Claim OwnershipCommunity Catalysts
Subscribed: 7Played: 133
Subscribe
© 2024
Description
Join host Matt Lehrman for a weekly podcast from Social Prosperity Partners that examines the qualities of community leadership and the many paths and forms it can take. Our goal is to offer inspiration and practical guidance for listeners striving to make a difference in their own communities.
80 Episodes
Reverse
Bill Danielson never imagined himself in politics. After more than 35 years in business, he was encouraged to run for Irmo Town Council—and in 2023, he stepped into the mayor's office. In Irmo—a town of 12,000 that collects neither sales tax nor property tax—the challenge of funding local government depends on business partnerships, careful budgeting, and steady leadership. Bill calls himself a "hammer" personality—pushing hard to get things done. But in public office, he's discovered the equal importance of the feather: listening carefully, choosing words thoughtfully, and building respectful relationships even when tensions rise. In this episode, Bill shares what he's learning on the job: how he raised $75,000 in weeks for his Mayor Uplift initiative to fight food insecurity, why calm leadership on the dais matters, and what it takes to stand firm when accusations fly. His story is candid, practical, and a reminder that effective community leadership means adapting, growing, and leading with principle. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Milton Brown never planned on serving on a school board. His first career was in law enforcement, where he survived multiple life-threatening encounters—including one that ended his service with the Florida Highway Patrol. Returning home to Washington County, Florida, he became a pastor and eventually stepped into education leadership. His election came down to the wire—flipping from an eight-vote loss to a seven-vote win after a recount. And ever since, Milton has carried the same message he offered when I first met him at the Florida School Boards Association: "Welcome, fearless leaders." So what does it mean to lead fearlessly in a rural district where resources are tight, more than half the students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and state or federal policy shifts can change everything overnight? In this conversation, Milton shares how his background fuels his respect for every person, why listening to bus drivers and cafeteria staff reveals practical solutions, and how creativity kept a school music program alive. His story is one of grit, faith, and finding ways forward—even when the odds are stacked against you. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
What does it take to transform a small-town community theater into a thriving cultural force? For Pamme Jones, Executive and Artistic Director of the Ridgefield Theater Barn, it started not with a budget or a building plan—but with a conversation about values. In this episode, Pamme shares the remarkable 15-year journey that began with a micromanaging board and a debate over light bulbs, and evolved into a bold, inclusive vision grounded in three core values: inclusion, respect, and joy. You'll hear how Pamme helped lead a cultural and organizational transformation—navigating painful transitions, building community partnerships, and holding firm to a mission that invites people in and invites them to grow. Her story is a masterclass in value-driven leadership, and a reminder that even the most creative organizations need structure, courage, and trust to thrive. From difficult departures to groundbreaking productions, this conversation shines a spotlight on what it means to lead with integrity and purpose—on stage and off. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Dr. Peter Noonan has served in senior education leadership roles across Northern Virginia, including assistant superintendent in Fairfax County, superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools, and superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools. Now, as Executive Director of the Washington Area Schools Study Council, he's focused on two urgent challenges: building pipelines to prepare the next generation of superintendents and school board members, and helping communities re-engage with public education in the wake of COVID. In this episode, Dr. Noonan reflects on the three eras of leadership—pre-COVID, during the pandemic, and the years since—sharing how expectations for trust and transparency have shifted, and what it takes for leaders to hold fast to their values while keeping their communities engaged. His insights are grounded in schools but resonate with anyone working to strengthen public institutions. This episode is made possible by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
When Dr. Karen Barber became superintendent in 2020, she faced a pandemic and a financial crisis all at once. In this episode, she shares how a clear mission—to love, educate, and prepare all students for graduation and a successful future—helped guide her district through uncertainty. From asking staff "What's your superpower?" to building trust one relationship at a time, Dr. Barber reflects on leadership grounded in care, collaboration, and clarity of purpose. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
What does it take to bring a community together around an issue as painful and polarizing as the overdose crisis? For Marissa Knapp, Director of Overdose Prevention for Broome County, New York, it means leading with empathy, persistence, and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are. In this episode, she shares how she builds trust across difference, navigates stigma, and keeps momentum in a field where loss and disagreement are constant. You'll hear what it means to convene over 100 partners—from law enforcement to grieving families—and how even criticism can become a tool for public awareness. From Narcan on city buses to the quiet moments that sustain her, this is a powerful story of civic resolve, emotional honesty, and leadership that doesn't give up. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Marissa Knapp demonstrates How to Administer Narcan (link coming) Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
What does it take to stand firm in the face of outrage—even when it costs you friendships, safety, and peace of mind? Rebecca StClair, Vice Mayor and Commissioner at Large for Muskegon, Michigan, shares what it's like to step into local leadership and almost immediately face protests, national scrutiny, and personal attacks over a deeply controversial land sale. But this isn't just a story of conflict—it's a story of conviction, resilience, and a deep love for community. Rebecca talks openly about balancing civic duty with personal values, how fear almost kept her from running, and why she chose to lead anyway. From her city's post-industrial transformation to the ethics of difficult decisions, she offers a powerful reflection on what grounded, principled leadership looks like in the real world. Listen in to hear what it means to care more than you fear—and to keep showing up for a community that's learning to rise together. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Public schools are no longer the default—and that means they must no longer assume that their value speaks for itself. In this episode, Brian Stephens, CEO of Caissa K12, joins Community Catalysts with a clear call to action: if districts want families to choose them, they must speak up with purpose, clarity, and conviction. Brian shares what it takes for school leaders to break out of a compliance mindset and step boldly into advocacy—energizing their message, engaging their communities, and reclaiming the narrative about public education's purpose and power. With a background in psychology, law, and political strategy, Brian brings a uniquely sharp and disciplined approach to the work of public education advocacy. This conversation is a charge to act—and an invitation to lead with both strategy and heart. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Listen to Brian's Podcast: Public Education Unfiltered Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
What does collaborative leadership really look like? David Tarter shares lessons from five terms as Mayor of Falls Church, Virginia—including leading a major high school redevelopment and coordinating Northern Virginia's COVID response. Now at George Mason University, he's helping shape the next generation of community builders. In this episode, David reflects on the power of patience, vision, and public engagement to drive meaningful progress. This episode is made possible by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
This special episode of Community Catalysts offers something different: no guest, no interview—just a moment of pause. As Labor Day approaches and a new school year begins, host Matt Lehrman shares a personal essay honoring the burdens school leaders carry every day. From public scrutiny to policy strain, from emotional fatigue to civic responsibility, this reflection speaks not only to school board members and administrators, but to all who serve their communities with integrity and resolve. If you've ever felt the weight of leadership—this one's for you. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
On March 14, 2025, an EF-3 tornado tore through Cave City, Arkansas, devastating homes, businesses, and infrastructure. But recovery didn't begin in offices or press briefings—it began in the dark, with neighbors wielding chainsaws and community leaders figuring it out in real time. Now, just over four months later, Mayor Jonas Anderson offers a thorough and candid debrief of what it took to lead through crisis. In this instructive and extended conversation, he recounts the urgency of those first hours, the practical challenges of coordinating volunteers, the realities of local, state, and federal response, and the unexpected symbolism of a crumpled welcome sign that still lights up at night. This is a story of responsibility, resilience, and what it truly means to show up for your community when it matters most. LINKS Listen now to Mayor Anderson's 8/20/24 interview Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
In the very first episode of Community Catalysts, Audrey Hartness-Reese—who serves both as a City Councilmember and as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westminster, South Carolina—shared how her calling to ministry led her into civic leadership. Today, she returns to the podcast with a deeply personal update, recorded live and in person at the annual conference of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) in Hilton Head. What happens when two callings begin to pull in different directions? And how do you know when it's time to step back from public service, even when the work still matters? With grace, honesty, and deep conviction, Audrey opens up about navigating the tensions between faith and governance—and the courage it takes to let go. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Former Arlington County Board member, Virginia Secretary of Transportation, and lifelong public servant John Milliken reflects on five decades of civic leadership—from shaping transit-oriented development to forging regional collaboration. With wisdom earned across local, regional, and state government, he shares lessons on navigating uncertainty, moral decision-making, and staying engaged even when the road ahead is unclear. This episode is made possible by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Concord, NH City Councilor Jennifer Kretovic reflects on two decades of local leadership—from a downtown revitalization shaped by 70 community meetings to a recent golf course upgrade that sparked sharp online opposition in the post-COVID climate. She shares what's changed in public discourse, how personal attacks have become more common, and why staying grounded in purpose matters more than ever. For civic leaders, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at trust, ego, and the discipline it takes to lead through turbulence. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
You want to make a difference. But in civic leadership, doing good isn't enough—it matters how you do it. In this episode, John Scola—Senior VP of Advancement at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley and Chair of the Global Ethics Committee for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)—shares real-world insights on leading with integrity. What does it mean to act ethically under pressure? And how do you build trust when doing the right thing comes at a cost? This is a candid conversation about transparency, accountability, and why ethics must guide every effort to serve the public good. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
What happens when someone walks into City Hall, starts filming, and refuses to explain why? For many local officials, that's the reality of so-called "First Amendment audits." In this timely episode, Wade Beltramo, General Counsel of NYCOM, helps us navigate the legal and emotional challenges behind these confrontational encounters. Wade explains the strong deference courts give to First Amendment rights—even when exercised in disruptive ways. He outlines what local governments can do to protect staff and constituents while honoring their duty to transparency and accountability. With real-world examples and practical advice, Wade reminds us that public service requires both courage and readiness. His essential message to leaders: "Don't do nothing." LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Leadership doesn't always begin with a plan. For Mayor Deborah Hudson of Wilton, Alabama, it began with a simple errand—paying her water bill—and turned into a moment of truth for her town. With the mayor, clerk, utility staff, and most of the council gone, Wilton was in chaos. She could have walked away. Instead, she stepped up. In this episode, Mayor Hudson shares how she took the reins in a time of disorder, guided by faith, honesty, and an unshakable commitment to her community. From restoring basic operations to winning the town's first-ever grant, her story is a powerful example of steady leadership, even when the storm is already raging. If you've ever been thrust into leadership—or wondered how others rise when everything falls apart—this conversation is a vivid reminder that some of the most powerful stories in leadership begin with a single, unexpected step. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Recorded live for the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI), this episode features a dialogue with Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott on the statewide impacts of shifting federal policy. Speaking to local leaders across Northern Virginia, the Speaker outlines the work of the Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions and discusses the need for fact-based, bipartisan planning in response to economic uncertainty. Reflecting on the magnitude of current challenges, Speaker Scott states, "We're at a 10 right now… but this is not the time for panic—this is the time for bold leadership grounded in analysis." This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. LINKS Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LopEzTqBkcs Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
"Leading with Cariño" with Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer, Las Cruces, New Mexico Description: What does it look like when a city builds compassion into its culture—not as sentiment, but as strategy? Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer of Las Cruces, New Mexico, shares how the city's philosophy of Cariño—a Spanish word for care and kindness—guides both internal operations and public service. From potholes to policy planning, Bencomo discusses how Las Cruces weaves empathy into everyday governance, and why fostering connection across departments and with residents leads to better outcomes. For leaders striving to build trust in a complex world, this episode offers a powerful reminder: Humanity is not a distraction from effective government—it's the foundation. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
In this extended episode recorded live for the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI), former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson offers a candid look at what it means to govern through complexity. Reflecting on his years in office—and on the pressures facing today's local leaders—Wilson shares insights on public trust, political risk, and the essential role of local government in times of national uncertainty. From managing COVID to navigating federal overreach, he underscores why a clear and shared vision is essential for community resilience. This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. LINKS Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ODUKBpW_a1g Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States