March 12, 2024

Mayor Annette Blackwell, Maple Heights, Ohio

Mayor Annette Blackwell of Maple Heights, Ohio,

Mayor Annette Blackwell

 Maple Heights, Ohio

"Back in Black" - As both the first woman and African American mayor in Maple Heights, Ohio, Annette Blackwell faced a racist and sexist backlash while putting the Cleveland suburb’s finances back on track. But her biggest challenge wasn’t winning over white voters, but other Black politicians.


Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

LISTEN HERE
Mayor Annette Blackwell of Maple Heights, Ohio.



ABOUT THE PODCAST: Mayors, council members, police chiefs, foundation CEOs and other local leaders share their hard-won lessons about making a difference in their community. More than a showcase for stories, “Community Catalysts” offers a durable demonstration that concepts like vision, courage, leadership, inclusivity, trust and collaboration are more than intangible values. The experiences shared convey specific knowledge and skills that deserve to be shared, honed and put into practice.


APPLY HERE to be a podcast guest.



Connect with Matt:


Marissa Knapp, Broome County Overdose Prevention Director

Marissa Knapp, Broome County Overdose Prevention Director

By Matt Lehrman • September 23, 2025
What does it take to lead on an issue that divides communities, breaks hearts, and rarely makes the evening news unless someone dies? In this week’s Community Catalysts, Marissa Knapp offers a rare glimpse into the front lines of local leadership in the face of the overdose crisis.
Beyond Burnout: Leading When You’re Exhausted

Beyond Burnout: Leading When You’re Exhausted

By Matt Lehrman • September 17, 2025
Highlights from the August 2025 Local Leadership Chat: Beyond Burnout: Leading When You’re Exhausted
Rebecca StClair, Vice Mayor of Muskegon, Michigan

Rebecca StClair, Vice Mayor of Muskegon, Michigan

By Matt Lehrman • September 16, 2025
Rebecca StClair, Vice Mayor and Commissioner at Large for Muskegon, Michigan, stepped into public office through a grassroots campaign, and almost immediately found herself in the center of a deeply controversial issue—facing protests, public backlash, and personal attacks that would shake even long-serving leaders.
More Posts