Join the LBC Team! We are hiring!

Join our small, creative and dynamic team where your contributions matter in our organization and in the community. Leadership Baltimore County (LBC) is seeking an administrative leader who is organized, driven and an out-of-the-box thinker to join our team. Together, we direct an annual community leadership program and alumni activities. 

Highly organized, thoughtful, detail-oriented candidates who thrive in a team environment are encouraged to apply. 

 

Draft job description below. Final version will be posted on April 3.

 

TITLE: Administrative Specialist

 

BACKGROUND: Leadership Baltimore County, Inc. (LBC) is a federally recognized, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1983. LBC’s mission is to bring high achievers with diverse perspectives together to heighten their civic awareness, enhance their organizational effectiveness, and become a driving force for positive change in their workplace and Baltimore County.

Our mission is achieved through two programs: Signature and Alumni. Our Signature Program explores the challenges and opportunities facing Baltimore County in monthly day-long sessions from September through June. The hallmarks of our sessions are: (1) engaging dialogues with the movers, shakers, and decision-makers in Baltimore County; and (2) experiential activities in and out of the “classroom.” Topics examined may include economic development, education, public safety, social services, Baltimore County government, Maryland State government, transportation, healthcare, civic engagement, regionalism, diversity, and the environment. Upon graduating from the ten-month program, LBC alumni engage in the community by taking on leadership roles with nonprofit and community organizations, and/or government advisory boards or task forces. Our Alumni Program provides ongoing learning and engaging activities for its alumni of approximately 1,300 individuals.

Position descriptions are a general depiction of assignments. Since LBC has a small staff and an extensive array of tasks, our team is flexible and expects to be called upon in a variety of ways that cannot always be anticipated in the position description.

 

CULTURE: LBC has a small staff of three full-time employees. We work closely together, collaborating, and communicating daily. We value systems thinking (viewing each of our projects as they fit within our current goals and objectives, organizational mission, the needs in our region, and the greater good), critical thinking (challenging the status quo and initiating continual improvement), and courageous authenticity (speaking up for what you believe.)

 

JOB OBJECTIVE: Contribute to the overall success of LBC by serving as LBC’s administrative leader including, but not limited to, streamlining administrative functions, managing projects, orchestrating seamless schedules, co-producing events, and facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY: As part of a collaborative team, the Administrative Specialist reports to the President/CEO on certain work areas and to the Assistant Director on others.

 

CLASSIFICATION: This is a full-time, exempt position.

 

SCHEDULE: LBC’s work schedule is Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the office in Sparks, MD. Partial remote work and/or adjusted hours can be requested after a 90-day probationary period. Attendance is required at in-person events including a two-day retreat in September, ten Retreat Days October through June and alumni events which may occur in the mornings or evenings.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: Initiate and implement all administrative functions across all aspects of the organization.

Project Management

Plan and implement LBC’s annual alumni membership campaign

  • Draft strategy based on the budget
  • Create or update cover letter
  • Create invoices
  • Generate mailing lists
  • Coordinate membership packet mailing with printing company
  • Utilize Salesforce to send email reminders
  • Track payments in database and QuickBooks,
  • Monitor progress of “best class ever” competition for the class with the highest percentage of memberships

Arrange for all candidate interviews and subsequent onboarding

  • Schedule alumni to serve as interviewers
  • Match candidates with available interview slots
  • Prepare and distribute applications and other necessary documents to all interviewers
  • Collect candidate rating sheets after interviews
  • Create and send acceptance packets to new cohort members
  • Ensure receipt of and maintain all documents new cohort members must sign and remit
  • Coordinate on-boarding of new board members

Schedule new board member orientation meeting annually

  • Prepare and update electronic board manual annually
  • Collect and maintain all annual documents board members must sign and remit
  • Plan and implement the production of class “binders,” including preparing class roster and program materials for electronic and printed versions of the binders for the annual Opening Retreat
  • Underpin the management of organizational projects

Schedule Management

  • Draft Program Year Schedule for each new cohort to avoid conflicts with LBC meetings, all religious holidays, school closings, sports events, and other major regional events
  • Provide all logistical details for committee meetings, as requested
  • Send calendar invitations to all board members for four annual board meetings
  • Send calendar invitations to all cohort members for all retreats and events

 

Event and Meeting Production

  • Identify and manage booking of all board meetings and retreat venues
  • Create Zoom meetings for virtual and hybrid events
  • Order meals and refreshments for retreats, board meetings, and events, as needed
  • Prepare and distribute board packets one week before each meeting
  • Pack and deliver all supplies and equipment to retreats and events
  • Attend retreat days, manage registration and catering, assist with note taking and photography
  • Prepare thank you letters to retreat speakers
  • Create a Campaign/Event in Salesforce for all events
  • Track event registrations, resolve any registration errors, prepare registration list and name tags, and update attendance record in database for all events
  • Provide post-event attendance and financial reports on alumni events to the Alumni Engagement Committee
  • Select, order, and prepare commencement gifts for cohort members

 

Data Management

  • Preside over the quality of data in Salesforce and Mailchimp by:
  • Initiating new procedures, adding fields, and functions as needed
  • Connecting staff with training resources
  • Creating dashboards for board meetings
  • Updating information on class members, alumni, memberships, events, donors, stakeholders, etc.
  • Creating ad hoc reports, as needed
  • Updating and maintaining online member directory

 

Financial Management

  • Prepare invoices for sponsors, partners, tuition, and board pledges
  • Create thank you letters for donors
  • Enter transactions in QuickBooks, reconcile bank and investment accounts monthly
  • Cut checks to vendors and record check deposits bi-monthly
  • Prepare monthly financial statements
  • Assist with sponsorship solicitations for Retreat Days, alumni events, and Commencement/All Class Reunion
  • Assist with recruitment, as needed
  • Provide accounting firm with documentation needed to prepare year-end financials and 990

 

Other

  • Maintain appropriate level of office supplies
  • Create weekly staff meeting agendas

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to manage multiple assignments, set priorities, meet goals and deadlines, and adapt to changing conditions
  • Excellent time and task management skills, including managing up to help keep projects running smoothly
  • Proven ability in database management / CRM systems, preferably Salesforce
  • Knowledge and experience with bookkeeping and financial management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Demonstrated flexibility and excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy
  • Effective written, verbal and listening communications skills
  • Ability to set and adhere to high standards
  • Respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives as well as a sensitivity to those who may be “different” than you
  • Ability to find solutions to problems using creativity, reasoning, and past experiences along with the available information and resources
  • Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
  • Ability to exercise initiative, good judgement, and discretion
  • Ability to work a variable schedule on occasion, including early mornings, evenings and/or weekends for scheduled meetings and events

 

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter detailing how you are qualified to info@leadbaltimore.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. LBC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from less represented groups to apply.

Baltimore County Leader Insight: Craig Carmichael

Craig Carmichael, President, Northwest Hosptial

 

A Special Interview: March 2024

 

This month, the LBC Class of ’24 explored the state of healthcare after a pandemic, emphasizing the impact of mental health on the workforce. As the retreat host and a healthcare leader, what do you think Northwest’s greatest accomplishment has been related to supporting frontline healthcare workers?

At Northwest, we have taken the necessary steps to create a supportive work environment for our frontline caregivers that continues supporting the workforce’s well-being, safety, and mental health. We have achieved this through increased visibility of all our leaders and transparency with our staff. To address staffing shortages, we have recognized the challenges with recruitment of clinical staff and created a pipeline of international nurses through 2026 to meet our needs. At Northwest, we have focused on improving our work environments to ensure that our team members have the necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively. We value staff feedback on how we can improve our work environment.

Additionally, we honor, celebrate and recognize our team members all year long through various employee events, celebration weeks and recognition programs. Each employee recognized through our recognition programs has their picture publicly posted on our “Wall of Fame” and are introduced at our monthly management team meetings.

Apart from pandemic-related stressors, our workforce also faces an increase in workplace violence. To keep our team members safe, we have executed various strategies and implemented our “Caring for the Caregiver” program to provide support to staff who stressful events have impacted.

 

What strategies does Northwest employ to ensure quality service to the community despite challenges in the workforce?

At Northwest Hospital, our commitment to delivering exceptional care to our community is unwavering. We prioritize safety, timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centeredness, inclusivity, and equity in all aspects of our service. Through our Zero Harm program, we strive to ensure that every patient receives care in an environment dedicated to healing and well-being.

Recognizing the dynamic landscape of the healthcare industry and the ongoing challenges related to workforce shortages, we are dedicated to building highly reliable processes that enable us to meet and exceed the expectations of our community. To this end, we have developed a comprehensive toolkit of Quality Excellence initiatives aimed at establishing a sustainable foundation for driving continuous improvement in patient care quality outcomes.

Our toolkit includes strategic planning, accountability tools such as RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) matrices, quarterly quality summits, GEMBA walks, and a daily Safety Huddle. These mechanisms allow us to address care quality concerns in real time and foster a culture of ongoing process enhancement.

Central to our strategy is a relentless focus on “Metrics that Matter,” which ensures that our efforts remain aligned with the most critical indicators of care quality outcomes. We assign executive leaders to provide dedicated support and resources for each identified metric, such as improving mortality and survival rates, preventing patient readmissions, and maintaining a safe care environment through adherence to our SPIRIT values (Service, Performance, Innovation, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork).

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of extending high-quality care beyond the hospital walls. Through a comprehensive community health needs assessment conducted via community member surveys, we have identified key health, social, and environmental concerns within our community. Action plans are being developed to address these needs, ensuring that we provide the best possible care to the Northwest Hospital Community.

 

How can leaders in the community outside of the healthcare field support their local healthcare providers?

Community leaders must continuously educate themselves about the healthcare system and it’s functioning so that they can extend their support to local healthcare providers. Understanding the issues impacting the communities we serve is crucial, as the challenges vary throughout the state. Knowledge about the current state of healthcare, awareness of the perspectives of those working in the field and keeping track of the legislation introduced annually are all important in driving positive change for the future.

In addition, healthcare organizations always look for ways to provide outreach and better serve communities. You can get involved by participating in a program, supporting a health event, or joining a patient and family advisory council, among other ways.

 

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

Growing up on a large dairy farm in Northern Michigan, I worked long hours alongside my father and older brothers. It gave me a unique understanding and appreciation of the commitment and dedication it takes to be successful. My mother and father were very influential in my life, teaching many of life’s values including “getting the job done right” and being proud of what we were able to accomplish through effort, perseverance, and teamwork.

 

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

The willingness to listen to others and learn from their wisdom is foundational to being a good leader. I learn every day when I round as I talk with employees and listen to their challenges. It is critical to clearly understand what is seen through our employees’ eyes and how we can improve their work environment. Weekly, our leaders actively participate in “GEMBA” walks. We go to departments to learn about their challenges, goals and various initiatives and how we can better support their work. Essentially this equates to leading the team by setting the example.

Amanda Zinn Chosen for the Leadership Maryland Executive Program’s Class of 2024

Leadership Maryland announced that Amanda Zinn, President and CEO at Leadership Baltimore County has been chosen to participate in their statewide professional development program as a member of the Class of 2024.

 

Zinn is one of 52 individuals chosen for the Leadership Maryland Executive Program’s 31st class, who will complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital issues. As a leader of a community leadership program much like Leadership Maryland and a graduate of The Leadership in Baltimore City, Zinn brings special insight and energy to community leadership. “I am looking forward to having a greater impact in our state through Leadership Maryland. While I am particularly interested in moving the needle on poverty alleviation and public education, I am open to all the other critical issues I will learn about and the accomplished people I will meet so together we can make a positive difference in our communities,” said Zinn.

 

The program will run from April to December, and include five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities will serve as panelists and guest speakers.

 

“We are excited to announce our next class and welcome these accomplished and motivated individuals to the Executive Program,” said David Fike ’16 (LM) president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “This year’s class selection process was competitive, and after careful review of over 100 applications, I am thrilled to share that the 52 members of the Class of 2024 represent a powerful cross-section of leaders who have the desire to make a broader impact within our state. The knowledge, experience, and connections they will gain in our program will prepare them to do just that.”

 

Leadership Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state

Dewberry: A Family-Owned, Client-Centric, and Community-Driven Firm

Get to Know Dewberry
construction workersDewberry has partnered with Leadership Baltimore County (LBC) for more than a decade and continues to be committed to helping LBC with its mission to improve the greater Baltimore community. We are proud to have five graduates from the LBC program and to have been a corporate partner for the past four years. As a community-driven firm, we prioritize building long-term client relationships, including partnerships with community-based organizations like LBC. With over 60 years of experience, we are a nationwide professional firm that specializes in planning, design, architecture, engineering, and construction. Our mission is to create responsible and innovative solutions for those who own, operate, and maintain natural and built environments. Dewberry is a family-owned firm founded in 1956 in Fairfax, Virginia. Since then, we have grown into a nationwide firm with more than 55 locations and 2,500 professionals. Our steady growth and ability to provide the capabilities, capacity, and geographic presence to serve a diverse client base has made us an industry leader, across many markets segments, including:

• Community Facilities
• Education
• Energy
• Federal
• Health and wellness
• Industrial
• Justice
• Real Estate and Commercial Development
• Risk, Response, and Recovery
• Telecommunications
• Transportation
• Water

Investment in the Community with LBC
engineer performing surveyDewberry has an office within Baltimore County that has grown to more than 50 professionals dedicated to serving Maryland communities. Our mission aligns with LBC’s commitment to engaging diverse perspectives, building strong connections, and improving our community. For more than a decade, Dewberry has participated in various LBC programs, including:
• Volunteering with the Community Assistance Network (CAN) food pantry, including packing boxes for Easter dinners, stocking food pantry shelves, and planning a toiletry/household goods donation drive
• Sponsoring events
• Participating in the annual toy drive
• Reaching out to potential participants
• Serving as a team coach for planning the monthly leadership retreats
• Serving on the Board of Directors and Strategic Alliances Committee
• Volunteering for the Easter celebration at the Eastside Family Emergency Shelter

Company Information
POINT OF CONTACT
• David Taylor, RLA; 410.645.1820; dltaylor@dewberry.com
COMPANY WEBSITE
www.dewberry.com

 

 

Baltimore County Leader Insight: Chrissy Thornton

Baltimore County Leader Insight. Chrissy Thornton, LBC '24, President & CEO, Associate Black Charities

 

A Special Interview: February 2024

 

When you hear the question “are women leaders on fire or burned out,” what is your first thought?

As a woman striving for success both professionally and in life, I’m often driven by ambition and the desire to excel in my career. I want to make meaningful contributions, achieve my goals, and be recognized for my accomplishments. However, I sometimes find myself so focused on reaching these milestones that I overlook the trade-offs involved.

There are times when I realize I’ve sacrificed precious moments with my family, neglected my own self-care, and failed to fully enjoy the rewards of my success. It’s a difficult balance to strike, especially when societal expectations and workplace cultures often prioritize productivity over well-being.

For me, learning to recognize the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and carving out time for the people and activities that bring me joy outside of work is a continual journey of self-discovery and growth. I’m not there yet, but I am striving to redefine success on my own terms and create a more harmonious balance between my professional ambitions and personal fulfillment. I really do hope to get there soon.

 

How have you seen women supported on their leadership journeys?

I’ve observed women being supported on their leadership journeys through various means, including mentorship and sponsorship programs that offer guidance, advice, and advocacy from experienced leaders. These initiatives provide invaluable support as women navigate the challenges and complexities of leadership roles.

Additionally, affinity groups and professional networks (like Executive Alliance) also play a crucial role, offering women a sense of community, solidarity, and opportunities for collaboration.

There’s also a growing focus on advocating for gender equity in leadership positions, with efforts to address bias, close the gender pay gap, and create more inclusive work cultures.

In my new role, much of my success and confidence were built because of wonderful women who were willing to take me by the hand and make sure I was in the right rooms, knew the right people, and have/had every opportunity to succeed. In many cases, they lent their professional reputations to amplify my voice and push me forward.

There is nothing like that kind of support.

 

What is one strategy LBC alumni can employ to support women in and on the path to leadership?

One powerful strategy that LBC alumni can employ to support women on the path to leadership is to actively use their influence and platforms to amplify the voices and visibility of other women. This involves intentionally creating opportunities for women to shine, highlighting their achievements, and celebrating their successes publicly.

LBC alumni can also use their influence to push for policies and practices that promote equal opportunities for women to advance into leadership positions. This could include advocating for gender-balanced hiring practices, supporting initiatives aimed at closing the gender pay gap, and championing diversity and inclusion training programs.

I have many other ideas I am excited to share at LBC’s women’s leadership event on March 6.

 

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

My job experience is so varied. I started my career working in psychiatric adult day care, job coaching for individuals with developmental disabilities, and in probation and parole. My trajectory to leadership is riddled with a number of job tasks and assignments that a lot of people wouldn’t want to do. For me, these experiences have created humility around work, which makes me truly appreciate the opportunity to lead now. Specifically, I often share that while working with The Arc Baltimore, I led a cleaning crew where my primary assignment was to clean the transit stations in some of the most notably harrowing areas of Baltimore. Picking up trash while teaching individuals with special needs in the heart of the city taught me levels of work ethic, commitment, and resilience that directly inform my leadership style.

 

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

In my perspective, the most crucial personal trait for being a good leader is an unwavering commitment to excellence and maintaining high standards of quality in all aspects of leadership. This commitment involves a strong focus on achieving the best possible outcomes, a dedication to continuous improvement, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity!

When a leader is deeply committed to excellence, they inspire those around them to strive for greatness as well. Leaders who prioritize excellence set a precedent for a culture of overcoming, learning, innovation, and exceeding expectations.

Integrity is intricately tied to this commitment to excellence because it involves a leader aligning their actions with a set of values and principles. A leader with integrity ensures that their commitment to excellence is not compromised by shortcuts, unethical practices, or compromises on quality. They establish a foundation of trust by consistently delivering exceptional results and upholding the standards they set.

This requires leaders to be thorough, diligent, and meticulous in every task, decision, and interaction. Not sometimes, but EVERY time. This not only produces tangible results but also fosters a culture where team members are motivated to give their best effort, knowing that the leader expects and exemplifies nothing less.

BD: Advancing the World of Health

view of the plant operationsEven if you haven’t heard of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), chances are you’ve been touched—literally—by a BD device. About 90% of inpatients in the U.S. alone use at least one BD product during their hospital stay. Blood collection is a huge part of that—next time you’re having blood drawn, take a look at the tube. It’s probably a BD Vacutainer®.

The BD Sparks, Maryland campus serves as the worldwide headquarters for its Diagnostic Solutions business unit, with nearly 2,000 associates across six buildings (including one in Hunt Valley) working in all areas from research and development to manufacturing, and from sales and marketing to global distribution.

The BD Purpose, Advancing the world of health™, is more than a tagline, it’s a guiding star.

This purpose drives BD business as well as the way the company approaches environmental, social and governance priorities – they are interconnected and interdependent.

The company’s deep commitment to improving individual and public health at a global scale, including right here at home in Baltimore, is integral to our success.

BD diagnostics business has played a key role in the business community of Baltimore and Maryland for more than 60 years, and part of that involvement is our ongoing commitment to Leadership Baltimore County.

delivery drivers in safety vestsBD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians’ care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers’ capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care.

LBC’s one-year immersion in the features and needs of Baltimore County is a great fit for BD. As a global company, our associates benefit from a firm grounding in the community to help them make it a better place for all to thrive. Our passion drives a strong commitment to promoting human health, improving the communities we serve and funding educational and research initiatives. In Baltimore County, with support and knowledge from LBC, our associates are proud of impact we have in promoting a healthy community, building a STEM-literate workforce, and supporting associates’ own engagement in issues important to them and where they live and work.

For more information on BD, please visit BD.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or Instagram @becton_dickinson

 

 

It’s a Wrap – Another Successul Toy Drive and Holiday Party

On December 6 at the Baltimore County Farm Park and Agriculture Center, LBC alumni and friends piled up the toys and put a lot of smiles on children’s faces! Thanks to everyone who attended, LBC donated 100+ toys to children served by the Baltimore County Department of Social Services. We are the only organization that donates toys to DSS making this gift extra special. Many thanks to the event planning team: Kathleen Durkin, LBC ’11, The Arc Baltimore, Chuck Franklin, LBC ’22, USI, Candas Granados, LBC ’21, Thermo Fisher, Cortney Weinstock, LBC ’23, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. A special note of gratitude to our sponsor, Sylvan Learning, to our drink providers Farmacy Brewing and Nick Weinstock with 21st Amendment Importers, and our other in-kind donors Wild Birds, Be-More Boot Camp and Uno Salon.

 

 

Baltimore County Leader Insight: Mark Anthony Thomas

Mark Anthony Thomas, GBC President & CEO

 

A Special Interview: November 2023

 

What strategies can help overcome jurisdictional competition for attracting new development and retaining existing business?

This is where organizations like the GBC are important. We have to build trust with regional partners and our economic development peers to create the environment for collaboration. It has been exciting to partner on the regional tech hub bid, which included all of the counties and the city. The partners have equally been engaged on the creation of our 10-year economic opportunity strategy. Most major employers have workers and contractors that cross jurisdictions which creates an opportunity to build expand and win new business.

How will you support greater equity and cooperation across jurisdictions in our region?

Nearly all of our initiatives will be regional. Our economic success will require progress in creating strategic opportunities that impact families and communities throughout the metropolitan area. GBC’s 12 initiatives and multi-year agenda touch issues that we believe broaden our economic opportunities and improve connectivity throughout the region. I’ve never viewed equity as a secondary concept, it truly has to be integrated into the work that organizations like GBC provide leadership on.

How can leaders like LBC alumni contribute to a more unified region?

Baltimore County is critical in the region and for our future. Given the diversity of Baltimore County’s geography, demographics and population density, as well as the post-pandemic shift of work and office spaces, Baltimore County has a unique opportunity to offer lifestyles and communities that cater to nearly every type of resident or business.

LBC alum represent the current and future leaders for Maryland. The more alumni understand the interconnectedness of the communities, the more effective we’ll be at shaping strategies to support a strong region.

 

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

I grew up with very humble beginnings in Atlanta, yet I felt surrounded by successful, community-minded people in the broader metro area. While it’s hard to see this now, Atlanta culturally was largely an underdog community. As a famous musician once said, “The south got something to say.” There was a culture of hard work and lack of entitlement that shaped my willingness to do whatever it takes to make things happen.

 

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

You have to love people and love the work you do on the behalf of the communities you serve. Our team is so connected and committed that GBC’s former staff volunteer at all of our events and make sure everything works out seamlessly. To me, that’s the heart of good leadership, creating great teamwork so I can do what I can do best.

Baltimore County Leader Insight: Jackie LaMonica

 

LBC image with photo of Jackie backpacking with climbing gear. Jackie LaMonica. Program Director, Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center

A Special Interview: September 2023

 

What is the mission of GVOLC?
Our mission is to provide quality learning experiences that promote growth and nourish the development of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Community, challenging comfort zone, and leadership are our top values.

Tell us about a time when you saw the GVOLC mission in action.
I see GVOLC’s mission in action every time people step foot at Genesee Valley – I see participants, staff, teachers, administration, and co-workers connect with each other in a natural space outside of work or school. I see them create new learned connections about personalities, leadership patterns, learning styles, and general well-being for their fellow humans. Our staff help to form a space where participants can share experiences and bind those experiences into daily life.

What trends do you see in adult groups as they work on leadership and communication skills?
Adults generally start out reserved and skeptical then transform throughout the experience to being open, authentic, and willing. When taking adults out of the workplace, there is a sense of stress about not working that then progresses toward connecting with others. GVOLC creates an even playing field for all adults to work together and then process this information back to their work lives. At GVOLC we are able to simulate low risk activities that break down the barriers to discuss our feelings, challenges, goals and experiences.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?
Having various responsibilities as a child and beyond has helped me to recognize the importance of thriving versus surviving. Being raised on a farm, I had space to make mistakes. I also learned the cost of those mistakes – not watering the plants, not putting the chickens away at night, forgetting to turn the watering hose off, etc. Those moments taught me how care, guidance, and support lead to success in these responsibilities or not. To be a successful leader, you must want everyone around you and your organization to grow and thrive. Forming into a leader is a JOURNEY as it consists of relationship building, performance, and trust! Trust between the mission of the organization, your co-workers and yourself is a process that takes time to grow. The moments when I felt my leadership come to fruition were when I put myself on the front line with my staff and was part of the magic work that makes Genesee Valley amazing. Being able to share those moments with your staff, be vulnerable and real makes for stronger team connections.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?
Being willing to do ALL/ANY of the work that is needed for your organization to thrive. This doesn’t mean doing all the work directly but being willing to support your staff in getting the work done well. Like I mentioned above, being willing to be on the front line with them to get work done is so valuable for relationship building to continue to grow and develop staff!

LBC Class of ’24 Kick Off

Leadership Baltimore County (LBC) is pleased to announce the LBC Class of 2024. Nearly 50 leaders were selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across the region and across sectors and industries.  View the class list here: https://www.leadbaltimore.org/class-of-2024/.

With a dynamic full-day session at Marriot Courtyard in Hunt Valley on September 13 followed by a second day of team building activities at Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center in Parkton, the cohort built a solid foundation. They learned about each other and the program year ahead and started to build the life-long bonds that the program is known for. This group of impressive leaders set the perfect tone for the year as they welcomed differences and discussed how they would support each other through their community leadership journeys including being curious about issues and each other, keeping an open mind, and creating space for different ideas and opinions.

One class member commented, “What an amazing experience the last couple of days were… it was what I was hoping that it would be and then some! I feel like I just gained 40+ new friends and community partners in a journey that will be life changing. I am truly looking forward to next 10 months together.”

Throughout the 10-month program, the Class of 2024 will participate in educational and interactive sessions to learn more about how Baltimore County works, meet its leaders, understand the community’s challenges and opportunities and how to affect positive change in the region. In addition, each member of the class participates in a 360° leadership assessment and one-on-one executive coaching sessions to gain insight into their own leadership competencies so that they may be even more effective in their work in the community.

“As Leadership Baltimore County celebrates its 40th anniversary, we are so pleased to welcome this phenomenal and passionate group of leaders. I can’t wait to witness the transformation they will experience and the impact they will have in their workplace and in our community.” – Amanda Zinn, President and CEO.

 

LBC Class of ’24 by Mary Kay Page

Design by Mary Kay Page