Register Now & Spread the Word: LSM-LEAD Inaugural 5K/10K Run & Walk Coming Up Soon

LEAD 2014: Congrats to Our Future Leaders

Fifth Annual LEAD Experience Offers Skills for Success to Southern Maryland Teens

  

              A diverse group of 31 high school students from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties celebrated completion of LEAD 2014 on June 25, each walking away with life-long leadership skills, new friends and unique memories.

 For the fifth year, Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) and Maryland Leadership Workshops (MLW) partnered to provide a unique four-day, three-night residential learning experience intended to strengthen skills such as project planning, group dynamics and diversity appreciation. 

The tenth, eleventh and twelfth-graders from throughout the region were guided through group games and workshops designed to help them recognize and maximize their potential for becoming leaders within their schools and communities, while gaining or strengthening practical skills that will benefit them in future academic and career endeavors.

The MLW staff which worked directly with the LEAD delegates are young adults typically attending college or recent graduates and are frequently former leadership camp completers. LEAD 2014’s MLW Outreach Coordinator Andrew Williams, 25, said he enjoyed attending MLW as a high school senior and college freshman so much that he decided to get involved as a mentor.

“It’s just a great experience and I enjoy getting to be part of something that can really make a positive impact in a young person’s life,” Williams shared.

Like the teen delegates, the staffers were diverse and each brought their own unique life-experiences to share during both the comprehensive lessons and the more relaxed social activities. Throughout the experience, LEAD participants got to know their peers from other schools and other counties, delving into their differences as well as their commonalities. While the workshops are thought-provoking, there is equal time given for high-energy games of balloon stomp and campfire camaraderie.

Housed in dorms on the beautiful, waterfront campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the students got a little taste of college life and were treated to a guided tour of Historic St. Mary’s City with Executive Director and LSM alumna Dr. Regina Faden and Dr. Henry Miller. From the St. John’s Site Museum to boarding The Dove, delegates were surrounded by history while learning of the tried and true leadership principles utilized by Maryland’s founders in the 17^th century and by those creating headlines today.

  LEAD delegates also engaged in community service, doing their part to help clean up the St. Mary’s River and the Chesapeake Bay, learning more about environmental stewardship and restoration efforts through a partnership with the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA). Donning lifejackets and gloves, they worked alongside SMRWA Executive Director and LSM alumnus Bob Lewis, staff and volunteers to load dozens of Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) cages and boarded a barge to deposit them at a designated spot within the oyster sanctuary.

           This year, LEAD participants planted roughly 500,000 oysters, captured and examined aquatic creatures with a seining net and got up close and personal with the water-filtering bi-valves.

             Tom Jarboe, LSM founding member and past president and St. Mary’s County Commissioner candidate, LSM alumnus and SMRWA board president Joe Anderson, Delegate John Bohanan and Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship community investor Oscar Ocasio greeted the LEAD delegates at the waterfront to support the positive local and environmental project.

             Before delegates received their certificates and headed into the future with a bevy of new-found leadership tools, they presented synthesis projects as small groups, exercising the teamwork, S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting and public speaking skills they’d honed during the program.  Each year, teens use this platform to express topics they deem interesting and important to them, along with potential solutions or implementation plans while a panel of LSM board members and alumni ask questions and assess their projects.

2014 delegates offered projects focused on eliminating the 4-year math or English requirements if it proved unnecessary for a student’s career path choice; another proposed a unique Chesapeake Bay restoration project; and a third group concentrated on greater education about and a reduction in the use of prescription and opiate drugs.

             Whether delegates decided to follow in the footsteps of an older sibling that previously benefitted from attending, returned for a second year or signed up at the urging of a relative or teacher, each participant said they gained something useful at this unique camp experience and would recommend LEAD to their friends.

          Talia Thomas, an 11th-grader at Patuxent High School said, “I really gained a lot from this, like great new friends, how to work together well and [the understanding] that there are people who really care.”

            Many teens said the project planning and goal-setting skills were valuable and applicable takeaways they could use to reach greater success in many aspects of their lives. Others said they gained confidence in areas like public speaking and maintaining motivation.

Chopticon junior Shannon Burke shared, “I really loved the whole program… I learned to talk in front of others and I made a ton of great friends.”

             The Inaugural LSM/LEAD 5K/10K Run & Walk will be held on Sept. 14 at 8 a.m. Pre-registration of $25 for walkers and $30 for runners directly benefits the LSM and LEAD programs. Visit active.com and enter ‘LEAD – 5K/10K Walk/Run’ to participate.

           For more information, please contact us at 240-725-5469 or via e-mail at info@leadershipsomd.org.

Click HERE to visit the LEAD Facebook page to see more photos and HERE to check out the following photo montage created and shared by MLW Community Outreach Coordinator Andrew Williams.

Karen Holcomb Honored with 2014 Heritage Award, Warm Farewell

Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) hosted its third annual Heritage Awards ceremony on May 21 and bestowed the award for Excellence in Mentoring to retiring executive director Karen Holcomb. 

The Heritage Awards were created to recognize, sequentially, individuals throughout the Southern Maryland region for their outstanding leadership, service and mentoring at a ceremony held at the beautiful Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood. This year’s celebration continued that tradition and served as an official farewell to Holcomb, the organization’s first executive director and integral partner in LSM’s launch and growing success.

Current LSM Board President Mark DeLuca told the large crowd gathered at Sotterley, “I don’t think there is a person here today that doesn’t realize LSM and LEAD wouldn’t be where they are today without Karen’s tireless efforts.”

Since its 2008 inception, when launched by a group of graduates from the state-wide Leadership Maryland program, Holcomb has been the face of the regional leadership organization. From the recruitment breakfasts and candidate interviews to the comprehensive, day-long programs and six graduation ceremonies, she has worked behind-the-scenes and has been ever-present to ensure the LSM experience is an inspiring one for those who take what she called the leap of faith to be part of this incredible journey. 

            Holcomb’s love of education began with her work as a special education teacher and her leadership skills were honed during a 33-year career in a variety of positions at NAS Patuxent River. Her retirement in July of 2007 was short-lived when the opportunity arose to become part of an educational, experiential program for rising leadership within the region she calls home.

Many of the founding board members spoke at the ceremony, sharing personal stories of how Holcomb’s natural mentoring had impacted their lives and their shared goal of creating and strengthening a regional leadership program.

Capt. Matt Scassero, (USN, Ret.), Director of UMD UAS Test Site, said the original founders ran into the interesting quandary of who do you get to lead a leadership program. He said while the choices were many, very quickly one rose above the rest in Karen Holcomb and noted her competence, courage and compassion offered exactly what was needed to steer the fledgling organization.

“Through it all,” Scassero said, “[Holcomb] has exemplified what Lady Thatcher once said about power and leadership: ‘Being powerful is like being a lady, if you have to tell people you are, you aren’t’… Karen is certainly both.”

He explained the representation behind LSM’s selection of a lighthouse for its logo, with a clear signal of optimism shining through the darkness to lead the way and presented Holcomb with an original painting by local artist Mary Lou Troutman featuring a lighthouse of Southern Maryland.

Founder, Past Board President and Principal at Booz, Allen, Hamilton Ray Wernecke presented Holcomb with the traditional Heritage Awards gift of the pearl in the crystal oyster and stated, “Almost all of us here have had the privilege of being the beneficiary of an individual who so naturally shares her God-given gifts and personal experiences… simply to have a lasting, positive impact on someone else’s life.”

Past Board President Susan Vogel, Executive Director, Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation, Inc. utilized a bowl of fruit to deliver a humorous and heart-felt speech for Holcomb. “If there is one word to describe Karen, it’s generous. And as we think back on our lives during LSM, blossoming, growing and giving back, it’s only fitting that one of our parting gifts to Karen would be the most generous of trees, providing both flowers and fruit,” Vogel stated, presenting her with the gift of a live, patio-sized orange tree.

            Founding Boarding members Tom Jarboe, Bert Johnston and, by letter, Delores Martin praised the strong leadership and continued mentoring Holcomb has provided, making the personal experience of each graduate of the LSM and LEAD programs a unique and inspiring one.

            Strathmore Hall CEO and program facilitator Eliot Pfanstiehl called Holcomb “a small but mighty force of nature” and said he was sure, even after retirement, she would continue to work on behalf of community, civility and progress. He stated, “There are far too few humans of her ilk in this world.”

            In a display of genuine humility, Holcomb’s acceptance speech consisted mostly of thanking her daughter, Janice Tyson Zilch, for celebrating the retirement with her, the founders for their faith in her, the alumni that participate with enthusiasm and promote the program among their peers, the facilitators, sponsors, volunteers and staff that have all supported the LSM mission. “It really is all about the people,” she stated.

            “I really am humbled and so very grateful to share this time with you,” Holcomb said, adding the connections made, transformations witnessed and experiences shared would stay with her for a lifetime.

            As Holcomb transitions into her welcomed retirement to spend more time with her family members, twin grandsons and husband, Jack, she continues to be active within her community and has worked to ensure a smooth transition to LSM’s new Executive Director Helen Wernecke.

            The many lives Karen Holcomb has personally touched through her astounding mentoring abilities, in addition to a strong and growing LSM program, are only small pieces of her lasting legacy. 

Alumni Horn Toot: F.J. Talley Selected to Lead St. Mary’s College DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program

 St. Mary’s College of Maryland announced the appointment of F.J. Talley, LSM '12, as Director of its DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program. Talley officially began work on June 16.

         Talley brings over 30 years of administrative and teaching experience to St. Mary’s College. He has served as dean of students at Bryant University, associate provost at Rowan University, dean at Defiance College, vice president and dean at the College of Southern Maryland, and president at Olivet College and Frederick Community College.
          
          As director of the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program, Talley will be responsible for recruiting, advising, and tracking students in the program, as well as collaborating with faculty, staff and students to plan, implement, and assess the curricular and co-curricular activities of the program.

          Beth Rushing, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, and to whom Talley will report, said, “The DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program is important for both the students in the program and the entire St. Mary’s College community. Dr. Talley's experience and knowledge make him a perfect fit for the leadership of this program.”

          Talley holds a doctorate in student personnel and higher education administration from Ohio University, a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Dickinson College.

          The mission of the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program is to cultivate the academic and leadership excellence of students from groups traditionally underrepresented at St. Mary’s College. By identifying and supporting students of diverse backgrounds, the program prepares a community of scholars to guide the college’s efforts to increase the understanding of diversity and inclusiveness. 

          Congrats on the new position, F.J.!

                                                                                                         [Adapted from SMCM Press Release]

Welcome Our New Board of Directors for 2014-2015

The 2014-2015 Board of Directors features some familiar, veteran leadership as well as some new faces. They meet for the first time on Thursday, June 12. 

Kudos to Michelle Ruble LSM '14 on Being Named to Esteemed NJCAA Position

LSM 2014 Graduate and College of Southern Maryland Lead Director of Student Life and Athletics Michelle Ruble was elected second vice president for women of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) beginning in August for two years.

Ruble is the eighth individual to hold this position since 1975 when the NJCAA became the nation’s first co-ed collegiate athletics association to form a women’s division.

“I am truly honored to be elected to this position. The NJCAA’s mission is ‘to foster a national program of athletic participation in an environment that supports equitable opportunities consistent with the educational objectives of member colleges.’ It will be a privilege to work with the executive committee, national office and board of directors to not only support their mission, but to also assist the organization to navigate through many upcoming changes in the landscape of athletics,” said Ruble.

Ruble was hired as CSM’s head volleyball coach in 1991. She became the college’s athletic director in 2001 and was named CSM’s director of Student Life and Athletics in 2007.

As a volleyball player at Elon University, N.C., Ruble was a three-year captain and an Academic All-American. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Elon and a master’s degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

“Participating in athletics, particularly in college, helped me develop critical skills that I use every day. Sports can provide opportunities to learn leadership, time management and communication skills as well as discipline, determination and exposure to working with many personality types,” said Ruble.

Ruble joined the NJCAA board of directors in 2002 when she was elected Region 20 women’s director. She currently serves as the co-chair for the Nominations and Elections committee and is vice chair for women’s lacrosse. Ruble was formerly the committee chair for women’s lacrosse, swimming and diving, and was a member of the executive committee. In 2011, Ruble was named to the executive committee of the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA).

A Tip Of Our Hat to Steadfast Sponsors: Zenetex

Leadership Southern Maryland likes to celebrate our many wonderful sponsors by acknowleding their dedicated support and participation. Many companies throughout the region have kept the connection between our organization and theirs alive and well, year after year.

We reverently tip our hat to Zenetex! With support from the onset and members of their team investing their time and resources in our unique, regional leadership experience, we've decided to feature the Zenetex/LSM partnership by calling attention to them as our featured sponsor on the website and through our media outlets.

This year, the company's California, MD office will serve as the venue for Class of 2014's upcoming Multiculturalism/Diversity Program on Thursday, May 1. Thank you to the leaders of Zenetex for your long-standing and continued support of Leadership Southern Maryland.

ZENETEX IS A CERTIFIED SMALL BUSINESS WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDING IT, ENGINEERING, INTEGRATED LOGISTICS, FOREIGN MILITARY SALES, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, TRAINING SYSTEMS, ITIL TRAINING, AND CONTRACTOR FIELD SERVICES SOLUTIONS FOR A VARIETY OF FEDERAL AGENCIES AND COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. 

SINCE LSM'S INCEPTION, THE LEADERSHIP OF ZENETEX HAS SHOWN CONTINUED SUPPORT AND A STRONG COMMITMENT TO OUR MISSION AND THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND COMMUNITY, WITH SEVERAL FOUNDING SPONSORS AND ALUMNI AMONG THEIR RANKS. 

PICTURED, CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT ARE COO/PRESIDENT DENNIS ENGLAND, A LSM FOUNDING SPONSOR AND PROGRAM SPEAKER AT OUR ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SESSION; DIRECTOR OF OPS EXCELLENCE VINCENT MERZ, ALSO A LSM FOUNDING SPONSOR; EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GERY VANDERVLIET CLASS 2009; VICE PRESIDENT OF NAVAL AVIATION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT GREGORY WALLACE CLASS 2012; OFFICE MANAGER GRACE FISCHER CLASS 2012; DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES LAURA KAMOSA SOON TO GRADUATE WITH CLASS 2014; DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES MICHAEL ROSCOE CLASS 2011; AND VICE PRESIDENT OF IT SERVICES CYNTHIA RANDALL CLASS 2010.

We hope to call on many of our other true blue sponsors to help us recognize the various types of support they have shown LSM over its six successful years (so far) and acknowledge the members of their company who have earned the LSM Alumni distinction. Contact Executive Director Karen Holcomb HERE or Communications Specialist Carrie Munn HERE for more details.