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.