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PODCAST

Community Catalysts

Community Catalysts is a weekly podcast from Social Prosperity Partners, hosted by Matt Lehrman, where leaders from local government and nonprofits reflect on what they"ve learned—often the hard way—and share practical wisdom for those working to strengthen their communities.

government politics

All Episodes

31:23

“A Leap Into Crisis” with Mayor Deborah Hudson,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/07/08

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

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01:01:36

"Bold Leadership, Thoughtful Planning" with Speaker...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/07/01

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

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30:23

"Leading with Cariño" with Barbara Bencomo, Chief...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/06/24

"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

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01:01:05

"Leading with Vision in Uncertain Times" with Justin...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/06/17

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

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36:28

"Finding Clarity Amid the Clamor" with Kevin Lyons,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/06/10

In a digital age where public dialogue is often drowned out by outrage and misinformation, civic leaders face an urgent challenge: How can they hear—and serve—the whole community, not just the loudest voices? Kevin Lyons, co-founder of FlashVote, joins the conversation to explore what it takes to make local decision-making more representative, responsive, and resilient. From cutting through the clamor of public comment to designing questions that reveal real community priorities, this episode offers

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35:57

"Leading with Purpose and People" with Mayor Mike...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/06/03

Mayor Mike Oakley’s leadership journey spans nearly four decades in military service and now guides his work as mayor of Centerville, Alabama. In the military, leadership meant executing a mission with discipline and precision. In local government, it’s about trust, collaboration, and community-building. In this episode, he shares how he’s adapted from commanding troops in combat zones to uniting a small town—offering hard-earned insights on teamwork, decision-making, and leading through

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10:02

“Service & Sacrifice” with Mayor Brian Vincent,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/05/22

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 who gave their lives and uphold the values they fought to defend. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a

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35:13

"Every Leader Needs a Strong Network" with Jim...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/05/20

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 isolation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how leadership is about more than management—it’s

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01:02:47

"Leading with Connection” - an Extended Conversation...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/05/13

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, the shifting landscape of federal policy, and the essential role of local governance in defending

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31:42

“Double Down on Trust and Leadership” with Ian Coyle,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/05/06

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 challenge of staying professional and nonpartisan amid political pressures. His core message—double down on

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39:43

"Representation and Resolve" with Ilryong Moon,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/04/22

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 perseverance, purpose, and representation. In this heartfelt conversation, Moon reflects on the challenges he

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33:18

"The Power of Hard Conversations” with Chuck Frye,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/04/08

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 space for understanding. LINKS NBC News | Stone Ghosts In The South: Confederate Monuments And America's

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37:46

"Somebody Ought to Do Something About That" with Kris...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/03/25

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 reflects on the lessons of public service, the power of collaboration, and why compromise isn’t a dirty word

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37:38

"Reflecting on the Chattahoochee's Transformation"...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/03/11

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 Strategies podcast, this conversation explores lessons learned and how the project’s success has sparked even

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31:16

"Choosing Collaboration” with Robert Lazaro,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/02/25

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 communities across boundaries to address common challenges—from expanding clean energy initiatives to

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39:14

"When Incivility Wins” with Former Mayor Ginny Dickey...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/02/18

“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 a wake-up call for leaders everywhere. Listen for her hard-earned insights on how to stay alert and

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34:12

"Decency, Fortitude, Community" with Mayor Brian...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/02/11

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 the legacy of his father, a fallen U.S. Army officer, the Mayor’s approach to leadership is a testament

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32:50

"Bring the Compassion" with Vivienne Leyva, Public...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/02/04

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 relationships, and guiding communities through challenging times. Her candid insights provide thoughtful

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38:43

"Collaboration, Vision, and Leadership" with Mary...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/01/28

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 tackling climate challenges, Mary and Jay reflect together on the practical steps needed to turn shared

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29:29

“Mission, People, and Process” with Derek Ferland,...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/01/21

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, his story highlights how thoughtful leadership fosters trust and collaboration in challenging

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84 results

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