What motivates you to prioritize outdoor recreation despite your demanding schedule as a city manager?
I prioritize my health because it helps me serve my community better. Running allows me to work workouts into a busy schedule, providing quality (often rare!) alone time to strategize, refresh, or draw inspiration. Running is also a useful metaphor: setting intention and direction, overcoming challenges, adjusting pace and effort, enjoying each step of the journey – all very much part of my daily service and leadership role. Remember to breathe!
–John Mauro, City Manager, Port Townsend
Running keeps me energized and focused, helping me tackle the challenges of city management with clarity and resilience. It’s a stress reliever and a way to recharge, fostering balance in my busy life. Prioritizing health through running not only benefits my work and personal well-being, but also sets a positive example for others to prioritize fitness and self-care.
–Laura Philpot, City Manager, Maple Valley
One of my life passions centers around hiking, particularly thru-hiking. Having a passion like hiking provides an outlet that generates perspective, ultimately benefitting my performance as a city administrator. My motivation to hike contributes to my eating a plant-based diet, doing cardio workouts most days, yoga, meditation, stretching, strength training, and prioritizing sleep. When a hiking opportunity comes along, I’m ready for it.
–Charlie Bush, City Administrator, Sedro-Woolley