Executive

About the Executive Program

The Executive Program is Leadership Southern Maryland’s (LSM) flagship program that has been focused on developing a diverse network of community leaders since 2008. It is a highly interactive and life-enriching nine-month course that provides participants with a deep and “behind the scenes” understanding of the region while also making a significant contribution to Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. The program provides hands-on experiences 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.

Benefits to Participants

  • Better equips them to effect positive change through a greater understanding of the unique forces that make up the region
  • Allows them to examine their own values, philosophies and beliefs
  • Provides insider access to some of the region’s leadership
  • Broadens scope and diversity of professional network with access to more than 350 local alumni

Benefits to Sponsor Organizations

  • Broadens employee’s network of professional contacts
  • Affords fast-track employees additional recognition
  • Raises employee’s profile among professional peers
  • Introduces employee to community leaders
  • Provides valued employees with leadership training

Benefits to Community

  • Creates and nurtures a network of informed leaders
  • Strengthens public/private partnerships
  • Weaves new leaders into the region’s civic fabric
  • Links corporate resources with community organizations
  • Reduces “six degrees of separation” in order to get work done

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:

  • Have genuine 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 completing the program, class members join the network of over 350 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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Class members should expect a 12-hour day when taking into account travel as well as the social held at the conclusion of each program session.  

Program Dates and Session Agendas

The program begins in September with an orientation, then the group attends monthly program days on different topics. The LSM class will travel to a location(s) within Southern Maryland that relates to that month’s topic of discussion.  

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

Class of 2021 Session Dates

Participation is critical to the success of the Executive Program, therefore missing two session days (or 16 hours) prevents a participant from graduating from the LSM program. 

The Class of 2021 schedule is as follows:

  • September 14 & 15, 2020 – Orientation Retreat
  • October 1, 2020 – Economic & Workforce Development
  • November 5, 2020 – Defense & Industry
  • December 3, 2020 – Education
  • January 7, 2021 – Healthcare
  • February 4, 2021 – Housing & Human Services
  • March 4, 2021 – Multiculturalism/Diversity
  • April 1, 2021 – Public Safety
  • April 29 & 30, 2021 – Energy & Environment
  • May 13, 2021 – CLOSING RETREAT & GRADUATION:  7:30 am to 5 pm
  • June 3, 2021 – Make Up Program Session Day (if needed)

Information Sessions

There are no information sessions planned at this time.  Please check back later.

How to Apply

Applications open January 1 and must be received by April 1 to be considered for the fall class. There is a non-refundable application fee of $275.  To be considered complete, an application package must include the following:

  • Application via LSM portal (including resume)​
  • Picture (1.3MB or higher)​
  • Professional Bio (250 words or less)​
  • Letter of recommendation (sent directly to the LSM PO Box or via email to denise@leadershipsomd.org)​ – the letter should speak to your leadership experience, character, ability to affect change, competencies, and attributes
  • Official authorizing statement, if employer is paying tuition​
  • If requesting financial aid, submit supporting letter
  • $275 application fee

For detailed application instructions, click HERE.

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Tuition

Tuition is $3,950 per participant by check or $4,250 by credit card and is due on or before August 17. 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.  Should a selectee choose to defer participation to the following Executive Program class, the decision must be communicated to LSM in writing prior to August 17.  Any withdrawals after that date will be assessed a $500 administrative fee.

Pay for LSM Tuition:

$4,250

About Application Fees and Tuition

Application fees and tuition are non-refundable.  Tuition payment plans may be arranged and limited 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.

Questions?

For more information, contact Denise Foster, executive director at (301) 862-SOMD or denise@leadershipsomd.org.