MEET THE 2024 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER FINALIST Cori Burbach

Today’s Trailblazer: Cori Burbach

The League caught up with Trailblazer Finalist, Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager, Dubuque, IA 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’ve always admired the women who make this list.  I feel truly honored to be part of such an amazing group of leaders.

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

My mom is a city clerk – it’s in my blood!  I’ve always been drawn to the opportunity to serve and see the impacts of my work in my community.

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

As an ICMA local government management fellow, I learned from a city manager and two assistant city managers who have mentored me my entire career in Dubuque.  I couldn’t have asked for better mentors.  The two assistants (Teri Goodmann and ICMA board member Cindy Steinhauser) not only guided my professional development but taught me what it looks like to be a leader in this organization while also being phenomenal moms and supporters in their personal tribes.  They’ve supported me in becoming the assistant city manager and mother I am today.

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

There’s a sign in my office that says “Everything changed the day I figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in my life.”  There’s always going to be more on my to-do list than what I can accomplish in a day.  I’m always trying to prioritize what’s the most important thing I can do today to make the impact I want to have.  And when I do that well, I can walk away at the end of the day, unplug, and know that I’ve done good work.

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

Lean into the conversations and projects that make you the most uncomfortable.  The leadership moments in my career that I’m most proud of were the times I was completely out of my element.  Showing up with that vulnerability and curiosity has often led to the best outcomes for my community and the biggest learning and growth opportunities for myself and led to some of the most meaningful and deep relationships I have with others.

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

That the people I served (employees of the organizations I work in and community members) feel like they were prioritized and cared for. Especially in instances where they felt they weren’t being heard or advocated for, I hope I can show them that I can be that support and advocate.