March 12, 2025

Mayor Skip Henderson, Columbus, Georgia

Otis White on your Day 1 priorities on the Community Catalyst Podcast.
Mayor Brian Vincent Farmville, VA

Mayor Skip Henderson

Columbus, Georgia



"A River of Success: Reflecting on the Chattahoochee's Transformation"


“We kind of developed a habit of finishing a project and saying,
‘Man, that looks terrific. What’s next?’”

– Mayor Skip Henderson


This week on Community Catalysts, Mayor Skip Henderson of Columbus, Georgia, shares how restoring the Chattahoochee River didn’t just revitalize a natural resource—it sparked a lasting cycle of growth, investment, and civic pride.


More than a decade after its completion, the project continues to fuel economic development, tourism, and new ambitions for the city’s future. Building on insights from Otis White’s original Civic Strategies podcast, we explore what happened next—how Columbus turned an uncertain idea into a transformative success and why the momentum hasn’t stopped.


What strikes me most is how success breeds success. Columbus didn’t just restore a river—it unlocked a mindset. The project gives the community the confidence to think bigger, take risks, and invest in what’s possible. Mayor Henderson’s perspective offers valuable lessons for leaders everywhere: What happens when a city embraces bold ideas? How do you sustain momentum? And most importantly, what’s next?


I hope you’ll listen and reflect on how this story of vision, leadership, and persistence might inspire your own work.




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