What is LAA: On Leadership?

Our podcast features conversations with local executives, civic and community members sharing their unique perspectives on leadership in our community. This limited series podcast provides executive-level insights on what makes resourceful, informed, and proactive leaders, and how we can come together to create a more vibrant county.

Hosts, LAA Board Chair, Derek Matthews and LAA President & CEO, Kris Valerio Shock spark the conversations. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and connection!

CLICK HERE for all of the episodes from Season 1 and Season 2 on Spotify, look for LAA: On Leadership wherever you get your podcasts or scroll below to start listening today.

Season 2

Episode #6 – This episode features Comacell Brown Jr., a multidisciplinary artist and graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel’s (LAA) Flagship and Neighborhood Leadership Academy 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.

Episode #5 –  In this episode, Danny Watkins, a 2022 Leadership Anne Arundel graduate and 2024 Mental Health Hero, shares his journey from rural Maryland to leading behavioral health operations at Luminis Health. Hosts Derek Matthews and Kris Valerio Shock explore mental health, servant leadership, and how empathy and resilience shape impactful community leadership.

Episode #4 –  Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell joins LAA on Leadership to share his powerful personal journey, his passion for education, and how he's leading change in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. With candid insights and actionable advice, Dr. Bedell inspires listeners to lead with purpose and support the next generation.

Episode #3 – Two powerhouse women. One powerful conversation. Listen to police and fire Chiefs Amal Awad and Trisha Wolford talk about breaking barriers, building bridges, overcoming challenges, and inspiring the next generation of women in leadership. This one’s about more than fire and police—it’s about real leadership and showing up for your people.  

Episode #2 –  Join us as we talk to Steve Thomas from AACO Police Department Crisis Intervention Team about his inspiring journey from patrolman to leading an awarding winning crisis response team.  

Episode #1 –  Listen as County Executive Steuart Pittman shares his leadership style, career as a community organizer, and what he thinks is special about how folks in Anne Arundel County come together. 

Click Here for Season 1 Podcast Episodes

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