (OCCMA), to discuss leadership, innovation, and why great organizations are built by empowering the people closest to the work.

Sabrina shares her unique journey into local government from military intelligence and language training in the U.S. Army to county government, budgeting, strategic planning, and eventually city management. Along the way, she discovered a leadership truth that has shaped her approach to leading teams and organizations: the best leaders don't have all the answers, but they know how to create environments where better answers can emerge.

The conversation explores the realities of local government leadership, the importance of strategic thinking, why innovation often starts on the frontlines, and how leaders can avoid becoming the bottleneck to progress.

Whether you're a city manager, department director, supervisor, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical insights on building stronger teams, developing future leaders, and creating organizations that continuously improve.

About Sabrina Cotta
Sabrina Cotta serves as City Manager for the City of Ashland, Oregon. Throughout her career, she has served in military intelligence, state and county government, city government, budgeting, strategic planning, finance, human resources, and executive leadership roles. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Oregon City/County Management Association (OCCMA) and is passionate about leadership development, organizational improvement, and strengthening the future of local government.

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, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com