I spent over 15 years in city management across Texas and Washington, holding assistant city manager and interim leadership roles across departments. I sat in your chair. Made tough budget decisions. Navigated council politics. Managed department heads who thought they knew better.
From the outside, I looked like I had it all figured out.
Inside? I was running at 110% but it wasn't sustainable. Walking out of midnight council meetings, wondering if we'd accomplished anything. Carrying the weight of line-of-duty deaths. Trying to keep my personal life separate from the job, which only made everything feel more disconnected.
I've Been Where You Are
About Kellye Mazzoli, City Executive Coach
The breaking point came when I realized I was performing leadership instead of actually leading. The technical skills were there, but I was losing myself in the role and title.
Through coaching and some hard-earned lessons, I learned something my MPA program didn’t address: you can't separate who you are from how you lead.
When I stopped trying to compartmentalize everything and separate who I am outside of work from how I lead, my leadership became clearer, more effective, and actually sustainable.
Now I help other city executives make that same shift. Because leadership should feel worth it, not like you're slowly disappearing.
You already have the answers. I just help you process faster and strategize more effectively.
I'll meet you where you are, not where you think you should be. But I won't let you stay stuck there.
I ask the questions that cut through the noise. The stuff you think about at 3 AM but don't say out loud.
Complete confidentiality. What you can't tell your staff or council? Bring it here.
No homework or worksheets. You're already drowning in tasks. This is thinking space, not busy work.
We focus on what actually matters. Identity, decisions, energy. Because without these, the strategy won't stick.
Here’s what it feels like to work with me:
Most coaching was designed for CAOs who don't have to worry about public records laws or elected officials changing every few years. This approach was built specifically for the unique challenges of public service leadership.
What Makes This Different
15+ years in city management across Texas & Washington
Interim leadership for courts, libraries, and community development
Executive Coach for city executives since 2022
Performance Neuroscience Coach from the Flow Research Collective since 2023
Leadership & Coaching Experience
ICMA Coach Connect, Coach
ICMA SheLeadsGov, Inaugural Committee Member (current)
NW Women’s Leadership Academy (NWWLA), Founding Member and Curriculum Chair
ICMA Mid-Career Managers Institute, Graduate
Professional Affiliations & Honors
Master of Public Administration,
UT Arlington
Certified Public Manager, Texas State University (Barney L. Knight Scholarship)
Certified Life Coach,
The Life Coach School, 2022
Certified Inner Voice Facilitator (Intuition)
Education & Certifications
I didn't just fall into coaching after leaving city management. I've been doing the work to understand what actually helps executives lead sustainably. Since 2022, I've been coaching city executives, and I have:
More Than Just Experience
Except my pressed penny collection from travels. Some rules have exceptions.
KonMari-ing everything
I can't walk past an old building or forgotten park without imagining what it could become.
Spotting transformation potential
So I can experience every culture and corner of the world without the 14-hour flights.
Dreaming of teleportation
Toby and Frank get first dibs on my attention, then I make coffee with heavy cream. Non-negotiable routine.
Morning rituals with my Shiba Inus
Lisbon feels like home every time I visit. The energy, the walking, the perfect blend of old and new.
Obsessing over Portugal
8-ball and 9-ball in local leagues. It's all strategy, precision, and patience. Plus, I thrive on a little friendly competition.
Playing pool competitively
When I'm not coaching city managers, here's what keeps me grounded:
Life Outside City Hall
