Thirty-seven classmates from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties got to know each other and began Leadership Southern Maryland’s nine-month leadership program during a two-day orientation at Hilton Garden Inn of Solomons on September 16 and 17.
Class of 2014 will be the sixth class to step into this world of individual retrospect, leadership philosophy and application, and community collaboration.
To kick-start the program, Eliot Pfansteihl got participants engaged in self-awareness and team building activities, requiring them to be up, out of their seats, and willing to make quick decisions and answer his on-the-spot questions. Pfansteihl is the CEO of the Strathmore, the founding President of Maryland Leadership Workshops and the program facilitator for Leadership Maryland. He has been an integral part of Leadership Southern Maryland since its inception.
These 14 men and 23 women, all leading professionals from various industries and organizations within Southern Maryland, took part in several complex discussions and group activities geared toward building an atmosphere of openness and respect since classmates will share many learning experiences in coming months.
The group will delve even deeper into the strengths and problems in their respective counties and at the regional level, taking a closer look at critical issues during the Energy & Environment, Defense, Public Safety, Healthcare, Housing & Human Services, Education, Economic & Workforce Development, and Multiculturalism portions of the program.
A reception at Calvert Marine Museum and a second social at the Ruddy Duck allowed more time to interact with each other as well as LSM alumni, board and council members. Class of 2014 were also given an opportunity to speak directly to a panel of county commissioners where they asked hard-hitting questions about business growth and diversity, the counties’ communication with base personnel and infrastructure. The group was treated to a comprehensive, yet comedic Economic Overview presentation by guest speaker Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc.
Executive Director Karen Holcomb commented this year’s class included the highest number of Charles County participants to date. “They’re an active and vocal group, so it will be a great class, I’m sure,” Holcomb stated.
LSM Board of Directors President Bert Johnston told the group, “Really getting to know each other is one of the best things you’ll take away from this experience.”
No comments:
Post a Comment