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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners