Executive

About the Executive Program

The Executive Program is Leadership Southern Maryland’s (LSM) flagship program. It is a highly interactive and life-enriching nine-month course that makes a significant contribution to Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties’ well-being by providing intensive hands-on study and in-depth discussion of current issues facing the Southern Maryland region, including, housing & human services, education, public safety, energy, environment, defense, economic development, and multiculturalism.

How Individuals Benefit

  • Better equips them to effect positive change because they gain a greater understanding of the unique forces that make up the region
  • Allows them to examine their own values, philosophies and beliefs
  • Builds trust, rapport and networks among people with different views and gives limitless opportunities to network with approximately 325 graduates and other regional leaders.
  • Expands the learning by giving them an opportunity to provide team-based, direct volunteer service to a local non-profit. Participants will deepen their knowledge of regional issues, supply a nonprofit with extra expertise and manpower to complete a needed project, and allow for small-group team building.

Who Should Apply

Approximately 35 participants are selected based upon the information provided in the application to represent our culturally, ethnically, socially, economically and geographically diverse region. The Selection Committee identifies those individuals who will use their leadership for the long-term benefit of their community and LSM.

Applicants must live OR work in Calvert, Charles, or St. Mary’s County and:

  • Show sincere concern about the future of the region and commitment to help shape its future
  • Demonstrate commitment to leadership through past and present community activities
  • Possess capacity for leadership through significant achievements relevant to age and experience
  • Be willing to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program (see below)
  • Have the full support of the organization or business that the applicant represents

After the program year is over, class members join the network of over 325 graduates and participants of the LSM Executive program and are expected to maintain a lifelong membership in the organization and serve as catalysts for a stronger community through continuing involvement in regional and LSM activities.

Time Commitments

Candidates accepted into the program are expected to fully participate in all nine sessions (typically a Thursday) from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In addition, team service projects will be completed outside the classroom hours.  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded by the College of Southern Maryland at the completion of the program for those who’ve met the full program commitment.

Program Dates and Session Agendas

The program begins with an orientation in September and each month the group’s focus shifts to a new topic and a session is held. The LSM class will travel to a location within Southern Maryland that relates to that month’s topic of discussion.  After meeting at a pre-determined location, transportation to the meeting destination is provided for the entire class.  These field trips offer experiential learning and a sense of collaboration.  Each class shares the experience in it’s own unique way.

The region’s shared challenges and opportunities are explored through looking at critical community issues such as Public Safety, Education, Healthcare, Housing & Human Services, Defense, Economic & Workforce Development, Energy & the Environment, and Diversity.

Each date is a link to the session packet as participants progress through the experience.

Class of 2020 Session Dates & Information

Check back in January, 2019!

How to Apply

Applications are taken throughout the year and the cutoff date for the fall class is April 1 each year. There is a non-refundable application fee of $250 for applications submitted by February 28, 2019.  Beginning March 1, the application fee will be $300. To learn more about the application process, click HERE.

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Tuition

Tuition for each participant is $3,950 by check or $4,250 by credit card.  Tuition covers program costs and a listing in LSM’s Annual Yearbook & Directory.  Applicants may secure the sponsorship of a business/organization to pay the tuition.  Tuition may be paid online or by mailing a check to Leadership Southern Maryland, P. O. Box 524, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Pay for LSM Tuition:

$4,250

About Application Fees and Tuition

No applicant accepted into the program will be turned away for financial reasons. Payment plans may be arranged and tuition assistance is available based on need. To apply for financial aid, submit a letter of need by the deadline to info@leadershipsomd.org. Application deadline is April 1.

If you are considering applying, we strongly encourage you to attend one of the information breakfasts, listed in the Events section of this website, for the chance to talk directly to people who have been through the program.

Questions?

For more information, contact (301) 862-SOMD to talk to the Executive Director, Denise Foster, or email at denise@leadershipsomd.org.