LEONARDTOWN, Md. – August 28, 2020 – On August 21, 2020, Leadership Southern Maryland’s new Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) Class of 2020 held its fourth of six program sessions.

This first hybrid program day (half in-person, half virtual) began with a meeting at Historic Sotterley Plantation. Those who were unable to attend in person participated by live stream.   There was a tour of the grounds with Sotterley’s Education Coordinator, Katherine Humphries. This was followed by a panel discussion on nonprofit stewardship and responsibilities with Nancy Easterling LSM’12, Executive Director, Historic Sotterley; Robin Finnacom ‘FS, St. Mary’s County Coordinator, Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland; and Denise Foster, Executive Director, Leadership Southern Maryland. The panel provided insights into their definition of stewardship and what it takes to be a leader in a nonprofit organization, as well as the nonprofit sector’s unique challenges.  The class then received an overview on ethics from RADM Bert Johnston ‘FS, USN, Ret.

After lunch, the group met virtually for the remainder of the day. It began with Amy Ford LSM’19, Branch Manager, Lexington Park, St. Mary’s County Library, who led a discussion on authentic leadership using Discover Your True North by Bill George as a guide. The day ended with a panel discussion on civic engagement and servant leadership with Eric Colvin, St. Mary’s County Commissioner, and Brian Crosby, St. Mary’s County Delegate.

Leadership Southern Maryland’s Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) provides educational programming opportunities to new or emerging leaders in our region. Through a series of six “experiences,” young leaders will facilitate, foster, and refine their individual leadership understanding and abilities via structured course curriculum and a focus on self-discovery, teamwork, and networking. These sessions will conclude with a capstone project and graduation in October. Experts from across the region and state representing business, government, education, and the nonprofit community serve as panelists and guest speakers.

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Leadership Southern Maryland is a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service (EIN#26-2989381). Contributions are deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law.

For more information, please contact Denise Foster, Executive Director, Leadership Southern Maryland, 301-862-SOMD, via email denise@leadershipsomd.org or visit devaney.adminprotools.com.