Community Catalysts

With Memorial Day approaching, we share a personal reflection from our February 11, 2025, conversation with Mayor Brian Vincent of Farmville, VA. After his interview, he spoke about his father, the late Lieutenant Colonel Rick Vincent, U.S. Army—his service, sacrifice, and the profound impact of his legacy. This Memorial Day, let's reflect on our responsibility as community leaders to honor those...

Leadership isn't just about advancing your mission—it's about forging professional partnerships that amplify impact. With over 40 years in animal welfare (that's 280 in dog years!), Jim Tedford shares hard-earned insights that apply to leaders in any field. His message? Strengthen your network, invest in the next generation, and recognize that real progress happens through collaboration, not in is...

In this special episode of Community Catalysts, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine offers a candid, unflinching look at the challenges facing local leaders today. Recorded live on May 2nd as part of the Spring 2025 Leadership Dialogues hosted by RELI—the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government—Senator Kaine discusses the erosion of public trust, t...

How do local leaders earn trust and navigate governance effectively? Ian Coyle, former Chief Administrative Officer of Livingston County, NY, and now President of Pracademic Partners, shares lessons from his career, including becoming New York's youngest municipal manager at 24. He unpacks the unique leadership role of municipal administrators, the power of direct public engagement, and the challe...

Ilryong Moon, the first Asian-American elected to public office in Fairfax County, shares how a personal reckoning pushed him to step beyond the boundaries of his immigrant experience and into a life of public service. From repeating high school to master English, to graduating from Harvard, practicing law, and serving on one of the nation's largest school boards, his journey is one of perseveranc...

Chuck Frye, Jr., Vice Mayor of Fredericksburg, Virginia, shares how open, honest dialogue led his community to reverse a controversial decision on removing a historic slave auction block. What began as a 6-1 vote against became a 6-1 vote in favor—driven not by pressure, but by empathy as a shared process. This episode reveals how civic leadership is about more than decisions—it's about creating s...

What sparks the journey into civic leadership? For Kris Amundson, it started with a simple yet fateful phrase: "Somebody ought to do something about that." From volunteering in her daughter's school to serving on the Fairfax County School Board and ultimately the Virginia House of Delegates, Kris shares how a commitment to action—not ambition—drove her leadership path. In this episode, she reflect...

Mayor Skip Henderson of Columbus, Georgia, reflects on the profound impact of the Chattahoochee River Restoration Project, more than a decade after its completion. First envisioned as a bold environmental and economic experiment, the project has transformed Columbus into a destination for outdoor adventure and urban revitalization. Building on the insights from Otis White's original Civic Strategi...

What does it take for independent municipalities to choose collaboration over going it alone—without mandates or central authority? Robert Lazaro, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), reveals how regional leadership is rooted in trust, shared priorities, and open communication. As a forum for 13 local governments and 2.5 million residents, NVRC connects communiti...

"Their goal isn't to govern better—it's to blow things up."  Former Mayor Ginny Dickey of Fountain Hills, Arizona, shares an unflinching account of how local politics took a dark turn. Having lost her 2024 reelection bid, the Mayor reflects on the rise of vicious attacks designed to fuel anger and spread division—and how conventional campaigning proved no match for these tactics. Her experience is...

Mayor Brian Vincent of Farmville, Virginia, shares how his leadership philosophy—rooted in decency, fortitude, and community—guides him through the challenges of public service. Drawing from personal resilience and the principles of Stoicism, he reflects on balancing history with progress, fostering meaningful civic dialogue, and navigating political division with unwavering integrity. Inspired by...

Vivian Leyva, Public Information Officer for Riley County, Kansas, reflects on the pros and cons of social media and how it reaffirms the critical importance of human connection in local government leadership and communication. Drawing on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, she highlights why empathy and clear messaging are essential for building trust, strengthening rel...

What does it take to foster meaningful collaboration in Northern Virginia's diverse, fast-changing communities? Mary Hynes and Jay Fisette, co-directors of the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University, draw on their decades of leadership experience to share powerful insights on breaking barriers and building trust. From visionary transit-oriented development to tacklin...

Derek Ferland, County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire, reflects on his leadership journey, sharing insights shaped by his military career and deep community roots. Guided by his father's advice, "If you want to be different, you've got to do something different," Derek emphasizes caring for people and building trust in complex environments. Through lessons on mission, people, and process...

Cheryl Mayes, a two-term school board member for Metro Nashville Public Schools, shares her experiences serving one of the city's most diverse districts. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of public service, the importance of listening to community needs, and staying grounded in integrity and outcomes. Cheryl offers a thoughtful perspective on how leaders can serve with empathy, build trus...

Supervisor Matt Letourneau offers insights from over a decade of public service as the Dulles District representative on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. He discusses navigating rapid growth in one of the nation's fastest-developing counties, addressing fiscal challenges in regional transit, and fostering connection and responsiveness—whether meeting constituent needs or solving broader co...

First, we briefly reconnect with Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, for an update on her organization's groundbreaking ballot initiative to address Colorado's veterinary care shortage, following our September 3rd interview. Next, Council Member Jim Torgeson of Gilbert, Arizona, a dyed-in-the-wool conservative, reflects on his agonizing decision to support a local tax i...

This episode is a republication of Otis White's Civic Strategies podcast interview with Kathy Swahn, Executive Director of The Drake House in Roswell, Georgia. Kathy shares the inspiring story of how a Leadership North Fulton class project grew into a lifeline for homeless mothers and their children. Discover how The Drake House provides critical services to families in crisis, the power of partne...

Mayor Lisa Craig of Lodi, California, shares her journey from historic preservation expert to elected leader, offering a unique perspective on the distinction between serving as professional staff and engaging a community to build consensus. With a background in revitalizing historic neighborhoods and cities, she now applies that expertise to Lodi's growth, downtown revitalization, and clean energ...

She describes herself as small in stature, but Mayor Catherine Read's vision for Fairfax City is anything but. In this episode, she shares her unexpected last-minute journey to the mayor's office and how her perspective and presence shape her leadership. From preserving community spirit to fostering growth and inclusivity, Mayor Read discusses the values driving transformation in Fairfax and the i...

From tackling financial inequities and food security to pioneering adaptive reuse in local development, Kimber Lanning reveals how Local First Arizona drives economic justice across Arizona's urban, rural, and tribal communities. Hear how investing in local businesses, fostering sustainability, and promoting local control transform Arizona's economy and create opportunity-rich communities statewid...

Otis White, the now-retired founder of Civic Strategies, shares his belief in the inherent optimism of cities and the power of community involvement in shaping their future. In the first part, we conclude a 7-part discussion in which Otis reflects on how cities thrive when residents feel connected, respected, and heard. Then, we revisit his Civic Strategies interview with Commissioner Kathy Gannon...

"Engineering a Stronger Community" - Mayor Joe LaRussa of Farmington, Michigan, brings an engineering mindset to solving local issues and driving community improvements. From organizing neighbors to transform a neglected park to championing sustainable growth and infrastructure, he shares how his problem-solving approach and "tough but fair" leadership style have reshaped the city. LaRussa emphasi...

"The Emotional Weight of Leadership" – Nichole Weiler, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker from Norfolk, Virginia, with extensive experience supporting military personnel and first responders. Her expertise in managing high-pressure situations offers valuable insights and practical strategies for municipal officials facing the stress and demands of public service. This conversation was reco...

 "Integrity over Popularity" - Meagan Alderton, board member and past chair of Alexandria City Public Schools, shares her leadership journey, navigating the challenges of education during the pandemic and addressing identity politics in a diverse community. She reflects on the importance of staying calm in crisis and leading with integrity, offering insights and advice for leaders striving to crea...