Leading our tomorrows

What People Are Saying

 

“I feel LWC is a two-way learning opportunity. It allows me to learn more about our community and ways to help, and it allows me the opportunity to share information and raise awareness to my classmates. I feel so blessed to be par of such a diverse group of leaders and compassionate innovators. LWC leaders strive to make our community an even better place to live, work and play!”

— Jeanine Asbury
Executive Director
REACH Cold Weather Shelter
LWC Class 37, 2024

“Leadership Washington County gave me the skills, information and tools necessary to help me become an advocate for the community on a larger scale, like running for City Council in 2024. The information I learned through Leadership Washington County allows me to help people in the community with the connections I made and allows me to look at new options for providing solutions to issues in the county”

— Stacy Michael
Principal Consultant
LWC Class 34, 2021

“Engagement in LWC created a community of like minded people for me. It allowed me to build and grow in friendships and business partnerships. I have become engage in the community in ways that I would never have imagined. Learning about Washington County with other emerging community leaders was impactful and profound. It creates bonds and partnerships that are irreplaceable. ”

— Laurie Chrzanowski
Ownwer/Partner
Stone House Urban Winery 
LWC Class 36, 2023

“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.