Community Catalysts

• "Sometimes a Hammer, Sometimes a Feather" with Mayor Bill Danielson, Irmo, SC

  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: [email protected] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  --------  

  36:40

  --------

  36:40
• "Welcome Fearless Leaders" with Milton Brown, School Board Member, Washington County, FL

  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: [email protected] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  --------  

  31:30

  --------

  31:30
• "Theater Is Community" with Pamme Jones, Ridgefield Theater Barn (CT)

  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: [email protected] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  --------  

  32:04

  --------

  32:04
• "Leadership Pipelines and Public Trust" with Dr. Peter Noonan, Executive Director, Washington Area Schools Study Council

  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: [email protected] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  --------  

  39:31

  --------

  39:31
• "Leading with Love and Clarity" with Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent, Santa Rosa County District Schools (FL)

  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: [email protected] Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  --------  

  34:06

  --------

  34:06

More Government podcasts

Trending Government podcasts

About Community Catalysts

Community Catalysts: Podcasts in Family