January 29, 2025

Mary Hynes and Jay Fisette of Northern Virginia’s Regional Elected Leaders Initiative

Otis White on your Day 1 priorities on the Community Catalyst Podcast.
Town Councilmember Jim Torgeson of Gilbert, Arizona

Mary Hynes and Jay Fisette

Northern Virginia’s Regional Elected Leaders Initiative



"Collaboration, Vision, and Leadership"


Something extraordinary is happening among municipal leaders in Northern Virginia, where collaboration is sparking bold innovation. At the forefront are Mary Hynes and Jay Fisette, co-directors of the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University, empowering local leaders to address shared challenges with visionary solutions.


In a region as diverse and fast-changing as Northern Virginia, building trust and breaking down barriers requires determination and vision. Mary and Jay’s leadership showcases how collaboration can transform neighborhoods through transit-oriented development and tackle climate challenges with cross-sector partnerships—a true testament to the power of working together.


In this week’s Community Catalysts episode, Mary and Jay share their journeys and offer valuable insights on creating resilient, thriving communities through purposeful leadership. Part of a series underwritten by RELI at the Schar School of Policy and Government, this episode celebrates the innovative leadership shaping Northern Virginia’s future.


Tune in, be inspired, and discover ideas to drive positive change in your own work. Together, we can build stronger communities.



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.

LISTEN HERE


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.

Connect with Matt:


Ilryong MoonAt-Large Member Fairfax County School Board

Ilryong Moon, At-Large Member Fairfax County School Board

By Matt Lehrman • April 23, 2025
Ilryong Moon came to the United States from Korea at 17. He didn’t speak much English. His family had little money. His parents, both undereducated, worked long hours to support their children in a new and unfamiliar country. Ilryong repeated a year of high school just to learn the language. From there, he went on to graduate from Harvard, build a successful law career, and eventually serve for decades on the school board of one of the nation’s largest—and most diverse—school districts.
Insights from the April Local Leadership Chat with Matt Lehrman

Insights from the April Local Leadership Chat

By Matt Lehrman • April 16, 2025
Last week, local leaders from across the country came together for a 90-minute virtual conversation about the words we use, the values we hold, and the challenges we face. Mayors, council members, and civic officials shared candid insights—not just about policy, but about how everyday language now feels risky, and how they stay grounded in community service. Here’s what they shared.
Chuck Frye, Jr. Fredericksburg, Virginia on Community Catalysts

Vice Mayor Chuck Frye, Jr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

By Matt Lehrman • April 9, 2025
Empathy isn’t just a personal trait—it can be a process. When communities create space for difficult conversations, real change is possible.
More Posts