Strategic Compass
What’s driving national growth across all industries from one of the country’s most dynamic regions? The business landscape is constantly evolving, and Strategic Compass is here to help you lead through its complexities.
Welcome to Strategic Compass, the podcast exploring the strategic forces shaping the future of business! Join hosts Kathy Hollinger, CEO of Greater Washington Partnership, and Patrick Ryan, KPMG National Managing Partner, Advisory Strategy and Markets, as they guide you through candid conversations with top executives.
We’re thrilled to sit down with the region’s most influential leaders to uncover their stories of bold ideas, collaboration, and leadership shaping the economy from Baltimore through Washington, D.C. to Richmond—and nationally. Discover how these Greater Washington area CEOs are driving national conversations, navigating disruption, and building the enterprises of tomorrow.
Episode 6: "Building a Super Region: The Bold Vision Behind Greater Washington’s Future" with Peter Scher, Ted Leonsis, and Russ Ramsey.
May 28, 2026
In this special episode of Strategic Compass, Kathy Hollinger sits down with Greater Washington Partnership founders Ted Leonsis, Peter Scher, and Russ Ramsey to reflect on the bold vision that launched the Partnership nearly a decade ago. From the Olympic bid that sparked regional collaboration to the successful push for Amazon HQ2, the conversation explores how business leaders united across Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond to position the region as a globally competitive “super region.”
Together, they discuss transportation, talent, public safety, AI, innovation, and why the next decade will require even greater coordination between business, government, and academia to drive growth and prosperity.
Discover more episodes of Strategic Compass
Strategic Compass is a podcast featuring insightful conversations with CEOs and executive leaders from the region, offering local perspectives that inform national dialogue. Our guests share their insights on the key issues facing their organizations and industries, as well as the drivers of growth and transformation in the market.
Episode 1: "Pioneering innovation and defending the future" with Kathy Warden, Chair, President, and CEO, Northrop Grumman
In this episode, Patrick Ryan, KPMG National Managing Partner, Advisory Strategy and Markets, and Kathy Hollinger, CEO of the Greater Washington Partnership, are joined by Kathy Warden, Chair, CEO, and President of Northrop Grumman. Kathy shares her views on how her focus on transformative technology, strong leadership and a highly competitive market has helped propel growth at her Fortune 500 company.
Episode 2: "Powering Tomorrow: Leadership, Energy, and the AI Boom" with Bob Blue, President, and CEO, Dominion Energy
In this episode, Patrick Ryan, KPMG National Managing Partner, Advisory Strategy and Markets, is joined by Bob Blue, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Dominion Energy. They discuss the pivotal role of energy in the sustainable growth of our region and explore the future shaped by AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Episode 3: "A master class in next-generation education" with President Tim Sands, Virginia Tech
In this episode, Kathy Hollinger is joined by Dr. Tim Sands, President of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Together they explore how Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus blends integrated technology with experiential education. Hear first hand how this unique campus is revolutionizing research-based studies and why the nation’s capital is the perfect location for such ground breaking initiatives.
Episode 4: "Healthcare Innovation and Regional Commitment" with Ken Samet & Dr. J Stephen Jones
In this episode, Patrick Ryan, KPMG National Managing Partner, Advisory Strategy and Markets, is joined by Dr. Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Inova and Kenneth Samet, President and CEO, MedStar Health. Together, they explore how healthcare anchors are advancing innovation, access, and workforce development—while driving community well-being and economic competitiveness across the Baltimore-to-Richmond region.
Episode 5: "Transforming Through Change: Leadership, Policy, and the Future Economy" with Guest Host Peter Scher featuring Mark Weinberger
In this episode, Kathy Hollinger is joined by Dr. Tim Sands, President of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Together they explore how Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus blends integrated technology with experiential education. Hear first hand how this unique campus is revolutionizing research-based studies and why the nation’s capital is the perfect location for such ground breaking initiatives.
Episode 6: "Building a Super Region: The Bold Vision Behind Greater Washington’s Future" with Peter Scher, Ted Leonsis, and Russ Ramsey
In this special episode of Strategic Compass, Kathy Hollinger sits down with Greater Washington Partnership founders Ted Leonsis, Peter Scher, and Russ Ramsey to reflect on the bold vision that launched the Partnership nearly a decade ago. From the Olympic bid that sparked regional collaboration to the successful push for Amazon HQ2, the conversation explores how business leaders united across Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond to position the region as a globally competitive “super region.”
Together, they discuss transportation, talent, public safety, AI, innovation, and why the next decade will require even greater coordination between business, government, and academia to drive growth and prosperity.
