Congratulations, Executive Program Class of 2026! |
LSM celebrated the graduation of the Executive Program Class of 2026 on May 14th at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland. The 38-member class completed a nine-month journey examining the opportunities and challenges shaping Southern Maryland, including economic and workforce development, education, healthcare, public safety, housing, human services, and more.
The graduation ceremony featured heartfelt and inspiring remarks from class speaker Emily Stagner, Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy at MedStar Health. Chosen by her classmates to represent the cohort, Stagner reflected on the relationships, insights, and shared experiences that defined the Executive Program journey.
As part of the celebration, the Class of 2026 Class Gift Captains Jane Bachman, Karen Roberts, and Amanda Cross presented Leadership Southern Maryland with a check for $11,725 — proceeds from the April 11th LSM Night at The REX fundraiser. The class gift tradition reflects each cohort’s commitment to investing in the future of LSM and paying forward the impact of the program experience.
Graduates were joined by family, friends, and colleagues for a celebratory reception following the ceremony, marking the culmination of an unforgettable year of learning, connection, and leadership development. CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2026! |
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The Leadership Table with Matt Scassero:
RADM Bert Johnston, USN (Ret.) June 17 |
The Leadership Table with Matt Scassero is a series of live events featuring up-close-and-personal conversations with the authors of Letters from Leaders. The letters feature real stories, insights, and reflections from leaders across Southern Maryland. Our 2025-2026 theme, “Leading from Where You Are,” explores the many ways leadership happens in everyday moments.
Join us on Wednesday, June 17, 5-7pm at Historic Sotterley, where Matt Scassero, LMd '07 will host an intimate and interactive conversation with RADM Bert Johnston, USN (Ret.), LMd '07, about his life's journey. We will convene at Sotterley's Manor House portico, overlooking the Patuxent River. The conversation will be recorded for LSM's forthcoming Leadership Table Podcast.
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Inaugural Cohort of
SMCM Navigator Leadership Program Graduates |
The inaugural cohort of the St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) Navigator Leadership Program receive certificates of completion. Pictured with the students -- On left: SMCM President Dr. Rhonda Phillips and Leslie Taylor Consulting Services Founder & CEO Leslie D. Taylor, LSM '24. On right: LSM Executive Director Sybol Anderson and SMCM Director of Career Development Kristen Pennington. On April 28, sixteen St. Mary's College of Maryland students received certificates for completing the SMCM Navigator Leadership Program: Preparing Students to Chart Their Own Course.
Leadership Southern Maryland is honored to have partnered with St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) and Leslie Taylor Consulting Services to offer this leadership development certificate to extraordinarily talented SMCM students. From February through April, participants developed their leadership skills through seminar engagement with Leslie D. Taylor, LSM '24; Caroline King, LSM '25; Errol Campbell, LSM '25; John Neville, Maggie Wilson, LSM '25; LSM Co-Founder and Leadership Council Member Ray Wernecke, LMd '06; Jameika Butler-Turner, LSM '24; and LSM Executive Director Sybol Anderson.
Navigators were paired with 16 LSM alumni and Leadership Council members for mentoring: Jim Bolin, LSM '21; Thomas Brewer, LSM '20; Kelsey Bush, LSM '15; Holly Fabbri, LEAP '24; Melissa Golowski, LEAP '24; Kelley Hernandez, LEAP '25; Bert Johnston, LMd '07; Micheline Lopez-Estrada, LSM '10; Patrick Murphy, LMd '06; Montego Parker, LSM '25; Karen Raley, LSM '17; Ed Rule, LSM '18; Matt Scassero, LMd '07; Linda Vassallo, LMd '07; Susan Mudd Vogel, LSM '09; and Ray Wernecke, LMd '06.
Navigators also practiced leadership in action by completing capstone service projects in administrative operations, marketing, community resource mapping, and project documentation in support of the St. Mary's County Family YMCA opening in June. They were supported by Capstone Guides Holly Fabbri, LEAP '24; Melissa Golowski, LEAP '24; Kelley Hernadez, LEAP '25; and Bert Johnston, LMd '07.
Businessman Harvey S. Firestone observed that "the growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership." Our deepest gratitude to all who took time to surround these remarkable students with the best support and guidance Southern Maryland has to offer. |
13th Annual LSM Golf Tournament
June 25! |
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Join us in Celebrating the LEAP Class of 2026! |
LEAP's Emerging Leaders Go Straight to
the Heart of Servant Leadership |
The LEAP Class of 2026 demonstrates servant leadership and helps a neighbor in partnership with Christmas in April Calvert County. | The LEAP Class of 2026 gathered on May 8th at CalvertHealth Medical Center in Prince Frederick for a full-day experience of Steward Leadership and Service.
Through conversation with servant leaders in Calvert and St. Mary's counties, participants gained deeper insight into the values such as shared vision, risk taking, communication, and self-care. The class was joined by CalvertHealth Community Educator and Supervisor Donna Sisson, LEAP '22; Calvert County Office on Aging Division Chief Edward Sullivan; Solomons Mission Center Executive Director Kelly Ward, LSM '25; and St. Mary's County Highways Manager Rick Tarr, LSM '23.
The class spent the afternoon with Christmas in April Calvert County (CIACC), improving a home in Owings under the guidance of CIACC board members Steve Sanders and Russell Bowie, and LEAP Class of 2026 House Captains Brandon Caywood and Billy Hennessy. The group refurbished the homeowner's deck and reclaimed the property's backyard from several yards of overgrowth.
Special thanks to CalvertHealth for their amazing hospitality, including sponsoring breakfast; Christmas in April Calvert County for their continued partnership; and Baldwin, Briscoe, Steinmetz & Ohri for sponsoring lunch. |
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Nominate Candidates for the
LSM Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2027! We welcome your nominations of outstanding colleagues and friends. We seek early- to mid-career professionals who are passionate about creating a better Southern Maryland for all.
Nominate a game-changing leader today! |
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Share Your Views on Attainable Housing
June 4 |
Many in our community are being priced out of housing, including ownership and rental. Whether you're in the housing industry, a local employer, or just a community member concerned about the state of housing, the Southern Maryland Housing Solutions Symposium is your chance to connect, explore and discuss innovative solutions. Join us at St. Mary's College of Maryland on Thursday, June 4th, 9:00am to 4:00pm, for a day packed with insightful discussion and action-oriented sessions designed to tackle St. Mary's County's attainable housing challenges. |
Free Government Contracting Seminar May 20 |
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Executive Program Explores Southern Maryland’s Role in the
Global Energy Economy |
BHE GT&S Director of External Affairs George Anas (right) welcomes the Executive Program Class of 2026 to BHE GT&S in Lusby, MD, for a brief about Cove Point LNG. |
The Executive Program explored Southern Maryland’s role in the global energy economy during a day-long session on April 30th. Through conversations with industry leaders, environmental advocates, and energy experts, the class gained insight into the ways the region’s energy sector shapes not only Southern Maryland’s economy and quality of life, but broader national and international systems as well.
The day began at SMECO headquarters in Hughesville, where Government Affairs and Community Relations Director Natalie Cotton, LSM ’10; Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Tom Dennison, LMd ’12; and Distributed Energy Resources Director Natasha Law introduced participants to the cooperative’s mission, operations, sustainability initiatives, and future priorities. Executives also experienced SMECO’s popular Hot Line safety demonstration.
The class was joined by St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment Chair Nicole Hance and Vice Chair Leslie D. Taylor, LSM ’24, who discussed the commission’s advisory, outreach, and advocacy efforts, including a proposed resolution supporting 100% renewable energy for county operations by 2030. Participants next traveled to Constellation’s Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, where Local Government Affairs Manager Stefanie Barone, Administrative Coordinator Emily Long, and other Constellation staff provided an overview of nuclear energy production and led the group on a rare walking tour of the facility. The day concluded at the Lusby offices of BHE GT&S, where Director of External Affairs George Anas shared the history and global operations of the Cove Point LNG facility. A central theme of the session was the intersection of energy production and stewardship of Southern Maryland’s distinctive natural environment. With more than 1,000 miles of shoreline and over 200,000 acres of farmland, the region’s environmental health carries significance not only for Southern Maryland, but far beyond it.
Special thanks to Program Advocates Jennifer Raley, LSM ’23, Energy and Technology Programs Manager at SMECO, and Rhosheeda Proctor, LSM ’24, Employee Relations & Talent Acquisition Director at SMECO for helping design and implement such an impactful experience. LSM is also grateful to SMECO for sponsoring breakfast and the After-Hours Social, and to Constellation for hosting the class and sponsoring lunch.
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It's Coming!
LSM's Teen Leadership Academy! |
Leadership Southern Maryland is proud to partner with Stella's Girls, Inc. to present LSM's 2026 Teen Leadership Academy: "Youth Leading Change in Southern Maryland," July 27 to July 31, 8am-5pm, at the College of Southern Maryland's Regional Hughesville Campus. The camp will empower up to 15 youth ages 13–18 from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties to become active community leaders through hands-on learning, intergenerational mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving. The application will open soon!
Want to know more? Email us by clicking the button below! |
Come join the LSM Alumni Association! LSMAA Membership is a beautiful way to pay forward the LSM experience for other Southern Maryland leaders while you enjoy the benefits and fun of connection with your LSM family. We sincerely appreciate your support. Click HERE to join LSMAA.
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Ways to Strengthen Our Community! |
How Can YOU Help?
We're glad you asked! 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.
MENTORS, INSTRUCTORS, AND SPEAKERS WANTED: ST. MARY'S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND
Members of the Executive Program Class of 2026 are supporting St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) in recruiting mentors, guest speakers, adjunct instructors, internship supervisors, and more. Interested in helping? Please complete this survey: LSM Alumni Support for SMCM Students
Contact Rob Willis: [email protected] |
LEAP GRADUATION CEREMONY VOLUNTEERS June 12
Please help us celebrate our LEAP 2026 graduates on Friday, June 12, 3:30-5:30pm, at American Legion Post 238, Hughesville, MD.
Click HERE to browse volunteer positions, and sign up!
Contact Sybol Anderson: [email protected] |
GOLF TOURNAMENT VOLUNTEERS June 25
The LSM Golf Committee is prepping another beautiful and FUN day at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course. Join us!
Click HERE to browse volunteer positions and sign up!
Contact Beverly Brown, LSM '14: [email protected] |
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Wednesday, May 20: Introduction to Contracting with the Government. 7-8pm. Zoom. FREE. If you have thought about starting a government contracting firm but think it’s too complicated, this intro seminar will guide you through the basics. We will discuss getting the proper credentials, finding opportunities, writing proposals, and establishing your rate structure. Potential future classes will delve into more details based on the interest of the class. Class is limited to no more than 12 participants to allow for questions and conversation.Your instructor, Brianna Dunbar Bowling, LSM '11 is the author of Start, Manage & Exit A Profitable Government Contracting Firm: Insights from an Owner Who Founded and Profitably Ran a Government Contracting Firm for Over 20 Years and Exited Successfully. She is a Daily Record Most Influential Marylander and a Leading Edge CEO of the Year. She serves on multiple boards, including the University of Maryland Medical System and agriculture task forces. She is currently a public speaker on topics such as communication, leadership, government contracting, and life balance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and is the mother of three grown children. Register HERE. Questions? Email Brianna HERE.
Thursday, June 4: Housing Solutions Symposium. 9am-4pm. Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, St. Mary's College of Maryland. FREE. Join us for a day packed with insightful discussion and action-oriented sessions addressing St. Mary's County's attainable housing challenges. Register HERE by May 21st.
Friday, June 12: LEAP Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony and Reception. 3:30-5:30pm. Jameson-Harrison American Legion Post 238, 6265 Brandywine Road, Hughesville, Maryland 20637. Join us! RSVP HERE.
Wednesday, June 17: The Leadership Table with Matt Scassero ... and RADM Bert Johnston, USN (Ret.). 5-7pm. Historic Sotterley. 44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood, MD 20636 Advance tickets required: $35. Buy tickets HERE.
Thursday, June 25: 13th Annual LSM Golf Tournament. 8am Registration, 9am Shotgun Start. Chesapeake Hills Golf Course. 11325 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657. Click HERE to learn more, explore sponsorship opportunities, and register!
SAVE THE DATES!!! Monday - Friday, July 27-31: 2026 LSM Teen Leadership Academy Presented by Stella's Girls. 8am-5pm. College of Southern Maryland Regional Hughesville Campus. More details and application opening soon! Click HERE to receive application information.
Be sure to follow LSM's social media for updates! |
LSMAA Member Events & Notices |
Wednesday, May 27: NAWCAD Industry Day! 8am-3pm. USMSM SMART Building. 44219 Airport Rd., California, MD 20619. Registration is open and agenda and breakout sessions listed. Register HERE.
Tuesday, June 2: TPP Annual Dinner. 5-9pm. Historic St. Mary’s City. Members Only. Speaker: Admiral James Foggo III, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy. The event is near capacity. Wait list only. Contact: [email protected] or call 240-577-1617.
Tuesday, June 9: TPP/ANA Panel, "The Webster Field Advantage: Where Engineering Meets the Flight Line.” 5-7:30pm. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Flight Tech Hall. 22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Register HERE.
Thursday, June 18: Evolving Warfare: Rise of the Drones! 8am-5:30pm. USMSM SMART Building. 44219 Airport Rd., California, MD 20619. This symposium, hosted by the Patuxent Partnership, will focus on emerging drone and future autonomous technologies and how they will affect Navy, Joint, and Coalition operations. Moderated by RADM Scott Sanders, USNR (Ret.). Register HERE.
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Thank You, LSM Program Sponsors! |
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