January 22, 2025

Derek Ferland, County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire

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Town Councilmember Jim Torgeson of Gilbert, Arizona

Derek Ferland

County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire



"Mission, People, and Process"


What does it take to build trust, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful change in our communities?


This week on Community Catalysts, I interview Derek Ferland, County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire, who shares his journey from military service to municipal leadership. He shares how “mission, people, and process” are at the heart of his approach.


If you haven’t served, you may be as surprised as I was to learn that Derek’s military training didn’t just emphasize discipline and following orders—it also taught the importance of collaboration. As Derek says, “When you’re not being shot at, you have time to think and seek input.” This is a powerful leadership insight, that even in structured environments, listening and teamwork are essential to improvement and progress. It’s the kind of lesson that can make you fundamentally rethink how you lead in your own community.


Join a growing network of civic, local government, and nonprofit leaders from across the nation who share powerful stories of leadership that inspire ideas, provide actionable insights, and empower you to make a lasting impact in your community. Listen to Community Catalysts today and elevate your leadership journey!


Would YOU be interested in sharing a story from your own journey to leadership? I’m always looking for instructive and inspiring voices to feature on the show!  Let me know: www.CatalystGuest.us. 


Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.


To share a story from your own leadership journey, APPLY HERE to become a guest.

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ABOUT THE PODCAST:  Local leaders everywhere are innovating ways to engage their communities, foster collaboration, and achieve significant goals. “Community Catalysts” brings you the inside story of mayors, council members, city managers, nonprofit CEOs, and other changemakers from a variety of backgrounds. Produced by Social Prosperity Partners and hosted by Matt Lehrman, the podcast offers a weekly dose of inspiration and practical advice for leaders committed to inclusive decision-making and excellence in governance.

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