When the City of Minot, North Dakota, sought a seasoned leader for its Assistant City Manager role, they faced a challenge familiar to many municipalities: finding a high-caliber executive who could lead complex departments, manage limited resources, and build trust with stakeholders. With the help of MGT’s executive recruitment team, Minot found a uniquely qualified leader in Tom Joyce: a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with 28 years of experience managing global operations and military communities.
This case study highlights how MGT identified, vetted, and supported Tom’s successful transition into civilian leadership, helping the City of Minot secure an exceptional candidate during a time of organizational transformation.
The Challenge: Finding a Strategic Leader with Operational Depth
As a growing city near the Canadian border and home to Minot Air Force Base, Minot needed more than just a capable administrator. They required an executive who could step into a multifaceted role overseeing engineering, utilities, infrastructure, and public safety. The City sought someone with crisis management experience, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to foster organizational change.
MGT was retained to conduct a nationwide search. The goal: deliver a diverse slate of executive-level candidates with the right blend of strategic insight, operational know-how, and public service commitment.
The Candidate: A Mission-Driven Military Leader Ready to Serve Again
Tom Joyce’s background aligned seamlessly with the City’s needs. Over nearly three decades in the U.S. Air Force, Tom led base operations across Panama, Alaska, Germany, and the Pentagon. His responsibilities in those roles largely mirrored city management, from overseeing emergency response and housing to leading infrastructure initiatives.
What set Tom apart was not just his resume, but his clarity of purpose. After transitioning from active duty, Tom explored private-sector and civilian roles before rediscovering his calling in public service through ICMA’s City Manager Senior Fellows Program. That experience clarified his desire to serve in local government and led him to connect with MGT’s executive search team.
The Match: Aligning Values, Skills, and City Vision
MGT’s role extended beyond sourcing. Our executive recruitment team engaged in targeted outreach, in-depth interviews, and rigorous vetting to ensure alignment between candidate values and city culture. Tom’s leadership philosophy—rooted in service, collaboration, and accountability—resonated with Minot’s vision for the future. His military experience was also a unique addition to the City team as they regularly collaborated with the adjacent Air Force base.
Through transparent communication and a tailored candidate experience, MGT facilitated a smooth hiring process that resulted in Tom’s appointment as Assistant City Manager.
The Impact: Transformational Leadership in Action
Since joining the City of Minot, Tom has quickly become a trusted member of the executive team. He leads key departments and is driving efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance community engagement, and streamline city operations. Drawing from his military background, he brings strategic foresight, calm under pressure, and a deep respect for public service.
His success highlights what’s possible when recruitment is thoughtful, mission-aligned, and people-focused.
A Model for Executive Recruitment in Public Service
Tom Joyce’s transition from Colonel to City Leader illustrates how MGT helps public agencies find the right leaders not just to fill roles, but to elevate communities. Our proven recruitment process connects mission-driven professionals with organizations seeking transformative leadership.
The right leader can transform your organization. MGT’s executive recruitment team delivers proven, mission-driven candidates who are ready to lead from day one. We understand the public sector and move quickly to help you fill critical roles with confidence. Let’s find your next great leader.
