Transformational. Life-changing. Affirming. Confidence building. Inspirational.

These were some of the words members of the LBC ’26 cohort used to describe their LBC experience. They experienced awe when witnessing emergency room nurses and school principals at work, they experienced community as their cohort members showed up to support them, and they experienced hope as they learned about the will and capability of their cohort members to affect positive change. Most of all, they were inspired to leave a legacy through their community leadership.

When LBC alumni, friends and family, and members of the community gathered to celebrate commencement of LBC ’26 and share in the annual celebration at Irvine Nature Center; the joy and love in the room was palpable.

Keynote speaker Franklyn Baker, President & CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, celebrated LBC’s commitment to service and inspired the audience to keep building the legacy they wish to leave. Quoting Zig Zigler, Franklyn encouraged, “If you help enough people to get what they want out of life, you’ll get what you want out of life in return.”

Guest speaker Mike Chesser, LBC ’85, founding board chair for LBC, reminded us all of the true purpose and legacy of LBC – to understand and serve the needs of the community in strategic and impactful ways. The vision that he and LBC founding executive director, Elayne Hettleman, shared was to create a pipeline of leaders who are well prepared to support community needs. More than 40 years and 1500+ alumni, their dream has become reality.

Cohort member Kevin Carr entertained and moved the audience with an a cappella performance of “If You Believe” from The Wiz. As a transition from the program to the after-party, Kevin also lead guests in a game of Musical Circles, a grown-up version of musical chairs to spark new connections and conversation. As graduates and guests danced their way about the space, they formed huddles with new people and answered question prompts like “Whose legacy inspires you?” Everyone learned something new and met new people.

This phenomenal celebration was made possible by a whole village. Many thanks to:

Annual Partners – Gold: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Silver: Baird, CCBC, Constellation Home, Dewberry, Erickson Senior Living, KCI, LifeBridge Health Northwest Hospital, RadNet, PNC Private Bank, The Maryland Daily Record, and Whiting-Turner.

Event sponsors – Civic Connectors: KCI, Richcroft, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, and Thought Leaders: Baltimore County Department of Economic Workforce Development, Duckpin, Irvine Nature Center, Kaiser Permanente, The Arc Baltimore, and The League for People with Disabilities.

Event Committee Members: Julie Brophy, Pattie Dash, Don Elliott, Jenny Sibila, Key Spriggs, and Nick Staigerwald. Plus on-site volunteers: Elizabeth Davidson, Kathleen Durkin, Cindy Freeman, Shelby Frink, Julie Funk, Brent Jackson, Ed Joffe, Patrick Miles, Jeff Morgan, Yanna Rachinskaya, Katrina Robinson, Westley Spriggs, Bridget Roth, Marcus Walker

View the list of Class of ’26 members.

Take a look at the program book.

Enjoy some photos by JR Gordon Photography!