When Tom Joyce left military leadership to step into civilian life, the transition wasn’t easy. But he felt called to serve again, and with a little help, he found his way to city government. Now, in the final chapter of our Veteran Story mini-series, we hear how Tom made the leap; how he connected with the right people, discovered a hidden gem of a city in North Dakota, and finally found a role that fit.

In this episode, we also welcome Charlene Stevens to the show; Vice President of Human Capital at MGT, she played a key part in helping Tom navigate this transition. Charlene is a recruitment expert, a former city executive, and someone who understands exactly what makes a strong public servant. And when she met Tom, she saw his potential right away.

Together, we also take a closer look at Minot, North Dakota — the Magic City — to understand its history, its community, and why its government needed someone like Tom. We discuss how Tom’s leadership, problem-solving, and dedication to public service helped him land a role that really suited him, as Assistant City Manager of Minot. 

This episode is not just about recruitment. It’s about what happens when the right person meets the right opportunity. It’s a story of community-building, perseverance, and making the most of your skills. And for veterans looking to transition into civilian careers? It’s proof that your next path is out there—you just need the right support to find it.

Chapters:

1- Series recap: Tom Joyce’s story so far (00:21)

2- Introducing Charlene Stevens and MGT’s recruitment services (2:52)

3- A picture of Minot’s history and community needs (7:02)

4- How Charlene helped Tom apply and showcase his skills (13:43)

5- Discovering the Magic City: Tom’s interview and first trip to Minot (18:17)
6- The start of a new chapter and reflections on a journey of reinvention (23:04)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Recruitment Solutions
• Tom Joyce LinkedIn
• Charlene Stevens LinkedIn
• City of Minot’s Government Website
• Resource – The International City/County Management Association’s Veteran Page
• Resource – North Dakota Tourism Office Website

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT, the City of Minot, or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of MGT or any of its affiliates.