On June 13, Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) welcomed several new members to its board of directors.  Each person adds their own unique perspectives and experiences to the group, helping LSM to continue its mission to educate and inspire a diverse group of current and emerging leaders in Southern Maryland.  Included on the new roster are Christina Johannsen LSM’19, Tom Jones LSM’19, Mike Colina LMD’00 and Joan Thorp LSM’18.

Christina Johannsen is a senior analyst for WBB, Inc. and resides in St. Mary’s County.  During her seven years with the company, she has performed program management support, both internally for WBB, and externally for her Navy and Air Force clients.  Johannsen is heavily involved in the community.  She is the founder of NextGen Professionals, St. Mary’s County’s independent young professionals’ organization.  “I have found a particular passion in the Southern Maryland community in terms of connections, workforce retention, and engaging the millennial cohort in viewing Southern Maryland – and St. Mary’s County in particular – as home,” she said.  Johannsen plans to continue to bring that passion for emerging leaders to her role as a board member for LSM.  “I wanted to join the LSM board to help the organization focus on ensuring that strategically LSM has a robust portfolio which offers opportunities for all stages of leadership,” she explained.

Incoming board member Tom Jones felt drawn to join the LSM board after graduating with the Class of 2019 and feeling called to give back to the organization and his community.  Jones is the division chief for Buildings and Grounds in Calvert County.  Jones has a heart to help others, serving as the house captain for Christmas in April in Calvert County for the last three years.  He also volunteers at the Calvert Marine Museum during its summer concert season.  “While I was attending the LSM program in 2019, I realized the impact it has on the region.  I was at a point in my career where I wanted to be more involved in the community and this provides the perfect opportunity,” he said.

LSM Class of 2018’s Joan Thorp hails from El Paso, Texas but has called Port Republic, Maryland home for the past 36 years.  Thorp is the assistant chief of accounting for Charles County Government, the department responsible for the county payroll, ensuring that the county’s bills are paid and accounts receivable are tracked, preparation of the annual audited financial reports, and a host of other financial tasks.  “My LSM experience helped me to become a more knowledgeable and active member of my community,” she said.  When she was first approached about joining the LSM board, Thorp was concerned about the time commitment.  She already serves on the budget committee for her community’s homeowners’ association and plays the clarinet with her church’s choir and the Southern Maryland Concert Band.  After careful consideration however, she realized she didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to stay connected with LSM.  “I want to help ensure that the LSM program continues and flourishes,” she said.

Of course, welcoming new board members means LSM bid a fond farewell to those who have completed their terms.  The organization extends its gratitude to past president John Felicitas LSM’13 who will continue to support LSM on the Leadership Council as well as Linda Colina LSM’16, Anna Fagan LSM’14, and Angela Walters Small LSM’16 for lending their time and talents to the organization over the past several years.