In this episode of LAA: On Leadership, Leadership Anne Arundel President & CEO Kris Valerio Shock sits down with Kristen Pironis (FLG22), CEO of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, for a conversation about leadership, collaboration, community development, and creating places where both residents and visitors can thrive. Kristen shares the unexpected path that led her to destination leadership and how her experience in communications, nonprofit governance, community development, and ethical leadership prepared her to lead in ways she never anticipated. Together, Kris and Kristen explore how tourism connects to workforce development, transportation, the arts, economic opportunity, and quality of life. Kristen also shares why meaningful collaboration starts with clear values, honest conversations, and a willingness to work across organizations and geographic boundaries. Listeners will hear about major initiatives shaping the future of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, including a new welcome center at BWI Marshall Airport, hospitality workforce development, long-term destination planning, regional passenger ferry service, and the exploration of an arts and conference center.

Kristen also offers practical leadership lessons for anyone looking to make a greater impact.

Whether you're leading an organization, serving on a board, growing your career, or looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community, this conversation is a reminder that lasting impact happens when people work together toward a shared vision.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

Vincent Moulden (FLG22), Director of the Office of Community Engagement and Constituent Services for Anne Arundel County, shares his inspiring journey from self-described introvert to trusted community leader. A lifelong Anne Arundel County resident, Vincent reflects on how intentional relationship building, consistent leadership, and a passion for public service have shaped his career and strengthened his commitment to making local government more accessible and responsive.

The conversation explores the power of meaningful community engagement, the importance of mentoring the next generation of leaders, and why trust is built one relationship at a time. Vincent also discusses the launch of the Giving Collective of Anne Arundel County, an innovative initiative designed to fill critical gaps by supporting nonprofits and helping working families overcome everyday financial barriers before they become crises.

Listeners will gain practical leadership insights on staying consistent through challenges, leading with curiosity, creating lasting community impact, and recognizing that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger Anne Arundel County. Whether you're an emerging leader, a longtime community advocate, or simply looking for ways to make a difference, Vincent's perspective offers valuable lessons on leading through service and connection.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

In this episode of LAA on Leadership, Kris Valerio Shock sits down with Rob Levit, nonprofit leader, consultant, founder of Creating Communities, and graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel's Flagship Class of 2009. Drawing on a career that spans the arts, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development, Rob shares how creativity, strategy, and human connection have shaped his approach to leadership.

Rob reflects on the defining moments that inspired the creation of Creating Communities, the challenges of building and successfully transitioning a nonprofit, and why leaders must balance what he calls "head, heart, and hands." He also explores the power of leadership frameworks, the importance of self-leadership, and how values can serve as a daily compass for decision-making.

Throughout the conversation, Rob offers practical insights on leading through uncertainty, fostering meaningful change, avoiding burnout, and staying connected to the people and communities we serve. He also shares lessons learned during major societal challenges, including 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses how leaders can thoughtfully navigate the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence.

Whether you lead a team, a nonprofit, a business, or a grassroots initiative, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leading with intention, creativity, and courage.

Listen now and discover how small shifts in mindset and action can create lasting community impact.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

In this episode, Kris Valerio Shock sits down with Jeremiah, co-founder of Peak Social, graduate of LAA's Flagship Class of 2025, and board member with the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Play Annapolis. Together, they explore how sports, events, and service can break down barriers, build belonging, and help people invest more deeply in Anne Arundel County.

Jeremiah shares the story behind Peak Social, the leadership lessons he has learned as a young entrepreneur, and the impact of creating welcoming spaces where people can show up, play, serve, and form lasting friendships. The conversation also highlights his growing work through Peak Events, his LAA experience, and his commitment to making leadership more accessible for future classes.

Listen in for a conversation about connection, community impact, and what happens when leaders turn simple ideas into meaningful movement.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

In this episode, host Kris Valerio Shock sits down with Chanel Compton Johnson, mixed-media artist, Executive Director of the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, and graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel's Flagship Class of 2022.

Chanel shares her journey growing up in Bridgeport, Connecticut and her path to leading Maryland's official museum of African American history, reflecting on the mentors, moments, and mindset shifts that shaped her career. Together, they explore the power of saying "yes" to opportunity, the importance of reflection in leadership, and how creativity can serve as a tool for connection, healing, and community impact.

The conversation highlights the value of embracing fear, building authentic relationships, and leading with intention. Listeners will walk away with meaningful insights and inspiration for leading with purpose, especially when creating change through culture, storytelling, and service.

We'd like to thank M&T Bank for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

This episode features Comacell Brown Jr., a multidisciplinary artist and graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel's (LAA) Flagship (2021) and Neighborhood Leadership Academy (2020) programs. Comacell shares his journey from growing up in Annapolis and studying graphic design in Atlanta to becoming a full-time artist focused on community impact. He discusses how LAA shaped his leadership approach, particularly through creative projects that engage youth, inspire local pride, and promote collaboration. The episode also highlights Comacell's public art projects, leadership influences, and his commitment to using art as a tool for transformation and connection across Anne Arundel County.

We'd like to thank M&T Bank for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

In this inspiring episode of the LAA on Leadership podcast, hosts Derek Matthews and Kris Valerio Shock sit down with Danny Watkins, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, System Senior Director of Behavioral Health Operations and Nursing, Luminis Health. Danny is a 2022 graduate of the Leadership Anne Arundel Flagship program and a 2024 Mental Health Hero. Danny shares his personal journey from growing up in rural western Maryland to leading behavioral health operations at Luminis Health. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of mental health, the impact of servant leadership, and the importance of empathy in supporting both patients and staff. Danny also reflects on the challenges and rewards of leadership, the influence of his upbringing, and his commitment to making a difference in Anne Arundel County.

We'd like to thank M&T Bank for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

In this compelling episode of LAA on Leadership, hosts Derek Matthews and Kris Valerio Shock sit down with Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Dr. Bedell shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Rochester, NY, to becoming a nationally recognized educational leader. He reflects on the experiences and values that shaped his leadership style, the transformative work underway in Anne Arundel schools, and the power of community involvement in education. With humility, humor, and insight, Dr. Bedell offers a powerful call to action for listeners to be present and invested in the future of our youth.

We'd like to thank M&T Bank for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

Two Powerhouse Women. One Powerful Conversation. This episode is not one to miss. We sat down with Chief Amal Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Chief Trisha Wolford of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department—two nationally respected leaders changing the face of public safety. From breaking barriers to building bridges between fire and police, they share: What it's really like leading at the top, their biggest challenges (and how they overcame them) and provide advice for the next generation of women in leadership. This isn't just about law enforcement or fire services—it's about resilient leadership, authentic relationships, and showing up for your people.

We'd like to thank M&T Bank for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) to recognize community leaders and LAA graduates. Join us as we talk with guests about what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how various leaders can come together to create a more vibrant county.

In this episode of LAA: On Leadership, we sit down with Steve Thomas from the Anne Arundel County Police Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). Join us as we dive into Steve's inspiring journey, from serving as a patrolman for 20 years with the Anne Arundel County Police Department to his decision to pursue crisis intervention. In 2020, his unit was named International CIT Unit of the Year. We'll explore Steve's strong relationships with community leaders, how these connections play a crucial role in his work, and the leadership strategies he relies on to guide his team through challenging situations.

We'd like to thank M&T Bank for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.