Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Gaston College's first female president, Pat Skinner, speaks with Savvy Citizen about her time in charge of the college, responding to the rise in school shootings and how she's served as a mentor for other women seeking leadership roles.

Gastonia's first female mayor, Jennie Stultz, talks about her time in office, some of her presidential encounters and why a former preschool teacher made a political career out of municipal pride. 

Dot Guthrie, the founder of the African-American Museum of History and Culture at Loray Mill and a longtime member of the Gaston County School Board, talks about why it was important for her to get her COVID-19 vaccine, and some of the lessons she's learned during the pandemic.

The heads of the newly created Gaston Business Association talk about the merger that brought them together, their vision for the future of Gaston County and the unique opportunities that lie ahead.

Gaston County's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Pearl Burris-Floyd wraps up this special three-part series on Black History Month trailblazers talking about the accomplishments she's most proud of and the work she's still got ahead of her. 

In the 2nd of our 3-part series for Black History Month, James Buie -- the first Black man to serve as chief of the Gaston County Police Department -- talks about what he accomplished, the impact of the death of George Floyd and what the future of policing might look like. 

The first of a three-part series for Black History Month: Rev. Thomas Gillespie, who serves as mayor-pro tem of Lowell, speaks about being that town's first Black councilman and growing up in the segregated south. 

Season 2 of Savvy Citizen kicks off with Gaston County Museum Director Jason Luker and Education Manager Alex Brooks sitting down with us to discuss Gaston County's history of bootleggers and moonshiners -- which included some famous and infamous folks.

Counselor Russ Keeney joins Savvy Citizen to talk about the effects COVID-19 has played on mental health for Gaston County residents, and provides some words of encouragement for those feeling drained by the pandemic. 

Gaston County first grade teacher Savannah Peoples joins Savvy Citizen to talk about the challenges of teaching during COVID, as well as some of the unexpected benefits.