Eliot Pfanstiehl has worked as a leadership program facilitator for 26 years and has been with Leadership Southern Maryland since its inception in 2008.  Now it’s on to new adventures as Pfanstiehl hangs up his facilitator hat in pursuit of other interests. 

The decision comes with a mixture of anticipation and reluctance.  “What I love most about facilitating is the ability to observe people face to face in a room, speaking their hopes and dreams so that other people catch that fire,” Pfanstiehl said.  He feels that he’s gained as much as he’s given over the years while leading LSM’s Orientation, Diversity, and Closing sessions. “I grow with each program and I grow with the people in each program,” he explained. 

Pfanstiehl can be credited with leading countless class members to new self-realizations and “aha moments” but believes he has experienced just as much self-discovery as those he led through the sessions.  A great deal of Pfanstiehl’s engagement with class members involves asking open-ended questions, and that means hearing a lot of answers.  “Sometimes they’re what I think they’ll be; and sometimes they’re really not,” he said.

What’s next for Pfanstiehl?  As a new grandfather, he’s looking forward to focusing on time with family this summer.  As for long-term plans, those haven’t taken shape yet.  “I didn’t quit [facilitating] for something.  I quit to open up something I can’t even see right now,” he said. 

For those who want to say farewell, Pfanstiehl can be reached at eliotpfanstiehl@gmail.com

Did you know that your organization can advertise in the LSM Yearbook & Directory?  Benefits include:

• Promote your organization in a publication with a one-year+ shelf life
• Reach over 400 LSM graduates - leaders with significant career and community achievements
• Support LSM, Southern Maryland’s only leadership organization dedicated to building a cadre of informed leaders who are committed to improving our region

Ad commitments are due by 15 August, and artwork must be submitted by 15 October.  

It's a win, win!  Email jessica@leadershipsomd.org to request a pricing sheet and secure your ad space today!

Don't forget to return the LSM Opportunities sheet included with your LSMAA appeal.  There are lots of ways to get involved that suit a variety of interests and schedules.  Download the form below return it with your preferences or email Denise to find out more.

LSM is saddened to share news of the passing of Anne Forrest LSM'13 on June 29, 2020.  You can read Anne's obituary here.

In lieu of flowers, condolences to the family may be made through a donation to Hospice of St. Mary's.