LSM E-News | December 2025 |
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Another Warm and Wonderful Holiday Celebration with the Vassallo Family! |
Some traditions endure because they reflect the very best of who we are. Our annual holiday gathering at the home of Leadership Council member Linda Vassallo, LMd ’07, husband Chris, daughter Allison, and son Max, is one of those traditions.
Once again, the Vassallos' warm hospitality brought our community together for an evening of connection, laughter, and shared celebration — a reminder of the bonds that sustain LSM.
Wishing the Vassallo Family and all of you the very best for the holidays! |
The Region Celebrates a Southern Maryland Day of Giving |
On Tuesday, December 2, the Boards of Commissioners of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties issued proclamations marking the day as the Southern Maryland Day of Giving. The commissioners invited the 40 nonprofit representatives in attendance to introduce their organizations and their missions.
The Southern Maryland Day of Giving Committee is still gathering data about funds raised by our 63 participating nonprofits, but we have early indicators that the campaign was very successful: many organizations received gifts from new donors, some received more than $10,000 in gifts, and several raised more on the Southern Maryland Day of Giving than they ever have before on Giving Tuesday. Sincere thanks to all who participated in this inaugural event. Your giving is both impactful for our community and inspiring: your moral support means the world!
Did you miss out? Not to worry! The Southern Maryland Day of Giving website will remain live through December 31. Visit the site to learn about participating nonprofits and where YOU can help empower our community! |
LSM Receives $11,775 in Gifts on the Southern Maryland Day of Giving |
Leadership Southern Maryland is grateful to all who supported our Pay It Forward initiatives on the Southern Maryland Day of Giving, December 2. You generously provided ... - $11,225 for the John E. Felicitas Memorial Sponsorship
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$200 for LSM Nonprofit and Small Business Scholarships
You provided an additional $350 in unrestricted gifts. |
Thank you for giving! In truth, we can never thank you enough. |
Bravo Zulu! In the Wake of a Shutdown,
Pax River Hosts the Executive Program |
NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer CAPT Mark Zematis, LSM '25 welcomes the Executive Program Class of 2026.
On December 4, just three weeks after the federal government re-opened, Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River) welcomed the Executive Program Class of 2026 for a full-day tour of the base.
NAS Pax River Commanding Officer CAPT Mark Zematis, LSM ’25 welcomed the class with a morning brief about the base, along with Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Executive Director Stephen Cricchi, NAWCAD Webster Outlying Field (WOLF) Military Director CAPT Timothy Castro, and Charles County Military Alliance Council President Steve Mitchell.
A guided windshield tour showcased the people, processes and partnerships that make up Pax River’s research, development, test and evaluation cycle. The class visited the VX-20 Test & Evaluation Squadron, the Aviation Survival Training Center, Atlantic Ranges and Targets, and WOLF Special Communications Vehicles. U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (TPS) Executive Officer CMDR Jacob King described the life and curriculum of the elite “schoolhouse” and guided the class on a tour of the TPS flight line.
Bonnie Green, LMd '07, Dr. Dale Moore, LSM '24, Roger Cordell, LSM '18, and Steve Mitchell shared the advocacy missions of The Patuxent Partnership, the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, the U.S. Navy League, and the Charles County Military Alliance Council. These nonprofit advocacy groups champion Southern Maryland’s military bases, enlisted and civilian personnel, and their families. Executive Program participants learned ways they can partner with these organizations to support the local defense community.
This excellent Defense Session was organized by Program Advocates Stephanie Gleason, LSM '12, Janet Virgin, LSM '20, and Spencer Johnson, LSM ’25.
Special thanks to featured sponsor The Patuxent Partnership, breakfast sponsor the MIL Corporation, and lunch sponsor Bell Flight. |
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Know a Game-Changing Professional? Nominate them for the Executive Program! |
LSM Creates Student Leadership Academy with
St. Mary's College of Maryland and Leslie Taylor Consulting |
Leadership Southern Maryland is proud to partner with St. Mary's College of Maryland and Leslie Taylor Consulting in creating the SMCM Navigator Leadership Program -- Preparing Students to Chart Their Own Course.
From January 20 to April 28, 2026, his non-credit leadership certificate program will bring together 16 St. Mary's College of Maryland students for bi-weekly meetings with Leslie Taylor, LSM '24 and industry experts. Participants will study leadership and develop leadership skills.
Mentorship and community-based service are two key components of the program. Mentors will meet one-on-one with students four times between January and April to discuss their respective leadership journeys, challenges, questions, and aspirations. The class will also undertake a capstone service project with the St. Mary's County Family YMCA to practice leadership in action. Care to join us? We welcome the support of LSM alumni to serve as mentors or as service project "guides on the side." Click the button below if you'd like to learn more! |
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LSM's Giving Season Continues through December 31 |
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Dear LSM Family, LSM’s Giving Season begins each year on Giving Tuesday but continues through December 31. There’s still time to pay forward the LSM experience!
When you give, we all grow. Your gifts provide scholarships, learning resources, and life-changing opportunities for our region’s emerging and executive leaders who are committed to making positive changes in our communities.
Thank you for giving! You'll get back more life-changing experiences with talented people addressing our community’s needs ... and you'll get a stronger, more vibrant Southern Maryland. |
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Get Ready, Classes ...
The Best Class Ever Challenge Returns January 1! |
2025 BCE Challenge Winners |
Remember: LSMAA membership is a beautiful way to enjoy the benefits and fun of continued connection with your LSM family and pay forward the LSM experience for other Southern Maryland leaders. We sincerely appreciate your support! Click HERE to join LSMAA. |
Ways to Help Strengthen Our Community
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How can you help? ... Organizations throughout Southern Maryland, including LSM, truly need the expertise and support of talented people like you. Often all we need is an occasional hour or two.
Here are some needs we know about: HELP US BRING IN THE NEXT BEST CLASS EVER!
DECEMBER-JUNE
The LSM Recruiting Committee need team mates! The committee meets once monthly on the third Tuesday at 5:00-6:00pm via Zoom to develop and steer LSM's recruitment strategy. That's just six meetings for a lifetime of goodness (new colleagues and friends)! You're also invited to interview candidates. Available to Help? [email protected] MENTOR A COLLEGE STUDENT!
JANUARY-APRIL
LSM seeks a few more mentors and service project "guides on the side" to support students participating in the SMCM Navigator Leadership Program. Mentors will meet with students four times between January and April. Service project guides will have two formal meetings with students (February and April) and will work with students on a more ad hoc basis during the program. Available to Help? [email protected] OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN MARYLAND SoMD Volunteer Opportunities Listing Courtesy of the Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland Thank you for leading through service! |
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Thursday, January 15: Executive Program After-Hours Social. 5:15-6:30pm. SOCIAL Coffeehouse and Cocktail Bar. 41655 Fenwick St, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Join us!
Thursday, February 5: Executive Program After-Hours Social. 5:15-6:30pm. O'Gannigan's Irish Pub. 98 Solomons Island Rd S, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. All LSM alumni are welcome!
Be sure to follow LSM's social media for updates! |
LSMAA Member Events & Notices |
Thursday, January 22: AFCEA Southern Maryland invites you to "What Keeps You Up at Night?" Part 13, an interactive event. 11:30am-12:45pm on Webex. Join meeting here:
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, March 28: Looking For Trouble 5K/Dance-a-thon.
Community Mediation of St. Mary’s County's 19th Annual Race and Superhero themed event encourages you to dress as your favorite superheroes. This event celebrates everyday heroes who show kindness, courage, and love in their communities!!! Whether you prefer to break a sweat or bust a move, all are in for a good time! This race isn’t just about crossing the finish line with a stopwatch, it's a fun way for folks in St. Mary’s County to come together, meet new people, and connect with local organizations that make our community thrive. Come and make lasting connections, we'll see you and your team at the starting line!
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Thank You, LSM Program Sponsors! |
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