Community Catalysts

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 trust, and make a lasting impact in their communities.   LINKS: Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     CONNECT:  Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners   

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 community challenges. Letourneau also reflects on balancing the demands of leadership with family life as a husband and father of four. Sponsored by RELI, the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here   Follow Matt Lehrman on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedInProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

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 increase—a choice that challenged his deeply held principles. Torgeson shares his internal struggle to balance the expectations of his constituents, the community’s long-term needs, and his own values, offering a candid and thought-provoking perspective on the complexities of ethical leadership. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here   Follow Matt Lehrman on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedInProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

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 partnerships between civic, corporate, and faith communities, and the innovative fundraising efforts that sustain their mission. Kathy's insights highlight the profound impact of local leadership and collaboration in addressing urgent community needs. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send us a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Otis White’s Civic Strategies website:  http://www.civic-strategies.com/  Follow Matt Lehrman on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedInProduced by Social Prosperity Partners