The Opportunity Circle

Members of the Opportunity Circle ensure that leadership aptitude—not income—determines access to this life-changing experience. Every donation makes a difference, and we are so grateful for every donor who has contributed to LBC scholarship funds over the years.

We are especially thankful to three impactful LBC leaders who inspired special campaigns that enabled us to reach new heights in scholarship support.

L. Patrick Deering

Pat served on LBC's board from its founding and through its first decade. A corporate leader and philanthropist, Pat was known for impeccable integrity and constructive and direct assessments. He was integral in helping lay a solid foundation for LBC upon which it could grow for decades to come. In addition to serving on LBC’s board, Pat served on the boards of Baltimore City Foundation, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Charlestown Retirement Community and Maryland Hospital Association.

Elayne Hettleman

As LBC's founding president and CEO, Elayne drove the organization forward for 30 years with kindness, courage, and tenacity. Her life's work was building a richly diverse, vibrant, and engaged network of community leaders. "You never say no to Elayne," is a common refrain among LBC alumni. That meant stepping up to fill a nonprofit board seat, showing up at service events, responding to an urgent community need, and supporting LBC as it builds more and more strong community leaders.

Michael J. Chesser

Mike Chesser, LBC ’85 and LBC’s founding board chair, says his life was changed by LBC. During his opening retreat, he was asked to write his own obituary. His vision of how he hoped to be remembered led him to commit to a lifetime of service. He spent the next four decades championing early childhood education while his career took him across the country leading utility companies. He challenged LBC to raise $50,000, which he pledged to match. We raised $60,000, and Mike generously increased his match, leading to $120,000 in scholarship support! Thanks to Mike, the dream he and Elayne shared of a pipeline of leaders to serve the community lives on.

Many thanks to all the individuals and organizations who support our scholarship fund. Together, we will create a vibrant Baltimore County where active civic engagement among diverse individuals and corporate leaders fuels innovation, inclusivity, and transformative change for a brighter future.

The Opportunity Circle

Baird Gives Back

Oh, the Legacy You’ll Leave! LBC’s Annual Celebration and 2026 Commencement