If you’re curious about life in Utah County, what makes it tick, or just looking for your next adventure—or your next meal—join me as we shine a spotlight on a county that’s deeply rooted in community values and brimming with opportunity.

I’m Kenneth Wilson, your county administrator and host for today’s County Administrator series. In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Ezra Nair, my colleague and the County Administrator for Utah County, Utah—a place that's experiencing explosive growth and transforming rapidly before our eyes.

Together, we explore what sets Utah County apart—from its booming tech scene and innovative industries, to the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid population growth. Ezra shares his journey from Illinois to Utah, insights into local culture and community, and the ways Utah County is tackling issues like affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure.

We also dig into some fun and surprising facts about Utah County: its role in the upcoming Winter Olympics, its vibrant restaurant scene (yes, even in Provo!), and the blend of rural roots and urban dynamism that makes it so appealing to newcomers from across the country.

Moments

00:00 About the county and its lake

04:30 Moving to Utah and its growth

08:55 Growth industries in Utah

12:52 Improving transit in Utah County

15:31 Preparing for Utah 2034 Olympics

17:38 Provo’s diverse restaurant scene

22:25 Supporting local farms in Utah

23:56 Outdoor recreation and healthy living

26:55 County's role in mental health

32:28 Utah's beaches and mountains

34:24 The role of county government

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

• Rapid Growth & Opportunity: Utah County is projected to reach a population of one million by 2065 and may even surpass Salt Lake County. Its youthful demographic and tech-driven economy are fueling exciting prospects for the future.
• Quality of Life & Innovation: The county invests heavily in infrastructure, public safety, and recreation, embracing public transit solutions and maintaining a healthy environment with abundant outdoor activities and a thriving farm scene.
• Community & Culture: Utah County stands out for its strong sense of community, diversity brought by transplants from across the nation, and a rich food scene — yes, you can find great chicken & waffles and grits in Provo!

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Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

On this episode of Talk Of The County, host Kenneth Wilson welcomes Al Vanderberg, County Administrator for Kent County, Michigan, for a wide-ranging conversation about what makes West Michigan and Grand Rapids such dynamic places to live and work.

The two longtime colleagues talk about the unique challenges and opportunities facing county governments, draw out fun connections between their Michigan and Ohio roots, and offer listeners an insider's perspective on how Kent County is balancing rapid growth, changing demographics, and a vibrant cultural and economic scene.

From the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and the rise of major furniture and brewing industries, to the booming arts scene and ambitious projects like a world-class aquarium, Al Vanderberg shares both pride and candid insight into what’s driving Kent County forward.

The conversation also touches on pressing issues like affordable housing, public transit, and the future of shopping malls and neighborhoods. Plus, you’ll hear some fun personal moments—including hidden talents, favorite vacation spots, and the story of a family legacy in public service.

Whether you’re a Midwestern local or just curious about how fast-growing communities tackle the future, this episode is packed with stories and lessons from the front lines of local government leadership.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Kent County’s Dynamic Growth: Kent County is the fastest-growing county in Michigan, where young people and diverse populations are flocking thanks to vibrant arts, sports, and business opportunities.
2. Leadership Matters: Solving big challenges like affordable housing, transportation, and supporting arts institutions requires collaborative, visionary leadership across public and private sectors.
3. Community & Culture Drive Success: From renowned festivals, breweries, and museums to resilient partnerships between city and county governments, Kent County thrives because it invests in community and culture.

Moments

06:14 Grand Rapids: Furniture and Beer Hub

09:34 "Growing Young and Diverse"

10:25 Grand Rapids Cultural Highlights

13:31 Grand River Aquarium Project

17:43 "Tackling Housing and Homelessness Challenges"

20:48 "Grand Rapids Transit & Challenges"

25:32 "Meyer Gardens' Leading Success"

28:32 City-County Collaboration Enhanced

32:41 "Detroit's Perfect Leader: Campbell"

34:35 "Greenway Trails and Connections"

38:43 "Thriving Populations in Kent County"

40:18 "Shifting Demographics in West Michigan"

44:18 Malls Evolving: Transitions & Trends

48:50 "Leadership Driving Growth and Solutions"

50:59 "Son's Journey to Leadership"

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Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held its General Session on January 6, 2026, launching the new year with leadership selections and key county decisions.

The Board elected Commissioner John O’Grady as President for the 2026 term and heard his remarks outlining key priorities, including fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, workforce development, and community partnerships.

The session also included approval of resolutions related to inmate medical services, animal care, opioid harm reduction evaluation, cybersecurity authority, employee salary adjustments, and long-term support for Nationwide Arena renovations. Additional administrative actions included board appointments, annexation filings, and notice of a critical website accessibility upgrade to meet federal compliance deadlines.

Watch the full meeting on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE0F0e5vQ7M

Find the agenda here: https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/fi...

This is an episode that’s both informative and inspiring, revealing why public health matters and how it touches the lives of every county resident—every day.

Kenneth Wilson sits down with Franklin County Public Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola for an insightful and engaging conversation about all things public health in Franklin County. Whether you’ve ever wondered what a health commissioner does, how epidemiology helps keep communities safe, or why local partnerships matter, this episode is packed with answers.

Joe Mazzola shares his unconventional journey from political campaign work to leading public health efforts, highlights the broad array of services Franklin County Public Health provides—from food inspections and mosquito control to maternal wellness and addiction support—and unpacks his agency’s innovative work tackling issues like infant mortality and substance use disorder.

The discussion also covers how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the approach to health emergencies, why community initiatives like Recover for Life make Franklin County different, and even how artificial intelligence might impact future public health efforts. Plus, you’ll get a few personal insights about Joe Mazzola through a fun lightning round at the end.

Moments

00:00 "Unexpected Paths in Public Health"

05:58 Epidemiologists: Data-Driven Health Storytellers

08:56 Health Department Services Overview

11:45 Community Health Improvement Plan

13:50 Franklin County Addiction Response Plan

19:16 Housing for Health Innovation

23:05 Beyond Nuisance Abatement

24:59 Townships: Core of Health Department

27:45 Health Prevention Strategies

30:50 "Franklin County Recovery Campaign"

33:52 Pandemic's Impact on Public Health

39:29 AI in Healthcare: Challenges & Trust

40:34 AI Needs Human Oversight

46:52 Support Franklin County Community

47:31 "Amplify Lives, Spread Kindness"

Takeaways

Here are three key takeaways:

• Collaboration is at the heart of progress: Joe Mazzola emphasizes the power of partnerships—whether it's tackling infant mortality through initiatives like Celebrate1 or addressing substance use disorder with the Columbus Franklin County Addiction Plan. Working together with local agencies, townships, and community organizations makes a measurable difference.
• Public health is more than just responding to outbreaks: From environmental health (like food safety and mosquito control) to tackling social determinants, the Franklin County Public Health team focuses on preventive services and holistic health solutions—including innovative housing collaborations for better community outcomes.
• Continuous learning from challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic was a major pivot point, highlighting the need for strong relationships, clear communication, and constant preparedness. As Joe Mazzola shares, these lessons are leading to lasting changes in how the county approaches health emergencies—with an eye on technology and equity.

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

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Whether you’re a student navigating college choices, someone interested in public service, or just looking for genuine inspiration, this episode delivers honest insight and energetic storytelling you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of Talk Of The County, County Administrator Kenneth Wilson welcomes Kennedy Hampton, a driven bio pre-med major from Hampton University, for an inspiring and lively conversation.

Kennedy shares what drew her to the “real HU”—from a vibrant campus ministry to the welcoming community and scenic waterfront views. Together, they explore her passion for pediatric dentistry, her experiences as a summer intern in Franklin County, and the importance of faith and community for college students today.

Kennedy opens up about the influential women who have shaped her goals, her commitment to serving marginalized communities, and how internships and mentorship can shape a student’s future.

The conversation also includes topics of campus life, music favorites, self-care, and Kennedy’s love of fashion and sneakers—sprinkling in laughs, practical advice, and ambition along the way.

Moments

00:00 "Faith-Focused Hampton Experience"

03:32 Legacy Park: Inspiration and Reflection

08:43 "Kennedy's Dentist Dream"

12:14 Social Media's Positive Influence

14:52 "Boosting Student Support & Growth"

18:43 Staying Rooted in Faith

19:57 Securing the Bag Explained

25:41 Maximize Opportunities, Reach the Door

28:22 Prioritizing Self-Care in College

32:12 "Drake: My Top Artist"

34:05 Top Female Artist: Summer Walker

38:16 "Old R&B Beats New"

40:55 Santorini Dreams and Pinterest

44:16 "Fashion: Economy and Identity"

Here are 3 key takeaways from my conversation:

Finding Your Fit Matters: Touring HBCUs helped her realize how important it is to feel “at home” on campus. Hampton’s bold campus ministry and welcoming vibe truly sealed the deal for me.

Internships Open Doors: Her summer in public service taught her more than any class could. Real-world exposure, research projects, and community engagement have prepared her for her path in dentistry—and emphasizing the value of saying yes even when you feel unsure.

Authenticity & Faith Fuel Ambition: Perseverance and faith remain central to her story. Using her voice on social platforms and in the community, she's learned the power of showing up unapologetically and supporting others—especially those who aren’t always heard.

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

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Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Host Kenneth Wilson sits down with Damika Withers, Franklin County’s newest Deputy County Administrator. Damika shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, to leading transformative work in health and human services, and now playing an integral role in county administration.

With roots in public service and a passion for equity, accessibility, and community engagement, Damika opens up about the real impact of county agencies—with a focus on supporting local businesses, building pathways to opportunity, and uplifting every resident of Franklin County.

The conversation takes us from Damika’s early career pivots and family legacy at General Motors to her hands-on leadership in programs like the Columbus Fashion Alliance and the Center for Entrepreneurial Development.

Along the way, Kenneth and Damika talk about the challenges of balancing education and parenthood, the value of mentorship, and why remembering where you come from matters. Plus, you’ll learn about new ways the county is modernizing services and hear how Damika’s day-to-day work is changing lives across the community.

Wrapping up with a quick-fire round of pop culture favorites, this episode is a celebration of public service, resilience, and local pride.

A few key takeaways from the discussion:

• Your Path May Surprise You: My career began with dreams of journalism and evolved into a rewarding path in public service—proof that embracing unexpected turns can lead to incredible impact!
• Bringing Equity to All Aspects of Government: Whether supporting small businesses through initiatives like the Columbus Fashion Alliance, or reimagining how we handle procurement and workforce development, our team is committed to ensuring access, opportunity, and innovation for every Franklin County resident.
• Giving Back Matters: The most meaningful part of my work is the ability to help others grow and succeed—from mentees and colleagues, to entrepreneurs building new legacies in our community.

Moments

00:00 Team Franklin County: Motivated Leadership

03:54 Public Service Career Journey

07:12 Applying MPA Education to Real-World

10:25 Patience and Opportunity in Careers

13:32 "Embracing Origins and Identity"

18:57 Role Evolution and Community Goals

20:23 Equity and Access Initiatives Expanded

27:29 Columbus Fashion Collaboration Hub Launch

29:20 Local Organic Fashion at DCA Withers

32:33 "Proud of Positive Impact"

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

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Host Kenneth Wilson sits down with Olivia Peebles, a dynamic county intern and rising senior at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Olivia shares her passion for public policy, civic engagement, and education reform, reflecting on how youth involvement is shaping local and national conversations.

Together, they talk about the realities of modern student activism, the power of community, challenges in mobilizing younger generations, and the joys and surprises of navigating college life in Columbus.

This is an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the impact of young voices on today’s most pressing social issues—plus a few fun facts about Olivia’s favorite music, TV shows, and her dreams for the future.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or civic-minded resident, this episode offers both practical insights and authentic encouragement for anyone eager to make a difference.

Here are three key takeaways for anyone passionate about making a difference:

• Engagement Starts Local: Real change begins in our own communities. I’ve seen firsthand at The Ohio State University and in Franklin County how being involved in local government, boards, and organizations empowers young people to actively shape their environments.
• Consistency & Resilience Matter: Transformative movements aren’t built on one-time actions, but on sustained effort and real sacrifice. Whether it’s organizing around issues that matter or staying true to your values (even when it gets tough!), commitment is what drives meaningful change.
• Don’t Let Self-Doubt Hold You Back: As she preps for graduation, she's learned that nobody’s path is perfectly clear. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Staying open to opportunities and believing in your ability to adapt is just as important as dreaming big.

Moments

00:00 Youth Spotlight in Franklin County

06:06 Diverse Activism at Glenn College

06:57 Protesting Tactics Learned at University

11:53 Athlete Privilege and Perspective Shift

13:24 Accountability in College Athletics

18:40 Broadening Horizons Through Community

21:37 Career Path: Frontward or Behind-the-Scenes?

23:28 Unyielding Belief and Persistence

29:54 The Allergy Generation Divide

31:28 "Curious, But Not Into Bureaucracy"

34:08 Future Plans: Moving to North Carolina

38:47 Heartfelt Determination for Happiness

41:59 Style Contrast with Sisters

44:39 Delayed Progress for Women Leaders

48:29 "Motivating Generational Engagement"

51:26 Youth Civic Engagement Challenges

54:48 "Never Doubt Yourself"

56:48 "Empowering Future Generations Podcast"

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

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Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Whether you’re passionate about local government, leadership, or just want a front-row seat to the stories that shape our communities, this episode has something for you.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Betsy Keller, the newly elected president of the National Association of County Administrators. We talk about what it really means to run one of the nation’s 3,069 counties and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this critical work.

Betsy, who also serves as the Chief Administrator for El Paso County, Texas, shares her journey from her early days in city government to stepping up as a leader on the national stage. We talk about what makes El Paso special—a diverse, cross-border county full of economic vitality and cultural richness—and how she works with partners on both sides of the border to address complex issues like food insecurity, housing, and economic development.

Our conversation touches on the human side of county administration. What motivates us, the importance of mentorship, and how building a great team makes all the difference. Betsy also lets us in on her personal life, from her love of family and adventure to her unexpected passion for fast cars and drag racing.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our discussion:

Collaboration Across Borders: El Paso County’s unique position as a diverse, binational community highlights the power of collaboration, with both local, state, and international partners. Betsy emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships across sectors and countries, particularly around economic development and crisis management.

Investing in People & Leadership: Betsy’s HR background proved invaluable as she stepped into higher leadership. She shares candid reflections on how foundational people management, leadership development, and fostering team accountability are to the county’s success. She also speaks passionately about uplifting future leaders and pushing for opportunities for women to advance.

Facing Community Challenges Head-On: Whether navigating flooding in a desert county or supporting local nonprofits through federal funding cuts, Betsy demonstrates a proactive, people-first approach. Her commitment to innovating in areas like affordable housing and workforce development stands as a model for public sector leaders nationwide.

Moments

00:00 El Paso's Unique Location Highlights

06:02 Cross-Border Cooperation Efforts

07:17 Career Journey from Clerk to HR Director

13:35 El Paso's Flood Management Efforts

16:56 El Paso's Housing Stability Examined

17:43 "Population Shift to Suburbs"

24:09 State Grants Boost El Paso Region

27:24 Nonprofits Struggle Amid Funding Cuts

29:42 Impacts of County Funding Reductions

32:26 Strengthening Affiliates, Expanding Partnerships

35:18 Sponsors Enable Genuine Connections

38:49 County Administrators Sharing Knowledge

44:03 Role Modeling Through Leadership

46:11 Education: Tools Beyond Experience

48:23 "Advancing Our Association's Future"

51:38 Music, Family, and Outdoor Life

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

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Copyright 2026 Franklin County Board of Commissioners