Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Baltimore County is a nonprofit organization that provides individual advocacy for children in foster care that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. With the hope of each child receiving a safe, loving, permanent home, this organization aims to one day be able to help each of the nearly 600 children in the foster care system in Baltimore County.

“This organization has such an important role in the lives of the children in Baltimore County’s foster care system,” says Jennifer Stine, executive director of CASA of Baltimore County. “Our volunteers are really what makes it so special. They are incredibly dedicated, generous individuals who give their time, energy, and heart to children who often have no one else who will show them that attention. They become a consistent, caring adult in the life of a child who is constantly experiencing change. Many of our volunteers work with a child for years, helping them navigate the foster care and court systems; advocating for them in court, schools, and the community; and helping them learn to advocate for themselves.”

There are many ways that you can get involved with CASA of Baltimore County. There is always a need for volunteers. Becoming a volunteer advocate doesn’t require a legal or social work background and will help give a voice to a child in our community.

Is your company looking to expand their corporate giving? Become a donor! CASA of Baltimore County is always looking for one-time donations, ongoing partners or event sponsors to help their efforts. You can even host your own event to help raise funds and awareness for this great organization. For more information, visit www.casabaltco.org.

For 35 years, Leadership Baltimore County has been inciting change, shaping leaders, and focusing on the real issues within our community. And now it’s time to celebrate!

When our fearless leader Elayne Hettleman began this program in 1983, she never could have imagined the success and influence it would have. But, thanks to her tireless efforts, our generous partners, and—of course—our enthusiastic members, Leadership Baltimore County has grown into the life-changing experience it is now.

We invite each and every one of you to join us not only in celebrating our milestone anniversary and the commencement of our Class of 2018, but in honoring Elayne for her 30 years of leadership.

At this event, our keynote speaker will be Bob Caret, chancellor of the University System of Maryland. Bob graduated from LBC in 1988 (our 5th class!) and is excited to return and speak to all of his fellow alumni.

Many vendors throughout Baltimore are taking part in this celebration. A few of Baltimore County’s top chefs will be attending, cooking up their signature dishes for us to enjoy. And you won’t go thirsty, as beer and wine tastings will be available as well. Find one you like and purchase it at a discounted price. You’ll get a delicious beverage and LBC will get part of the proceeds!

Most importantly, we’ll be saying a huge thank you to our founder for all she’s done for Baltimore County over the years. So, please come honor Elayne, celebrate our anniversary, make memories in our fun photo booth, and partake in a night of fun and excitement with your fellow alumni. We look forward to seeing you there!

JUNE 7, 2018 | 5:30 PM

Valley Mansion | 594 Cranbrook Road, Hunt Valley

The Class of 2018 is more than halfway through its leadership year. In addition to the Opening Retreat, the class experienced Environmental Sustainability, Health Care, Public Safety and Baltimore County Government Days already. March is a jam-packed month! On March 8th, the class visited Annapolis for Maryland State Government Day.  This day is always a favorite for class members. This month we heard from speakers Bruce Berano, a lobbyist, as well as Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, who we enjoyed immensely! The class also got to have lunch with delegates and senators from Baltimore County.

On March 26th we will hold Social Services Day. This day is always cited as one of the most memorable and impactful days of the year as it is one that tends to really challenge our perspectives and teach us about the privilege we hold. Finally, on March 27th the class will experience their cultural evening out at Center Stage to see a performance of Animal Farm.

Looking for new ways to give back to the Baltimore County community? The Arc Baltimore offers just that.

The Arc is dedicated to providing advocacy and high quality, life-changing support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The nonprofit organization works to match these individuals with companies throughout the community that will offer them gainful employment positions where they can excel and show their talents.

Run by executive director Kathleen Durkin, a Leadership Baltimore County alumna, The Arc offers an under-tapped workforce to fill openings within companies like yours—the Rachuba Group, Alban CAT, and Brick Bodies Padonia are just a few that are currently employing The Arc’s workers. If your company is looking for employees who are skilled and capable of handling jobs including landscaping, custodial, light industrial and production, mailing, and scanning, look into The Arc.

Interested in volunteer work? The Arc has numerous opportunities, including an annual golf tournament in May. Gather a team and spend a day putting and networking on the golf course or sponsor the event.

For more information on how you and your company can get involved with The Arc Baltimore, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org.

Leadership Baltimore County is the only community leadership program in the county and is now accepting applications for the Class of 2019. Now in its 35th year, the elite program educates senior business and community leaders on the issues and challenges facing Baltimore County and the surrounding region. The mission: spend 10 months immersing participants in the county they call home, gathering diverse perspectives, and creating powerful connections—all resulting in fresh viewpoints and tangible change in our community.

Unique to LBC’s leadership program, participants learn about their own leadership capacity by engaging in a 360° assessment, followed with a one-on-one executive coaching session. Afterwards, the class gathers as a group for a full assessment of Baltimore County by taking a monthly deep dive to explore topics that focus on the local economy, social issues, health care, diversity, education, government affairs/policy, and public safety. Each leader will walk away from LBC’s program with a better understanding of his/her personal strengths, enhanced leadership capacity, deeper knowledge of our community and a renewed commitment to our region, becoming an informed and highly valued resource in their organization and our community.

LBC selects top talent from all sectors and prepares them to transform communities. More than 1,100 esteemed professionals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1983.

“Leadership Baltimore County brings together high achievers with diverse perspectives to heighten their civic awareness, enhance their organizational effectiveness and become a driving force for positive change in their workplace and Baltimore County as a whole,” said CEO Amanda Zinn. “We provide a safe forum to discuss difficult issues, but we need all voices at the table for a truly transformational experience.”

Leadership Baltimore County’s graduates come from notable local and nationally recognized organizations, including Ayers Saint Gross, Baltimore Ravens, Becton Dickinson, BGE/Exelon Corp., CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, CCBC, McCormick & Co., M&T Bank, PNC Bank, Morgan State University, The Arc Baltimore, The Junior League of Baltimore, Towson University, T. Rowe Price, UMBC, United Way of Central MD, Venable, Whiting-Turner, and many more.

A diverse class of up to 50 participants will be selected for the Class of 2019. All applicants must attend a one-hour information session first. Our next information session is scheduled for March 20th from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

• Congratulations to Matthew Sturtz, LBC Class of 2003. Matt recently joined Nelson Mullins, a Columbia, South Carolina based law firm, as a litigator for their Baltimore-based expansion office.
• Ellen Beattie, Class of 2018, has recently accepted a position as Chief, Adult Instructional Services within the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation (DLLR).  Great job Ellen.
• Its official! Keisha Campbell, Class of 2018, is now the University Registrar at Morgan State University. Way to go Keisha!

If you have an announcement or promotion, email Carrie Flora and we will include it in our next update. cflora@leadbaltimore.org

• Raymond Daniel Burke, ’86: Ray’s most recent op/ed in the Baltimore Sun on guns in the American culture is certainly worth a read: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-op-0218-gun-culture-20180216-story.html
• Kevin Kempske, ’04: Kevin was promoted to President and CEO of GKV Advertising. Kevin has been with GKV since 1998.
• Ammanuel Moore, ’17: Congratulations on being promoted to External Affairs Manager at BGE.
• Clarence Campbell, Jr, ’11: Kudos for being named Senior Vice President and Regional Manager at PNC Bank.
• Maria Johnson Darby, ’01: Well-deserved promotion to Vice President for Communications and External Relations for Keswick Multi-Care Center. Read more here.
• J.D. Blewett, ’18: Congratulations on the new job as Assistant Vice President, Credit Analyst at Hamilton Bank.
• Jennifer Dodson, ’17: Jennifer embarked on a new journey in 2018, and is now Sales and Marketing Business Manager for ABBTECH. Best of luck, Jen!

Leadership Baltimore County is now accepting applications from seasoned leaders unafraid to tackle difficult issues and act as catalysts for positive change in their organization.  If you are interested in the program, and haven’t attended an information session, yet, check out our EVENTS page to register for an upcoming session. These are FREE but required for all applicants (Coffee and light refreshments will be served).

If you attended an information session last year and are ready to apply, click on the Red APPLY NOW button in the upper right hand corner of the website.

For 35 years, Leadership Baltimore County has been helping transform Baltimore County one leader at a time. Are you ready?