Monday, November 11, 2024 Feature:

Jeff Fink, Howard County Public School System

“Being part of Leadership Premier thus far has been an inspiring journey of discovery and connection. I joined because I wanted to gain deeper insights into our community and see a wider perspective of leadership in action. Each session has given us a firsthand look at impactful organizations and the challenges they tackle. Each experience has been hands-on and deeply meaningful.

I’m looking forward to continued opportunities to connect with other community leaders, understand complex issues, and contribute in ways that truly matter!”

Monday, November 18, 2024 Feature:

Yolanda Vazquez, Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office

“Leadership Howard County has been an incredible experience thus far! The all-day learning sessions and visits to places like Visit Howard County, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and the Office of Aging & Independence – Dementia Simulation Live training and UW’s 30/30 Experience have shown me just how much there is to discover in Howard County. Despite thinking I knew everything about this community, I’m realizing there’s so much more to learn and explore.

The Transportation Challenge was truly an eye-opening experience – trying to navigate unpredictable delays, inoperable technology, limited route coverage, accessibility issues, and much more.; and last but certainly not least, working with my Community Impact Project (CIP) team to create a strategic marketing plan for the Community Ecology Institute has been deeply fulfilling. I’m excited to continue taking on new challenges, expanding my knowledge, and building lasting friendships over the next eight months!”

Monday, November 25, 2024 Feature:

Cindy Skalny, Howard County Government

“My original goal in joining Leadership Howard County was to expand my knowledge of the inner workings of the county and to supplement the experiences I have had in my current job. However, it only took a few weeks to realize that LHC is much more than simply learning about the county. It is about getting comfortable with discomfort. It is about letting myself be vulnerable and sharing with a very group of diverse people that are outside of my regular circles. It is about seeing things in a different way and experiencing things that I may not ever be faced with in my life. It is about challenging myself and those around me.

There are so many opportunities created through this program. From new friendships to learning opportunities, LHC has allowed me to gain perspective and step into the shoes of others in a way that nothing else ever has. Riding along with a night shift police officer, experiencing dementia through simulation, and learning about the county’s public transit system have allowed me to see first-hand what life is like for many around us. LHC has created an amazing program – one that has only just begun for our class of 2025 (the BEST class ever). I am excited for the challenges that are yet to come.

For anyone willing to commit to the hard work and take a risk at bettering yourself in so many ways, consider joining Leadership Howard County. I am happy to talk to anyone who has questions about the program or to simply share my experiences.”

Monday, December 2, 2024 Feature:

Michael Garcia, Habitat for Humanity Chesapeake

“I am glad Habitat for Humanity Chesapeake leadership had the foresight to sponsor me in this meaningful program which has brought new friends, colleagues, and community into my personal and professional life.”

Monday, December 9, 2024 Feature:

Monday, December 16, 2024 Feature:

Chuck Chandler, Residence Inn Fulton/Maple Lawn

“A great opportunity to interact and collaborate with an incredibly diverse cohort of talented, community-minded individuals seeking to learn and grow to see how they might be able to impact Howard County.

From our initial meeting until now, the expectations have been high – to appreciate the variety of backgrounds and experiences we all have with the goal of maybe putting our thumbprint on the future of our community.”

Monday, December 23, 2024 Feature:

Keli Wilson, DCI Consulting Group

“I am deeply inspired by the opportunities at LHC to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative ideation around addressing community needs. LHC has allowed me to channel my passion and purpose into experiential learning, empathetic leadership, and building strong, lasting relationships. From day one, relationship-building has been a cornerstone of this experience, and I am thrilled with the enduring connections I have formed and the impact they will continue to have.”

Monday, January 13, 2025 Feature:

Ucheonye Maple, President, Noteworthy Consulting

Leadership Premier is different. This program is about cultivating relationships, building sustaining communities, and transforming how we understand local leadership. From the moment I stepped onto the two-day opening retreat, I knew this wasn’t going to be another professional development experience. Each monthly session has been a revelation, peeling back layers of Howard County I never knew existed. We’re not just passive learners; we’re active participants diving deep into the community’s core. What continually surprises me is the depth of connection. Our cohort isn’t just a group of professionals—we’ve become a network of committed community leaders. Through our community impact project, we’re not just learning about Howard County; we’re actively shaping its future.

For anyone serious about making a meaningful difference, this program is transformative. It’s not just an educational experience; it’s a journey of personal and professional growth that will reshape how you view leadership and community engagement.”

Monday, January 20, 2025 Feature:

Gabriel Moreno, CEO, Luminus Network for New Americans

“The program is more than a leadership journey—it’s a gateway to understanding the heart of our community and gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Howard County. Being part of a diverse network of equally passionate peers has deepened my empathy and strengthened my belief in our collective power to create meaningful change.”

Monday, January 27, 2025 Feature:

Liz Banach, Executive Director, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence

Leadership Premier does a great job showcasing the challenges and exciting opportunities in Howard County. My only regret is that I did not enroll in the program earlier. I’ve met so many remarkable people whom I know will become great professional contacts and great friends.

Monday, February 3, 2025 Feature:

Cherie Brooks, President & CEO, Power52 Foundation

Being part of Leadership Premier Cohort 25 has been an eye-opening experience! From our retreat at the Claggett Center—where I discovered I’m a Fox —to working closely with my CIP team, this journey has deepened my understanding of how to collaborate effectively. Each session day uncovers incredible resources and opportunities in Howard County, and I’m already seeing how this knowledge can strengthen Power52’s mission to empower and uplift our community. I’m excited to continue growing alongside such passionate and driven leaders!

Monday, February 10, 2025 Feature:

Ngozi Obineme, Executive Director, HopeWorks of Howard County, Inc. 

Leadership Premier 2025 has been an empowering experience, providing not just knowledge but an opportunity to think critically about how leadership intersects with community impact. What stands out most is how this program challenges us to approach leadership as a collaborative and inclusive practice. Each session deepens my understanding of Howard County’s complexities and the incredible potential we have to address them together. I’m excited to continue this journey of growth and connection, working alongside an extraordinary cohort to inspire meaningful change.

Monday, February 24, 2025 Feature:

Shawn MacInnes, President/CEO, Columbia Association

Participating in LP25 has provided me with a deeper understanding of Howard County, and the dedicated people and organizations who make it run. The LP25 class is a diverse, professional, highly motivated group who provide fresh perspectives and ideas to address the challenges and opportunities in Howard County. It’s been rewarding to participate, and I look forward to continuing to work with LP25 to enhance our impact in the community. 

Monday, March 3, 2025 Feature:

Marie Ritzenberg, Mortgage Advisor, Main Street Home Loans

LP has provided insight on a community that I have grown up in and am actively raising my family in for over 30 years. I’ve enjoyed taking a deep dive into the programs that Howard County has to offer and have learned how we can help improve our community for every resident to enjoy and thrive here! Connecting with my fellow classmates has been amazing and I’m proud to be a part of LP25!

Monday, March 10, 2025 Feature

Dr. Melissa Green Parker, Proud Howard County Resident

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have had allies and mentors who have significantly shaped my personal and professional growth. Their support has inspired me to give back in the same way. Despite the many demands of work and family, I prioritize my involvement in Leadership Premier because I believe in the importance of learning about the systems and structures that make Howard County thrive.

Leadership Premier has also broadened my understanding of what it means to be an “ally leader”—a role model who fosters a culture where allyship is instinctive and active. It’s about being a leader who doesn’t settle for passive support but is driven by curiosity, committed to sharing knowledge rooted in historical truth, and dedicated to pushing for community-led engagement and swift, meaningful action. I am truly excited about the collective impact that my LP25 classmates and I will make, not only in Howard County but beyond.

Monday, March 24, 2025 Feature

Auna Cooper, Associate Vice President, United Way of Central Maryland

The Howard County Leadership Premier program has been a transformative experience, providing deep insights into the county’s economic, social, and civic landscape. Participating in Leadership offers a unique opportunity to engage with influential leaders, explore pressing community challenges, and collaborate on solutions that drive meaningful change. Through hands-on learning experiences, site visits, opportunities, and discussions with experts, I have gained a broader perspective on leadership, service, and community impact within Howard County.

One key takeaway is the importance of collaborative partnership—real progress happens when diverse perspectives come together with purpose and a shared vision. I have also learned that effective leadership is not just about decision-making but also about listening, learning, and adapting to the needs of the community.

Leadership Premier has exceeded my expectations by providing access to leaders across multiple sectors, including government, education, business, and nonprofit organizations. Seeing firsthand the dedication of local changemakers has been inspiring, and reinforces the idea that leadership is about service, not status. Howard County Leadership Premier has been an eye-opening and empowering journey. It has strengthened my understanding of community leadership and given me the tools and connections to be a more effective changemaker. I leave the program with a renewed commitment to serve and collaborate for the betterment of our community.

Monday, March 31, 2025 Feature

Wendy Letow, Executive Director, Respite Retreats

Leadership Howard County has been an invaluable experience, deepening my understanding of the county while providing me with new perspectives, meaningful connections, and the tools to create a greater impact. Through this journey, I’ve learned so much about the people, businesses, and organizations that make our community thrive, as well as the many challenges we face despite being such a strong county. The collaborative spirit and shared passion for service inspire me, and I’m grateful to be part of a network that truly drives positive change and encourages me to be a part of it.

Monday, April 7, 2025 Feature

Kierra Kimmie, Director of Strategic Outreach, Howard County Economic Development Authority

Despite growing up, living, and working in Howard County, Leadership Howard County Premier has provided me with opportunities to learn new things about Howard County’s history that I never knew! I appreciate the well-rounded approach that the experience uses to provoke thought around our health, state and local government, business community, non-profit resources and more. I’ve enjoyed connecting with other professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries and I have made some valuable connections through my participation in this program. Thank you to the Leadership Howard County team for putting together such an impactful program. Proud to be part of the next “Best Class Ever”, LP ’25! 

Monday, April 14, 2025 Feature

Sherman Braxton, Battalion Chief, Baltimore City Fire Department

I am thankful to be a member of LP ’25 and have gained an immeasurable opportunity to look behind the scenes at what makes Howard County the leader in all of Maryland! Through our diverse learning opportunities, I have a new respect for all the entities it takes to make people who live, work, and play in Howard County appreciate becoming a part of the actual fabric of our community. I’m looking forward to further entrenching myself in the makeup of Leadership Premiere to make sure others have the opportunity to discover what I have.

Monday, April 28, 2025 Feature

Eric Rosenberg, M&T Bank, Senior Vice President, Business Banking Team Leader

It has been such a pleasure participating in the Leadership Premier Class of 2025. Highlights have been learning about Howard County’s rich history, diving into the biggest challenges currently facing the county, collaborating with the best Community Impact Project team anyone could ask for, and leveraging the LHC platform to amplify my network. It’s hard to quantify the impact the program has made and can’t wait to see what we learn next!