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 about building relationships that support meaningful change.

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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 democratic values.

This episode is presented in partnership with RELI, as part of their ongoing effort to share the insights and experiences of Northern Virginia's local leaders with a national audience.

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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 engagement, ethics, and leadership—offers a practical roadmap for building trust, strengthening communities, and leading with integrity.

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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 overcame, the values that guide his leadership, and the enduring power of public education to shape lives and communities.

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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.

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NBC News | Stone Ghosts In The South: Confederate Monuments And America's Battle With Itself: https://youtu.be/msIDM8MyGqg?si=aC7s_DGsBZtQR2WR

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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. At a time when political division threatens progress, Kris offers a refreshing perspective on getting things done and making government work for the people it serves.

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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 greater aspirations for the city's future. From overcoming skepticism to fueling new waves of investment and civic pride, Mayor Henderson shares how a singular vision has prompted an ongoing cycle of growth and renewal.

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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 strengthening climate resilience.

Sponsored by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government.

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"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 ready to respond.

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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 to the power of quiet strength, service, and purpose-driven action.

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