High Five with a
City Manager
A candid Q&A series spotlighting the real-world experiences of city and county managers.
High Five with Adam Mitchell: A Career Sparked by Love, Shaped by Leadership
In this edition of High Five, we talk with Adam Mitchell, Town Manager of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina—where small-town roots meet fast-paced growth. Mitchell shares how a chance opportunity led to a lasting career, what he’s learned from managing a 400-person team, and how he’s stayed grounded through it all.
From Submarine Tech to County CEO: Keith Moffett’s Mission-Driven Leadership
Dr. Keith Moffett’s journey to the Macon-Bibb County Manager’s office started beneath the waves—literally. In this edition of High Five, the Navy veteran turned public executive shares how discipline, economic development, and strategic patience have shaped his leadership in one of Middle Georgia’s most dynamic communities.
High Five with Fred Presley: The Whistleblower Who Came Back
A city manager’s journey through conflict, burnout, and reinvention—and the lessons he’s carrying forward in Wethersfield, Connecticut
From Club Med to City Hall: Laurie Hadley on Confidence, Culture, and Control
Laurie Hadley didn’t plan on a career in local government, but once she found her way in, she never looked back. In this High Five conversation, the recently retired Round Rock City Manager reflects on what she learned, the risks she took, and why imposter syndrome is more common than we think—even in the corner office.