From Prosecutor to Public Servant: Rhonda Pindell Charles Talks Leadership, Public Safety, and Community Trust

Appearing on Legends From the Past & Future, Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles detailed how decades of legal experience and community advocacy have prepared her to lead Annapolis into its next chapter.

A former prosecutor who supervised over 30,000 cases per year in Baltimore City, she shared how her training of hundreds of young attorneys helped produce many of Maryland’s current judges and state’s attorneys.

“Leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about preparing others to lead,” she said.

Expanding on her early career, Pindell Charles recalled:

“I was a prosecutor initially when I got there, in the Juvenile Courts Division. I was a charging supervisor—I supervised 20 attorneys and 15 support staff. In my division alone, we handled over thirty thousand hearings a year.

Then I became a trainer for what we called the 'baby prosecutors'—those for whom this was their first job—and I had the opportunity to guide them. After that, I rose to the position of Deputy Division Chief. By that time, I had been there for about five years, so I rose pretty well within the organization.

During that time, I also trained law enforcement officers at the police academies in Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as at colleges, universities, libraries, and housing units. I trained officers in those situations and positions, including grand juries, juvenile services, and DSS (Department of Social Services)...."

She also highlighted her work as Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Standing Committee and her close collaboration with the Annapolis Police Department, Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management. Her role during Tornado Ida and the COVID-19 pandemic proved her ability to navigate crisis and coordinate effectively across departments.

But perhaps most importantly, Pindell Charles emphasized trust as the foundation of safety and progress.

“If people don’t trust you, they won’t follow you,” she said. “It starts with listening, being present, and showing up for your community.”

As she continues her campaign for mayor, Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles remains focused on what matters most: empowering residents, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every voice in Annapolis is heard and respected.

 Here’s a video of her interview:

Watch Rhonda Pindell Charles speak about her life, upbringing, and purpose-driven path to public service on Legends From the Past & Future.

Watch Interview on Youtube