MEET THE 2022 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER TOP 10 FINALISTS

Today’s Trailblazer: Kate Fitzpatrick

The League caught up with Top 10 Finalist, Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager, Needham, Massachusetts to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:

Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated?

I am humbled by this recognition, and that people I care about took the time to submit my name. There are so many amazing women in our profession – I am working on meeting and talking to every one of them!

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

I come from a family that puts a high value on service and giving back. As a student at the College of the Holy Cross, I was struck by the school’s motto “Men and Women for Others.” Except for stints at a few restaurants (and a paper route that I had for 8 years) I have spent my career in and around public service. Local government is my passion because you can see the direct results of your work. “The public” is right there. Sometimes they even follow you into the restroom.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

The first manager who I worked for, Carl Valente, was so encouraging to me and many other women. He had great confidence in me when I didn’t. I would never have applied for his job when he moved on if he hadn’t insisted that I was going to be able to succeed. I think of his advice practically every day.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

Be true to your own style. Trying to act like you think a manager “should” act will feel uncomfortable and will be ineffective. Because so many managers are men, I see women trying to adopt a different style that won’t work for them.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?

  1. Make yourself invaluable – become a subject matter expert.
  2. Don’t try to do everything at once.
  3. Volunteer for extra assignments to learn new skills.
  4. Learn from both positive and negative work environments – take notes on the work environment that you will someday create.
  5. Start your 457 Plan, choose a Roth option, and contribute every paycheck regardless of how little you can contribute. Start now.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

Women at all levels of government see the possibility of making a career in local government management – at the department manager level or as the manager. I hope that they see many women ahead of them as role models, and believe in their abilities.