Synopsis

The Top of the Arc focuses on how local goverments and the people the serve can cocreate exceptional communities through innovation, collaboration, and adaptation. In 2016, the Town Council of Cary, North Carolina appointed change-agent Sean R. Stegall to manage the thriving community of more than 180,000 people from more than 60 countries with a national reputation for excellence — safe neighborhoods, extensive bike-friendly parks and greenways, environmental stewardship, robust business climate, and premier sports venues. With vacant land becoming scarce, the development trends that fueled Cary’s successes over five decades would have to change, and Stegall’s job was to “keep Cary Cary” while, at the same time, implementing the Imagine Cary Community Plan, a policy and strategy document years in the making that would address these trends and carry the city forward to 2040. Instilling a “people first” philosophy, Stegall and the elected Cary Town Council are reshaping local government through collaboration, experimentation, innovation, and adaptation. Cary remains an exceptional place to call home, an inspiring destination for visitors, and a compelling case study for helping keep cities strong.

About The Author

Sean R. Stegall’s journey in local government leadership began with a passion for public service and a drive to make a lasting impact. Born in Crete and raised in Galesburg, Illinois, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. These academic foundations set the stage for a career dedicated to shaping the future of municipal governance.  Over the past 25 years, Sean has worked in leadership roles across three states, tackling complex challenges in finance, budgeting, legislative affairs, planning, technology, and emergency management. With each role, he refined his approach to leadership, emphasizing innovation, adaptability, and people-first governance. His evolution as a leader has been marked by a commitment to breaking traditional models and encouraging a culture of collaboration and progress.  Today, as the Manager and CEO of Cary, North Carolina, Sean is at the helm of one of the nation’s most forward-thinking municipalities. He works closely with elected Councilmembers, staff, and Cary’s citizenry to co-create a local government that can adapt to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. A cornerstone of his leadership is implementing the 2040 Imagine Cary Community Plan, developed with input from over 1,000 residents, to guide the town’s transformation from a fast-growing suburb to a mature, sustainable city.  Sean’s leadership philosophy is rooted in personal development and continuous learning. He earned an ICF-accredited coaching certification Leadership Coaching for Organizational Excellence from American University, and holds certificates from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, and the Executive Education Program at Vanderbilt University. Through his expertise and commitment to growth, Sean has become an agent of change helping to shape the future of local government with a bold, innovative vision.