As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates I credit LHC with giving me a broad understanding of how government departments and private entities cooperate to make Howard County the best county in our state.
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Testimonials
Gail Bates
State Delegate
Maryland House of Delegates
Annapolis, MD
Pete Mangione
General Manager
Turf Valley Resort
Leadership Howard County has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself both personally and professionally. Before participating, I rarely attended outside events and functions, but Leadership changed all of that for me. Now I look forwarding to attending these events because I know many people from my Leadership class and others who have become such good friends and business associates. It was an eye-opener for me to learn just how the public and private sector work together in Howard County and has made me even more determined that Turf Valley will continue to be a strong community partner.
Leadership Premier
Leadership Howard County's signature program draws together business and community leaders from diverse backgrounds to examine and discuss challenging issues while enhancing their leadership skills. Beginning with a weekend retreat in September, participants learn to challenge their own assumptions, and get to know classmates who will add their own perspectives. In the following monthly full-day sessions, participants will learn through site visits, projects, and dialogues with key decision makers, how the county works and how to access vital resources. The program emphasizes experiential learning, requiring participants to immerse themselves in community programs, and to work in small learning groups to study complex issues affecting all citizens. Through these real world projects, participants enhance their leadership insights and learn how to effect real change.
This is a 10-month tuition-based program, running from September to June.
The Value of Leadership
One of the many benefits of the Leadership program is the network of relationships that participants develop. Close connections among classmates, and the alumni network of nearly 1,000 graduates, create a deep pool of resources and talent to solve problems and enhance the community. Graduates maintain these relationships through a well developed Alumni Program of activities and speakers.
Employers also realize benefits from investing in Leadership on behalf of their employees. The leadership skills and community connections developed through this intensive program are valuable resources for businesses and organizations. Being well connected and showing a high level of corporate citizenship raises the profile of participating employers and sponsors.
Who Participates?
Each class consists of 40 - 45 individuals, who are selected from a cross-section of the community: large and small business, government, education, health care and nonprofits including the arts, human services, and faith-based groups. Applicants must live or work in Howard County. They may be nominated by a graduate of LHC or by another community leader, or may nominate themselves.
Candidates should hold a position of responsibility or leadership in their jobs or volunteer organization, and should have a record of civic activity or demonstrated interest in the well being of Howard County.
Applicants must have the full support (financial and time commitment) of the organization or corporation they represent. They must also commit to the opening weekend retreat and monthly sessions. LHC’s Selection Committee reviews applications and selects participants, based upon the merits of the written application and, in most instances, a personal interview
Program Content
The core program for Leadership Howard County is its ten-month leadership development program with an intense curriculum of civic information and leadership development. Through site visits, lectures and informal discussion, participants learn how major decisions are made and who makes them. The program also utilizes a team-building overnight retreat that allows participants to examine the concepts of leadership.
The program covers topics such as:
- Business and economic development
- Criminal law and public safety
- Education
- Howard County history
- Government and politics
- Healthcare and aging
- Human services and housing
- Quality of life: cultural and recreational opportunities
After Graduation
The Leadership Howard County alumni network is remarkable resource of colleagues who share a common interest in community engagement. They are at the forefront of many of the current discussions in Howard County on growth and development, human services, economic impact, and more.
Alumni have the opportunity to stay connected through informative bimonthly programs and events, an annual issues forum and our annual Big Event. Many also take part in activities with other community leadership groups in our region, and several are graduates of Leadership Maryland.
Alumni also stay actively involved in the many committees and programs that keep Leadership Howard County a vibrant and dynamic organization.
