Leadership Baltimore County Graduates Class of 2026, Celebrating More Than Four Decades of Civic Impact

Founded in 1983, Leadership Baltimore County was created to strengthen the region by developing leaders who understand how communities function and who are prepared to serve them effectively. Its signature program brings together senior-level leaders from diverse sectors for an immersive, hands-on experience focused on civic awareness, regional issues, leadership development, and community engagement.

Participants spend 10 months exploring how Baltimore County operates, meeting decision-makers, examining issues ranging from education and public safety to healthcare and economic development, and learning how to drive meaningful change. A distinctive element of the program is its use of 360-degree leadership assessments and executive coaching, helping participants better understand their leadership styles and strengthen their effectiveness.

The experience culminates with each participant creating a personalized Community Leadership Plan, outlining how they will invest their time, talent, and resources to improve the region.

The commencement ceremony highlighted both the program’s impact today and the vision that inspired its creation more than 40 years ago.

Keynote speaker Franklyn Baker, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, challenged graduates to continue serving others and building meaningful legacies. Quoting motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, Baker reminded attendees that, “If you help enough people get what they want out of life, you’ll get what you want out of life in return.”

Guest speaker Mike Chesser, a member of LBC’s Class of 1985 and the organization’s founding board chair, reflected on the original mission he shared with founding executive director Elayne Hettleman. Their vision was simple but ambitious: create a pipeline of leaders equipped to understand community needs and address them strategically.

Today, with more than 1,500 alumni serving throughout the region, that vision has become a reality.

The graduating class reflects the diversity and breadth of Baltimore County’s leadership landscape, bringing together executives, educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofit leaders, bankers, engineers, public servants, and entrepreneurs.

Members of the Class of 2026 include:

Their organizations represent nearly every sector of community life, underscoring LBC’s longstanding commitment to bringing together leaders with different perspectives and experiences.

Over four decades, Leadership Baltimore County has produced an impressive roster of civic, business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit leaders. The organization’s alumni have gone on to serve on nonprofit boards, lead major institutions, influence public policy, and drive economic development initiatives throughout the Baltimore region.

The organization’s influence extends well beyond any single graduating class. Alumni remain actively engaged through events, mentorship opportunities, educational programming, and volunteer leadership, creating a powerful network dedicated to strengthening Baltimore County and the broader region.

As the Class of 2026 joins the ranks of Leadership Baltimore County alumni, they inherit a legacy more than four decades in the making—one rooted in collaboration, civic responsibility, and a belief that effective leadership can transform communities.

Judging by the enthusiasm displayed at commencement, the newest graduates are ready to continue that tradition.

Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or neighborhood initiatives, the Class of 2026 leaves Leadership Baltimore County with a shared mission: to use their influence, expertise, and relationships to make Baltimore County stronger for generations to come.