Monday, December 15, 2025 Feature: Bobby Cardoni, Director of Business Development, Strategic Factory

LHC has been on my radar for several years – after seeing so many of my peers go through the program as well as my father – who was in the inaugural class(!) Being able to learn so much about the county I grew up in while forming lifelong bonds made the decision to apply an easy one.

Monday, December 22, 2025 Feature: Carla Gates, CEO & Founder, Reclaiming Health Learning Lab

I have really enjoyed learning more about Howard County in ways that depart from my expertise! I love learning about building homes, the 30/30 project from United Way, and hearing from different organizations. I have also really enjoyed the Learning Opportunities that are presented. It has truly been a joy to get to know my home county deeply!

Monday, January 5, 2026 Feature: Stephen Conti, Owner, Tocar Spa

I’m most looking forward to the completion of our CIP team project and see it’s eventual implementation in real life. I wanted to join this program to become more aware and involved in all things Howard County. So far, I believe the program has been eye-opening, particularly in regards to learning about the vast amount of services and programs this county has to offer his residents, but also the glaring lack in certain areas, particularly in public transportation.

Monday, January 12, 2026 Feature: Robin Stimson, Senior Community Engagement Manager, Columbia Association

I am so honored and excited to be a part of the Leadership Howard County (LHC), class of 2026. It has been rewarding to learn more about the history, policies, and the structural realities of the community where we serve. I believe that true leadership requires us to be knowledgeable but also inspiring for those in our orbit. However, more than that, leaders should be humble, resilient, empathetic, and courageous, as well as open-minded, to broaden our perspectives and ideate new solutions. As a result of this program, my eyes have been opened by some of the most amazing community leaders doing incredible work in our County, and I am excited to add my voice and creativity to some the initiatives and goals already set into motion. Because of LHC, I feel much more equipped to lead with compassion and conviction. I look forward to seeing what my LHC cohorts, and I do with our newfound awareness and understanding.

Monday, January 26, 2026 Feature: Quinton Askew, Executive Director, Ohana Howard County

LHC’s Leadership Premier (LP) 2026 (best class ever!), has been a refreshing experience for me. Even though I completed Leadership Essentials (LE) many years ago, and worked in the county for a long time, there is still so much to learn and wonderful people to meet!

Monday, February 2, 2026 Feature: Brian Shepter, Deputy Chief of Staff, Howard County Government

Through private, curated experiences and thoughtful dialogue, Leadership Premier connects busy professionals to their community and one another, fostering authentic relationships and shared understanding … and it’s fun!

Monday, February 9, 2026 Feature: Wayne Stewart, Founder & CEO, 401 Digital

My experience so far with Leadership Premier has been positive. I have enjoyed learning about our local community and the impact companies like mine can have in Howard County. My ah-ah moment would be college education in the area. Learning about all the great programs at Howard Community College allowed me to see other options for my kids in higher education.

Monday, February 23, 2026 Feature: Jordan Baker, Deputy Director, Hopeworks of Howard County

I am honored and so excited to be part of Leadership Howard County. It has been amazing to learn about the issues Howard County residents face today, and what organizations and county services are in place to assist its residents who are facing these issues. As someone who is not a Howard County resident, it has been enlightening and informative to hear about the history of Howard County. As a nonprofit leader, the connections built through this program can meaningfully influence and support our clients at HopeWorks.

Monday, March 2, 2026 Feature: Tim Lattimer, Administrator – Community Sustainability, Howard County Government

Whether you are relatively new to Howard County and a long-time resident, Leadership Howard County’s Premier program is a great way to deepen one’s knowledge of the people and organizations that are working on the challenges and opportunities that are vital to our community’s well-being, like housing, healthcare, education, and governance. As a lifelong learner and one who is focused on advancing a “whole-of-community” approach to tackling the climate crisis and seizing the opportunities presented by the clean energy revolution, I have found this program to be extraordinarily helpful in strengthening and broadening my connections with thoughtful people across multiple sectors. LHC’s staff, volunteers, and participants are not only brilliant, they lead with heart and integrity. If you’re the kind of person who truly wants to better understand our county and to bring your talents to bear in making our beloved community stronger, more equitable, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable, then LHC’s eye-opening and door-opening opportunities may be just what you seek.

Monday, March 16, 2026 Feature: Jenny Bonilla

Leadership Premier 2026 is an exciting and challenging program that pushes me to grow as a leader, citizen and a person. Heading into LP26, I knew I would be a part of a group that would help me to grow- the surprising part was connecting with my class so quickly and forging connections and friendships that will last long after we complete our program.