In the Arena

Humble beginnings and a kind demeanor have made him a great public servant, including work as a city council member and college president. It also has led him to foster a deep friendship with legendary John Lewis.

Inspired by trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, New Jersey’s Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver has become a powerful and inspirational leader in her own right and has already left a mark that will last for generations.

Clay Jenkinson, Governing’s editor-at-large and humanities scholar on Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt, tells us how literature and history can help inform leaders in this time of global national crisis.

His passion for authentic relationships helps Bryan Barnett to excel as mayor of Rochester Hills and as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Even in a time when the nation is without strategy, he continues to lead with integrity.

Ryan Coonerty has always been a part of the Santa Cruz community, from resident, to mayor and now county supervisor. Though his work is now countywide, his aim is still to create “a better place for the next generation.”

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 Ohio’s public service as director of the Development Services Agency.

What started off as a wrong turn has turned into a home and career for Chris Cabaldon. Through innovation and risk, he has been able to help change West Sacramento into the thriving community it is today.

A passionate representative for women, Navajo people, and Wyomingites, Affie Ellis is a force to be reckoned with and she hopes to use her curiosity and patience to dig deeply into century-old tensions for years to come.

Caring, passionate, and having always pushed back against the status quo, Beth Niblock has used her role as Detroit Chief Information Officer to revitalize the city with technology after a tough period of bankruptcy.

Los Angeles’ mayor was raised with the understanding that public service is listening. So now he listens to his community and wants to make Los Angeles a place of opportunity for the California Dream.

From reporting on congress to building the first mobile streaming news network, small-town, North Dakotan Ed O’Keefe has extensive media experience. And as CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, O’Keefe is creating an experience that preserves and shares Roosevelt’s legacy.

Blair Milo has accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. It all stems from her passion for serving others and ensuring their success through creating opportunities.

When helping people is your core motivation, failure is not an option.

During a time when it was rare for women to seek office, Jo Ann Davidson ran for city council in 1965. Even though she lost her first election, this was the start of a remarkable career in public service that eventually led her to the Ohio House of Representatives.

Seattle born and raised, Dow Constantine serves over 2 million people as Executive of King County.

Haitian born mayor Harry LaRosiliere is now serving his second term of a city of a quarter million people, which has attracted the likes of Toyota, FedEx, and Boeing.