LAA: On Leadership - Danny Watkins, McNew Center, Luminis Health

LAA: On Leadership - Comacell Brown, Jr.

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) [https://www.leadershipaa.org/] 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. [https://www.cellspitfire.com/about], 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 [https://www.mtb.com/homepage/about-us]for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

LAA: On Leadership - Danny Watkins, McNew Center, Luminis Health

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) [https://www.leadershipaa.org/] 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, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-watkins-70467796/]MSN, RN, NEA-BC, System Senior Director of Behavioral Health Operations and Nursing, Luminis Health [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-watkins-70467796/]. 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 [https://www.mtb.com/homepage/about-us]for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

LAA: On Leadership - AACPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) [https://www.leadershipaa.org/] 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 [https://www.aacps.org/page/about-us-overview]. 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 [https://www.mtb.com/homepage/about-us]for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

LAA: On Leadership - Chiefs Awad and Wolford

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) [https://www.leadershipaa.org/] 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 [https://www.aacounty.org/police-department/about-us/amal-e-awad#:~:text=Chief%20Amal%20E.,of%20experience%20in%20public%20safety.] of the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Chief Trisha Wolford [https://www.aacounty.org/fire-department/about-us/trisha-l-wolford#:~:text=Trisha%20Wolford%20is%20the%20Fire,fire%20departments%20in%20the%20country.] 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 [https://www.mtb.com/homepage/about-us]for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.

LAA: On Leadership - Steve Thomas

Welcome to LAA: On Leadership—a podcast presented by M&T Bank and produced by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) [https://www.leadershipaa.org/] 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) [https://www.aacounty.org/county-council/council-districts/district-5/district-5-blog/crisis-intervention-team]. 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 [https://www.mtb.com/homepage/about-us]for their ongoing commitment to the community and Leadership Anne Arundel.