About Us

A little about us…

In 2008, graduates of Leadership Maryland planned and launched a new leadership program seeking to enhance the regional identity of Southern Maryland’s three counties and to build a cadre of well-informed and connected future regional leaders from the government, business and nonprofit sectors.

Tom Jarboe, owner of Kieyos, Inc., was among a group of Leadership Maryland alumni from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties who credit him with initiating the planning process which became Leadership Southern Maryland.  The group consisted of strong leaders within their own communities who recognized the benefit in offering the up-and-coming leaders such an eye-opening and skill-building experience – regionally.

With support from Leadership Maryland and Honorary Lifetime Leadership Maryland Member and Facilitator Eliot Pfanstiehl, who continues to play an integral program, the inaugural Class of 2009 began the program.

Leadership Southern Maryland is a nine-month, tuition-based program to develop leaders from the Southern Maryland area for regional collaboration by:

• Nurturing trusteeship among community leaders for the benefit of the Southern Maryland region

• Increasing understanding and awareness of regional opportunities and threats

• Developing and strengthening networks of decision-makers to encourage cooperation and make informed choices

• Leading candidates through a series of classes and hands-on experiences that highlight local and regional issues

While absorbing the local “flavor” in each of three counties, participants will have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives on a number of the most significant issues challenging our region.

Each class reflects a cross-section of the region to include diversity of geographic location, profession, ethnicity, age, and gender. Participants will be mid- to upper-tier leaders who have demonstrated aptitude and ability to become senior-level leaders, as well as senior-level leaders new to the area and who exemplify a sincere concern and commitment to help shape the future of Southern Maryland.

LSM is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with the most recent graduating class boosting the thriving network of informed leaders with the shared experience of Leadership Southern Maryland to over 325 members strong.

Leadership Southern Maryland is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service (EIN#26-2989381).