Leading our tomorrows

What People Are Saying

 

“The LWC program provides an exclusivity of current circumstances that directly impact local needs and resources.  It’s invaluable.

— Chris Howlett
Director of Operations
Hagerstown Housing Authority 
LWC Class 30, 2017

“You will learn the County's strengths and weaknesses, its pain points, and the gems you had NO idea were right in your backyard. Most importantly, you learn where you can help in the areas you are most passionate."

— Shelley McIntire
President and Owner
McIntire HVAC & Electric  
Hagerstown City Councilmember
LWC Class 30, 2017

“Leadership showed me that it’s about more than the quantity of people you know in this community – but about the quality of the connections you form through this experience.” – ”

— Tim Luipersbeck
Director of Marketing & Communications
Community Foundation of Washington County  
LWC Class 31, 2018

“There are few investments an entrepreneur can make that offer the type return like investing in LWC. And above all, LWC has allowed me to be a better me for our community.”

— Tereance Moore, Class 32, 2019
Principal, Tereance Moore Consulting, LLC
Executive Director, Mediation First, Inc.

Benefits of LWC

PERSONAL BENEFITS

Do you want to make a difference in our community, while growing as a citizen and leader? Leadership Washington County (LWC) is the perfect program for you! LWC graduates can be found in almost every level of leadership within our community. They serve as executive directors of non-profits, run for public office, serve on boards, and volunteer their time and talents to make our community a better place.

Benefits of Participation

  • Expand your network, your understanding of our community, and your skills as a leader

  • Connect and work closely with others who share your desire for change

  • Get to know the place where you live – the history, the people, the problems, the solutions

Program Format

The LWC program provides topical coverage of the challenges and opportunities facing Washington County, MD. LWC does not teach leadership skills. Your LWC experience begins with a weekend retreat in September, followed by intensive community orientation over the course of nine months. Participants will meet with community leaders and area experts to discuss complex issues facing the Washington County community, including:

  • Human Services

  • Local Government

  • Education

  • State Government

  • Health

  • Board Governance

  • Economic & Workforce Development

  • Arts & Culture

The LWC program year concludes with a one day Closing Retreat offering time to reflect about the 10 months of experiences and education.

 

BUSINESS BENEFITS

All organizations, both corporate and non-profit, need people with strong and diverse leadership abilities. Markets demand that we move faster and smarter, which requires thinking and action that are different from the past. This is why Washington County’s largest employees such as Meritus Health, Fiserv, and Washington County Public Schools consistently submit candidates to participate in the LWC program. LWC welcomes applications from the private sector, government, non-profits, and community advocates.

LWC graduates have a holistic view of our community:

  • Who are the influencers and who is missing from the tables of influence?

  • What issues does our community face now and in the future?

  • What has made our community what it is today?

  • What steps do we need to take to be successful in the future?

Developing a deeper, behind the scenes understanding of our community ensures that LWC participants learn about many sides of various issues as well as how they can make a difference in leading change. LWC participants have the opportunity to work in small teams to plan one of the program days exposing them to people from different industries and with varying points of view. At the same time, the LWC program helps create community leaders with a vested interest in where we live and work and with a higher likelihood of becoming civically engaged in Washington County.