Leader Spotlight: Kevin Lahner – Leading with Heart, Vision, and a Dedication to Community

Kevin Lahner ’s journey in public service is marked by an unwavering commitment to community, a talent for innovation, and a deep appreciation for the people he serves. Currently serving as City Manager of Janesville, Wisconsin, Kevin’s career spans decades of impactful leadership and transformative projects in cities across the Midwest.

I first met Kevin during our graduate studies in the MPA program at the University of North Texas. Even back then, he was someone I quickly identified as a standout—smart, capable, hardworking, and deeply insightful. We worked together on group assignments, and his knack for problem-solving and dedication to excellence always stood out. Our collegial friendship continued as we both began our careers as assistants to the city managers and later as assistant city managers in nearby DFW cities. Through networking lunches, interlocal collaborations, and mutual professional respect, my admiration for Kevin only grew. Though he eventually returned to his Wisconsin roots, Kevin has remained an inspiring figure in my professional network.

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Called to Serve: A Lifelong Passion for Public Service

Kevin’s path to public service was influenced early on by his parents, who worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “I think I was called to public service by the example my mother and stepfather set,” Kevin reflects. “When an opportunity presented itself after college to shift from my initial journalism career to one serving local government, I jumped at the chance. Once I got my foot in the door, I could see that this field was my true calling.”

That calling has been evident throughout Kevin’s career. From his early roles in Wisconsin municipalities to his leadership in Waukesha, Burlington, and now City of Janesville, Wisconsin , Kevin has consistently championed innovation and strategic vision. Whether revitalizing downtown districts, navigating complex development deals, or fostering organizational growth, Kevin’s work has left lasting legacies in every community he has served.

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Transforming Communities: From Burlington to Janesville

Kevin’s leadership journey has taken him to three distinct Wisconsin cities, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. In Burlington, as City Administrator, Kevin focused on strengthening community connections and aligning the city’s operations with residents’ needs. His success there caught the attention of Waukesha, where he served as City Administrator and played a pivotal role in downtown redevelopment, infrastructure investments, and strengthening the city’s fiscal health.

In Janesville, Kevin has built on that foundation, leading the city through transformative growth and positioning it as a regional hub. “I love positively impacting people in our organization and seeing the excitement they have in coming to work every day,” Kevin says. This passion for building dynamic, connected communities is evident in his work revitalizing Janesville’s downtown, improving public spaces, and tackling complex redevelopment projects.

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Lessons in Leadership: The Power of Failure

Kevin’s career hasn’t been without its challenges, and he’s quick to acknowledge the lessons learned from setbacks. One pivotal experience came during his time in Waukesha, where a proposed public-private partnership for a sports facility redevelopment failed to gain council approval despite months of preparation and community discussion. “It was truly a ‘spectacular failure,’” Kevin reflects, quoting former ICMA Executive Director Bob O’Neill’s advice to embrace bold risks.

While the initial project fell through, Kevin adapted, successfully partnering with a local university to develop the same field, albeit with fewer amenities. The project ultimately led to increased rental revenue and laid the groundwork for additional redevelopment in the area. “I learned to slow down and take more time to sell a vision, particularly when it’s something that represents significant change,” Kevin says. This experience shaped his approach to future projects, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and collaboration.

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A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship

Kevin’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of mentorship. Over the years, he has developed homegrown leadership programs to empower employees at all levels of his organization. As an adjunct professor in an MPA program, he has shared his knowledge and passion with the next generation of public servants, serving as an ambassador for the profession. “I love seeing the excitement in people as they grow and challenge themselves,” Kevin says. “Developing leaders is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.”

In Janesville, Kevin has tackled ambitious development projects and fostered a culture of innovation within the city organization. “I think one of my strengths is the ability to think creatively,” he explains. “I consistently challenge conventional thinking and approach problems in new ways. It’s about listening to diverse perspectives and applying them to the challenges we face.”

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The Heart of a Public Servant: Family and Legacy

For all of Kevin’s professional achievements, his greatest pride lies in his family. As a devoted husband to his supportive and dynamic wife and father to four children, Kevin seamlessly blends his roles as a city manager and a family man. His family keeps him grounded, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation in every facet of his life. The balance he strikes between his demanding career and his role at home exemplifies his commitment to service—both to his community and to those he holds closest.

At the heart of Kevin’s career is his passion for making a tangible difference in people’s lives. “There are two things I love about this job,” Kevin says. “Developing leaders in our organization and tackling big, honking, complex, and awesome development deals.” Whether it’s mentoring a rising star in his organization or navigating the intricacies of a transformative project, Kevin’s drive to create meaningful impacts shines through in everything he does.

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Conclusion

Kevin Lahner’s career is a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and a genuine love for service. From his early days as a journalist to his current role as City Manager of Janesville, Kevin has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose and vision. His ability to inspire teams, innovate solutions, and build thriving communities, while staying deeply connected to his family, makes him a standout in the field of local government.

For me, it’s been an honor to know Kevin as both a friend and a colleague. Watching his journey unfold has been a reminder of the profound difference dedicated leaders can make, both professionally and personally. Thank you, Kevin, for your continued service and for setting an example that inspires all of us in public service.