Public Service Begins With Listening

Penny Gross

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

“Public Service Begins With Listening”

After nearly three decades on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Penny Gross has seen local leadership through moments of growth, conflict, change, and increasing public division. And through all of it, one conviction remained constant:

People need to feel heard.

In the newest episode of Community Catalysts, Penny reflects on the human side of governance, the growing challenge of sustaining civic trust, and the responsibility leaders have to create spaces where difficult conversations can still occur constructively.

One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation centers on Kaleidoscope, Penny Gross’s long-running community dialogue initiative designed to bring people together across perspectives, not necessarily to force agreement, but to deepen understanding and strengthen community connection.

For elected officials and civic leaders, this episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about making decisions. It is also about creating the conditions where listening, trust, and public participation remain possible.

This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, which works to strengthen public leadership and regional collaboration across Northern Virginia.

I hope you’ll take time to listen to this thoughtful and timely conversation.

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An Invitation to Share Your Leadership Story

Community Catalysts is built on the belief that some of the most valuable leadership insights are earned quietly, through real service in real communities.

If you serve in a civic leadership role—and you’d be open to sharing hard-won lessons from your own experience—I invite you to consider being a guest on a future episode.

You can learn more and volunteer by completing a brief guest questionnaire at:www.CatalystGuest.us 

Every submission is reviewed personally. Your story may help another leader see their own work more clearly, or feel less alone in the responsibilities they carry.

Thank you for the work you do—and for considering this invitation.