What Makes Us Unique:
Our philosophy is that everyone has room to grow leadership capacity no matter one’s title, age, experience or expertise. Accordingly, we provide the gift of gaining insight in how to become a more effective leader.
LBC is the only community leadership program that includes a 360° leadership assessment with two one-to-one executive coaching sessions.
- Understand yourself by learning how others perceive your leadership competencies.
- Based on the results of the 360 assessment, we match class members in peer mentor groups to improve each person’s lowest-rated competency. Throughout the ten-month signature program, there are three in-class peer mentoring meetings to discuss the Leadership Circle Profile in more detail.
- Meet one-on-one with our certified, executive coach to strategize the best ways to maximize your strengths and build your future strengths.
- Explore how to apply your skills within your workplace and our community.
LBC is the only program with an inside look at Baltimore County.
- Dialogue with the County Executive
- Have lunch with the County Council
- Discuss public education with the BCPS Superintendent
- Chat with the Chief of Police about public safety and more
LBC’s program participants plan the monthly sessions ensuring that the program is fresh and current, as well as that it meets the interests of the current class members.
- LBC addresses hot topics – the major challenges and opportunities of the moment
- LBC mines the subject matter expertise and talents of the class members
- Class members hone their skills in teamwork, research, planning, strategic thinking, facilitation and more
Benefits of Participating in LBC
Participating in LBC enhances leadership effectiveness for personal and professional growth. This is a time in our history that calls for compassionate and effective leadership and exceptional community relations. Not only do participants get to expand their network across multiple industries, they deepen their understanding of leadership styles and behaviors through peer mentoring opportunities and executive coaching.
Employers value the signature program because it:
- Provides leadership development opportunities
- Boosts participating employees’ morale
- Serves as an excellent high-talent retention AND recruitment tool
- Offers an alternative for leaders who do not want to take a prescriptive or traditional career path within an organization
- Assists with succession planning
- Enhances the effectiveness of its leaders to engage and make a difference in both their company and our community
- Exposes organizations to decision-makers in government, the private sector, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations
Program Details
LBC offers rich and dynamic face-to-face learning opportunities, including:
Leadership Retreats
- Two-day, overnight Opening Retreat
- One full-day retreat per month each on a different topic, eight topics total
- Locations across Baltimore County offer another way to explore our County
Experiential activities before most day-long sessions
- Police ride-along before Public Safety Day
- Shadow a Principal before Education Day
- Choose one of four poverty simulation activities before Community Services Day
- Shadow a nurse in an ER before Health Care Day
- Attend a Baltimore County Council work session before Baltimore County Government Day
- Meet with a State Senator or Delegate before MD State Government Day
Leveraging close relationships with partners such as the police department, local hospitals, and the school system, LBC is working creatively to adapt experiential activities as necessary to the current climate.
Tuition fee: $7,500 for private companies; $6,800 for nonprofits and government agencies
Participation Requirements
To be considered for LBC, the following credentials must be met:
- Professionals with achievements in their career (Director/ V.P. level and above)
- Demonstrated commitment to the community as a volunteer
- Sincere concern about the future of Baltimore County and a personal commitment to help shape that future; desire to affect change
- Ability to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program and stay actively involved in the alumni program; values lifelong learning
- Full support from the organization or business the applicant represents
- Each class reflects a cross-section of the County, including diversity of perspectives, sectors, industries, ethnicities, genders, and geographic location
- Ability to be both a learner and contributor to the class.
CLASS OF 2025 PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Application Process
While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, the timeline to apply to the LBC Class of '26 which runs September 2025 to June 2026 includes:
- January through May: Candidates attend a one-hour virtual information session where details of the program will be shared followed by networking with other candidates. Register at https://www.leadbaltimore.org/events/.
- May 31: Deadline for candidates to apply online. Candidates should have approval/support from the organization where they are employed before applying.
- June 30: Deadline for interviews of candidates by LBC staff and alumni. Decision letters are typically sent 2 weeks after interviews.
- July 30: Deadline for selected participants to complete forms, submit the required information, and pay tuition.
VIEW OUR CURRENT CLASS MORE ABOUT OUR ALUMNI PROGRAM