Building a better community. That’s the core purpose of Leadership Howard County, but what does that mean? It starts with remaining true to our core values.
• Integrity/Honesty: Keeping meaningful promises. Doing the right thing for the community. Truth over harmony.
• Service: Working hard and contributing time, talent and treasure.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Building the best community by empowering leaders with diverse strengths and perspectives.
• Growth and Learning: Actively pursuing new ideas and approaches to improve the community.
You’ll note that these values emphasize a very active role for our organization and our members. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and making a difference. We are committed to realizing our vision, where LHC is the critical force in preparing, inspiring, connecting and sustaining community leaders to make Howard County the best place to live, work and play. Through our efforts we will ensure that LHC remains at the center of what makes Howard County such a special community.
Leadership Howard County offers an excellent array of programs. Leadership Premier offers a 10-month immersion into the issues, the people and the institutions that are working to make Howard County an even better place to live and work. Leadership U provides a class of 50 high school juniors the chance to learn leadership skills and put them to work in community service projects.
This past year saw the exciting transition of the Leadership Essentials program, which provides both leadership skill-building and exposure to the issues and people driving change in Howard County to the community’s young professionals. This program is now housed at Loyola University, in cooperation with Leadership Howard County, where additional resources are being devoted to take this already great program to the next level.
Additionally, we provide many exciting events throughout the year for our Leadership alumni to keep them informed and engaged in the community. As noted above, LHC is a very active organization, and our alumni are regularly at the center of important community initiatives and in leadership positions of many community organizations. Alumni bring to life our core purpose of building a better community.
When I began my term as board chair in July of 2010, I already was aware that LHC is a special and important organization. Since that time I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the organization and those who support it. I am truly amazed at the skill, dedication and commitment of our wonderful staff, led by Stacie Hunt.
Our board of directors is populated with a diverse group of incredibly talented individuals who continually step up and do the heavy lifting. Literally hundreds of volunteers contribute countless hours for the good of our community. Finally, we are blessed with many sponsors who provide the critical funds needed to complete our work. Thanks to you all.
Leadership Howard County is here to help you find and take your place in our community. To learn more, please visit us on the web at www.leadershiphc.org or e-mail us at lhcinfo@leadershiphc.org.
