Book Recommendations from Officials Who've Been "In the Arena"
As 2020 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the numerous books that government officials from across the nation have recommende...
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In The Arena
Host Cathilea Robinett pursues her guests’ personal backstories to understand what they bring to public service. Their stories – personal and professional – help explain their devotion to se...
Episodes
20 of 46 episodesService Before Self: Karen Baker's Career in Public Service
The career public servant has served a president and in the cabinets of three governors, and is not afraid of tackling big, complicated jobs...
The Many Chapters of Jabari Simama's Life
Humble beginnings and a kind demeanor have made him a great public servant, including work as an elected county official and college preside...
How Sheila Oliver Made a Career of Breaking Glass Ceilings
Inspired by trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, New Jersey's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver has become a powerful and inspirational leader in her own righ...
Finding Common Ground in an America That Will Not Agree
In a time of an extremely divided America, Bruce Bond works with his team to develop common ground and inspire others to create positive cha...
From Literature to Water: Heather Repenning on Impacting Change
She didn't grow up dreaming of working in a position of power in a big city like Los Angeles, but her strong desire to help people and make...
America "In The Arena" — How We Can Overcome
Life is an unpredictable collision of people and events that set our lives' trajectory and shape who we become. In this special episode of "...
College's First Black President on Digital Equity, Systemic Change in COVID
Dr. Miles Davis wants to use his platform as first Black president of Linfield college to affect systemic change. Even as COVID-19 drastical...
Sharon Greenberger Fights for New York as YMCA President, CEO
As president and CEO of the New York YMCA, Sharon Greenberger is constantly working to make New York a healthier, happier community. Now she...
Toni Carter, Minnesota's First Black County Commissioner, Speaks Out
Ramsey County's commissioner has fought for change in the state for the past three decades through vigorous community engagement. She has ma...
Stockton's New City Manager Sees an Opportunity During Troubled Times
A former Baltimore CFO and city manager for Cincinnati, Harry Black just started as Stockton's city manager when the pandemic began, quickly...
Reforming Corrections in Pennsylvania with Data, Creativity
John Wetzel uses decades of experience and an unyielding determination to serve Pennsylvania as the secretary of corrections. But he knows t...
Alisha Bell: Wayne County's Unstoppable Force of Leadership
A county and national leader, Alisha Bell has learned how to be a successful public official by following the path her mother laid down. Now...
County Commissioner Helps Others with Resources, Compassion
Whether it's a small county or a national stage, Mary Ann Borgeson leads Douglas County, Neb., and the National Association of Counties with...
Betty Yee, State Controller, State of California
Betty Yee uses her role as California's state controller to uplift underserved communities, encourage women participation in politics and pu...
Serena DiMaso, Assembly Member, State of New Jersey
Whether it is a devastating hurricane or global pandemic, Serena DiMaso will be there to lend a helping hand. From the front lines and Assem...
Clay S. Jenkinson, Editor-at-Large, GOVERNING
Clay Jenkinson, Governing 's editor-at-large and humanities scholar on Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt, tells us how literature and...
Bryan Barnett, Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI, President of U.S. Conference of Mayors
His passion for authentic relationships helps Bryan Barnett to excel as Mayor of Rochester Hills and as President of the U.S. Conference of...
Ryan Coonerty, County Supervisor, Santa Cruz
Ryan Coonerty knows Santa Cruz, California. After being raised in the small coastal city and then going across the pond and country for scho...
Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Development Services Agency, State of Ohio
Lydia Mihalik is a fierce team leader and has a passion for improving the lives of others, two qualities that have suited her perfectly for...