Talk of the County Podcast | Interview with Stacy Rogers, President-Elect of NFBPA

01/22/24 • 31 min

1 2 Talk of the County Podcast | Interview with Stacy Rogers, President-Elect of NFBPA

We welcome Stacy Rogers, the Chief Administrative Officer for Baltimore County, Maryland, and President-Elect of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA).

Host Kenneth Wilson engages Stacy in a comprehensive discussion covering a wide range of topics, from regional collaboration and securing federal funding to the challenges and priorities of the Baltimore County government.

Stacy Rogers highlights the critical role of strategic regional collaboration in accessing federal resources for transportation, water, and sewer issues. She emphasizes the need for partnerships and concerted efforts to address these infrastructural challenges. Additionally, she discusses the successful initiatives in Baltimore County to secure federal funding for digital equity, particularly through partnerships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Kenneth Wilson underscores the importance of affordable connectivity programs and introduces the upcoming NFBPA conference, indicating the podcast's commitment to promoting relevant events and initiatives within the public administration sphere. This sets the stage for Stacy's discussion of her upcoming role as NFBPA president and the organization's dedication to mentorship and leadership development programs.

Ken and Stacy talk about the importance of mentorship for African American leaders and the promotion of public administration as a profession, particularly within HBCUs and higher education in general. This focus on mentorship and leadership development underscores the podcast's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of public administration.

The episode provides an insightful look into Baltimore County, the third largest jurisdiction in Maryland, with a population of 850,000 residents. Stacy notes that the county operates under a charter government and has an annual operating budget of $4.4 billion, employing nearly 10,000 workers. The budget reflects the county's priorities, allocating 48% to the school system and significant portions to public safety, emphasizing the commitment to education and public safety within the community.

The discussion also sheds light on the county administration's efforts to prioritize community engagement in the budgeting process. This entails conducting budget town halls in various jurisdictions and utilizing response polls to align budget priorities with community needs. Additionally, the administration has implemented a county-wide strategic plan focusing on community, accountability, sustainability, ethics, and workforce development, showcasing a proactive approach to governance and planning.

The challenges of the "great resignation" and the increasing demand for work-life balance within the government workforce are also explored. The impact of these factors, particularly in competing with the federal workforce and navigating teleworking options, presents a complex landscape for the county administration.

Moving beyond the county level, they talk about the potential for regional collaboration within the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) on issues such as natural disasters, sustainability, and renewable energy. The recognition of the collective regional impact and the need for collaborative solutions underscores the podcast's commitment to addressing broader societal challenges.

Stacy Rogers also shares insights into the versatility of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the significance of understanding law in government work. She emphasizes the importance of legislative references, codes, and state laws that exist in government planning and operations, offering valuable advice to aspiring public administrators.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Baltimore County: 3rd largest in Maryland, $4.4B budget, 10,000 employees.

04:59 Prior admin faced budget testimony limitations, but we expanded community input through town halls and polls, aligning budget goals with public priorities and implementing a prize-wide strategic plan based on community, accountability, and sustainability.

08:09 Focus on flexible teleworking for the intergenerational workforce.

11:58 Seek federal resources and tackle regional issues proactively.

15:13 NTIA funding supports digital access in Maryland.

24:32 MPA offers versatile skills with a strong foundation.

Top Takeaways

1. Strategic Regional Collaboration: The importance of collabo...

Franklin County Media

1 2 Talk of the County Podcast | Interview with Stacy Rogers, President-Elect of NFBPA

We welcome Stacy Rogers, the Chief Administrative Officer for Baltimore County, Maryland, and President-Elect of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA).

Memorable Moments

00:00 Baltimore County: 3rd largest in Maryland, $4.4B budget, 10,000 employees.

08:09 Focus on flexible teleworking for the intergenerational workforce.

11:58 Seek federal resources and tackle regional issues proactively.

15:13 NTIA funding supports digital access in Maryland.

24:32 MPA offers versatile skills with a strong foundation.

Top Takeaways

1. Strategic Regional Collaboration: The importance of collabo...

Previous Episode

Welcome to Talk Of The County

Next Episode

Talk of the County Podcast | Exploring COSI with Dr. Frederic Bertley

1 3

In this episode of "Talk Of The County," you're in for some inspiring and fun conversations as host Kenneth Wilson and guest Dr. Frederic Bertley dive into the world of science, education, and community engagement.

Dr. Bertley passionately stresses the importance of funding science education initiatives, highlighting the impact of providing science kits to children in their homes and communities through organizations like COSI. He's all about making science accessible and relatable to kids.

The talk then shifts to Columbus, Ohio's vibrant scene, touching on public-private partnerships, sports teams, and some friendly rivalry banter. Dr. Bertley shares a personal story about becoming a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and both guys express support for their favorite sports teams, light-heartedly poking fun at a certain team that wears "maize and blue."

The focus then turns to COSI's collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, emphasizing their commitment to making science accessible to everyone. They also delve into the successful STEM Lunchbox Program, its massive impact, and the support it's gained from big players like NASA and Honda.

The conversation further unfolds as they highlight COSI's awe-inspiring traveling exhibits, the After Dark program for adults, and the buzz around their recent event: The Science Behind Body Art. Dr. Bertley brings a fascinating twist to the discussion, diving into the historical and cultural significance of body modification practices, sharing the success of the recent event, and drawing in the host with some fun bourbon banter.

Dr. Bertley dives into the international efforts of COSI and their plans for expanding the COSI experience throughout Ohio and beyond, emphasizing the impact of this global outreach.

He also talks about COSI's partnership with sports teams to promote the science of sports and the excitement around their Emmy-winning creative media products - "QED with Dr. B" and "Dr. B in 3," aimed at making science more accessible to a larger audience.

Top Takeaways

1. During the pandemic, the impact of providing science kits to children in their communities has become increasingly important as it makes science more accessible and relatable to young individuals.

2. Public-private partnerships, such as the collaboration between COSI and organizations like NASA, Honda, and the American Museum of Natural History, are instrumental in promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for youth.

3. COSI's efforts to make science accessible to all, regardless of background, through programs like the STEM Lunchbox Program, have gained significant support and partnerships, delivering kits locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

4. The appeal of COSI is broad, attracting visitors through diverse traveling exhibits such as Barbie, Marvel, and King Tut, as well as through adult-targeted events like COSI After Dark, which provides a space for adults to enjoy science-themed activities.

5. The focus on engaging adults and promoting scientific understanding in everyday life extends to partnerships with sports teams to promote the science of sports and creative media products like TV shows and animated series to make science accessible to a broader audience.

6. COSI's impact extends internationally, with plans to expand the COSI experience throughout Ohio and globally, emphasizing the importance of international work in funding and brand awareness.

7. Accomplishments like winning 3 Emmys for a science TV show and 3 for an animated series highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating science communication, as well as the perception of scientists and the need to celebrate living scientists.

8. Acknowledgment from county leadership and a National Medal for educational initiatives underscore the support for educational institutions like COSI and the significance of outreach programs in the community.

"COSI is doing cool stuff. If you're in Alaska, if you're in Texas, if you're in Florida, which are 3 states, for example, where we are delivering product, everything from our videos to our kits, The hands on interactions for kiddos and adults in those regions through partnerships, people locally know how are like, hey."

— Dr. Frederic Bertley

Memorable Moments

00:00 American Museum of Natural History Gallery, science impact.

03:16 Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math accessibility

08:56 "Bringing science to their commu...

Franklin County Media - Talk of the County Podcast | Interview with Stacy Rogers, President-Elect of NFBPA

Transcript

Kenneth Wilson [00:00:14]:

Good morning, Franklin County. I am here, with The Honorable Stacy Rogers, who serves as the President-Elect of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators and serves as The Chief Administrative Officer for Baltimore County, Maryland. How are you doing this morning at ICMA?

Stacy Rogers [00:00:35]:

Indeed. I am well and really Honored to join you, today. I wanna thank you and, your team for inviting me.

Kenneth Wilson [00:00:45]: