Welcome to Pittman and Friends, the curiously probing, sometimes awkward, but always revealing conversations between your host, Anne Arundel County Executive St...
Amy Gowan on Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
County Executive Steuart Pittman welcomes Amy Gowan, President and CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC), for a fascinating exploration of what drives economic prosperity in communities and how local government can facilitate business success.Amy brings a uniquely diverse background to her role, having worked in homeless services, housing policy, planning departments, and as an advisor to both a mayor and city council member before landing in economic development. This nonlinear career path gives her invaluable perspective on both sides of the development equation – understanding regulatory constraints while championing business growth.The conversation reveals how AAEDC's structure as a nonprofit with close county ties creates remarkable flexibility to respond to business needs quickly. Whether deploying emergency grants during disasters or helping entrepreneurs navigate permitting processes, the organization serves as the crucial bridge between government and the business community.Listeners will discover the Inclusive Venture Program, an eight-week business accelerator helping established small businesses scale to new heights. The program's graduation ceremonies often bring tears as passionate entrepreneurs who've risked everything gain the knowledge, connections, and confidence to succeed. Amy emphasizes how understanding cash flow projections becomes a transformative skill for participants.The podcast also examines Anne Arundel County's exceptional economic strengths – from Fort Meade's cyber security hub to tourism assets and global transportation connections through BWI Airport. These economic engines create stability that attracts investment, maintains strong bond ratings, and fosters an environment where businesses can make long-term plans with confidence.If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV
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32:41
Kris Valerio Shock on Leadership Anne Arundel
County Executive Steuart Pittman welcomes Kris Valerio-Shock, President and CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel, for a fascinating conversation about cultivating community leadership. What begins as a simple introduction to LAA's programs quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of how intentional leadership development transforms communities from the ground up.Valerio-Shock shares the organization's dual approach through their Flagship Program and Neighborhood Leadership Academy. While the Flagship offers a comprehensive 10-month journey through every aspect of county operations, the Neighborhood Leadership Academy specifically removes barriers for grassroots leaders who might otherwise miss development opportunities due to financial constraints or scheduling challenges. This commitment to accessibility sets LAA apart from similar organizations nationwide.The conversation takes a compelling turn when Valerio-Shock reveals her unexpected path from Broadway actress to community leadership development. Her personal journey mirrors what she now helps others discover: finding meaningful ways to connect passion with community impact. This authenticity permeates LAA's approach, creating not just professional development but genuine fellowship among leaders who understand the unique challenges of community service.Most striking are the tangible results emerging from LAA's programs. From Bike AAA revolutionizing the county's trail system to an online food pantry mapping tool that emerged from a class project, the organization demonstrates how structured leadership development directly translates to community problem-solving. When Pittman remarks that Anne Arundel County is often praised for its exceptional people, Valerio-Shock confirms that Leadership Anne Arundel has spent three decades ensuring that "where all the good people go" is right back into serving their community.If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV
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32:15
State Senator Shaneka Henson on Her Journey and Service
When Senator Shaneka Henson found herself living in subsidized housing as a young mother at 19, she never imagined that experience would one day inform her work as a Maryland State Senator. Yet that pivotal chapter in her life—navigating parenthood while pursuing her education—gave her a perspective few legislators possess.Senator Henson's conversation with Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman takes us through her remarkable journey from preacher's daughter to public housing resident to attorney and now state senator. Her path wasn't the traditional political trajectory; it sprouted from necessity and firsthand experience with systems many only legislate about from a distance."Where you live teaches you how to live," Senator Henson shares, explaining how her housing advocacy stems from understanding affordable housing not just as shelter, but as a springboard for opportunity. Her work representing domestic violence survivors at the YWCA and later at the Maryland Attorney General's Office further shaped her approach to community service—one that prioritizes those most often overlooked.The discussion explores her transition from Annapolis City Council to the House of Delegates and now to the Senate, where her expanded district includes both urban Annapolis and rural South County. Senator Henson and County Executive Pittman delve into pressing issues including gun violence prevention initiatives, affordable housing preservation in rural areas, and supporting small businesses across diverse communities.If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV
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33:33
State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess on Breaking Barriers in Law and Leadership
In a rare and revealing conversation, State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be Anne Arundel County's chief prosecutor. Known for working quietly behind the scenes, Colt Leitess brings decades of experience to bear on some of the county's most challenging criminal cases.From her early days clerking with Baltimore's homicide unit during the era that inspired "Homicide: Life on the Street" to personally prosecuting the Capital Gazette shooter, Colt Leitess shares how her commitment to justice has shaped her career. The conversation explores the full scope of the State's Attorney's Office – managing 62 attorneys and a $16 million budget while handling every criminal case from serious traffic violations to homicides. Beyond securing convictions, the State Attorney’s Office highlights an overlooked aspect of prosecution: clearing those who may have been wrongfully charged.Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of modern prosecution, from implementing body-worn camera evidence to recruiting qualified attorneys in an era when fewer law students pursue careers in prosecution. With characteristic authenticity, Colt Leitess concludes with powerful advice for women in leadership: "Be your authentic self, don't apologize." It's a philosophy that has served her well throughout her legal career. If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV
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32:11
Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell on Choosing Education and Anne Arundel Challenges
Join Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman for a compelling conversation with Dr. Mark Bedell, the superintendent of the county's public schools. As they delve into the real-life challenges and triumphs of managing a large educational institution, Dr. Bedell shares his remarkable journey from childhood adversity to becoming a leader in education. This episode explores how collaboration—between educators, the community, and local government—can drive educational success. It also addresses issues such as teacher recruitment and retention and legislative policies. Learn more about how Anne Arundel County addresses unique challenges while focusing on student achievement and well-being. Dr. Bedell emphasizes the importance of listening to feedback from families and educators and implementing a strategic plan to create an innovative, supportive environment where all students can thrive. If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV
Welcome to Pittman and Friends, the curiously probing, sometimes awkward, but always revealing conversations between your host, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman - that’s me - and whatever brave and willing public servant, community leader, or elected official I can find who has something to say that you should hear.This podcast is provided as a public service of Anne Arundel County Government, so don’t expect me to get all partisan here. This is about the age-old art of government - of, by, and for the people.
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