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.

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 Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Steuart was born and raised between Washington, D.C. and Davidsonville, Maryland and knows plenty about our region. Listen as we get an inside glimpse at his leadership style, his career as a community organizer and what he thinks is special about how folks in Anne Arundel County come together.  

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 30 years of leadership. Each episode features a community leader and graduate of LAA.  We'll delve into 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 the dynamic Moke Wolfe, who is a senior vice president at M&T Bank, our proud podcast sponsor, and a Flagship 2020 graduate. Prepare to be enlightened as Moke talks with us about M&T's long history of sponsoring the Flagship experience and shares insight about the value of their profound engagement with LAA and the community at large. 

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