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:


Social Media Isn’t the Problem. Our Approach Is.
By Matt Lehrman March 24, 2026
Social media isn’t the problem—our approach is. In this candid conversation, we reframe civic dialogue online, offering practical insights for local leaders to foster connection, trust, and meaningful engagement.
Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial
By Matt Lehrman March 24, 2026
Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial, has spent years navigating the mechanics of social media platforms—first as a media executive and later as a city council member who experienced firsthand the pressures local leaders face online.
 Dana Lewis, Recorder and Officer in Charge of Elections for Pinal County.
By Matt Lehrman March 17, 2026
Most of us think about elections only when it is time to vote. What we rarely see is the extraordinary amount of work required to make the process itself function.
More Posts