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:

A Veteran Story (3/3): A Perfect Fit for the City of Minot

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