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January 18, 2026

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

1C Commerce

April is National Safe Digging Month

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April is National Safe Digging Month and Easton Utilities reminds contractors and homeowners to call 811, which begins the process of marking underground utility lines. “This free resource is a proactive measure which helps eliminate the risk of striking an underground utility line,” stated Andrew Ober, Safety Specialist for Easton Utilities. To prevent injuries, property damage and outages, residents must call 811 approximately 48 – 72 hours prior to work beginning.

The is a free service that notifies affected utilities of a person’s intent to dig. Within a few days, Easton Utilities will mark the locations of the utility-owned lines with paint or flags. The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists. Call before you dig. It’s the law.

To learn more about Easton Utilities, call the Customer Service Center at 410-822-6110 or visit www.eastonutilities.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Perdue Executive to Discuss Agribusiness Market Trends at April 3 Event in Easton

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Tim Frump

Tim Frump, vice president of risk management and soy merchandising at Perdue AgriBusiness, will speak at the Let’s Talk Business Speaker Series at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 3, at the Talbot County Free Library in Easton. He will present an overview of current market conditions in agriculture, including a look at how the war in the Ukraine is affecting commodity prices.

Frump’s presentation wraps up the spring speaker series presented by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library.

“The media has reported extensively on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine and its impact on the global grain market,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of economic development and tourism for Talbot County. “We are excited to have Tim join us to discuss the market trends impacting local farmers and agribusinesses, including current grain production the Ukraine.”

Frump is responsible for managing the hedging and physical coverage for Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness, one of the largest family-owned grain companies in the United States. A native of Ohio, he has enjoyed a multi-decade career that includes managing the export trading of corn, soybeans, wheat, and specialty grains.

Before joining Perdue, Frump managed the trade activity for corn, sugar, soy oil, soy meal, natural gas, and other hedgeable commodities at Tate and Lyle. He also has traded many U.S. domestic markets with Cargill, ADM, and CGB Enterprises. Frump is a summa cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend all sessions of the speaker series and to subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot County Announces Speaker for Business Appreciation Summit on May 3

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Mark C. Perna

Generational expert, author, and speaker Mark C. Perna, author of Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose & Performance in Younger Generations, will headline both sessions of the Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit on Wednesday, May 3.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosts the summit in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission. The annual event celebrates the local business community and honors businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community.

The day will begin at 8 a.m. at the historic Tidewater Inn with Talbot County’s annual breakfast and awards ceremony, an event that draws more than 175 leaders who come together to celebrate the businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact on the community in the past year.

The summit continues at 3 p.m. with a regional keynote address at the historic Avalon Theatre with Mark C. Perna, who will offer a fresh take on engaging the workforce of tomorrow.

“This event has always celebrated the strength and resiliency of the local business community,” said Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “This year’s event is especially exciting. Mark is so engaging and highly regarded that we have decided to expand the summit to include a keynote address for the entire region in the afternoon.”

Perna is a weekly contributor at Forbes.com and has published many articles in national publications as a recognized voice in student engagement and success. Every weekday, he hosts the 90-second Perna Syndicate podcast with listeners in more than 60 countries.

His multi-award-winning bestseller, Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations, was written to help educators, employers, and parents understand the millennial and Z generations and inspire them to greater performance in all areas of life. Perna lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Perna’s keynote address is presented by Talbot County in partnership with the Mid-Shore Regional Council, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism, and Dorchester County Economic Development.

Tickets for the breakfast are $45 per person and include a complimentary ticket to the afternoon session at the Avalon Theatre. Advance purchase is required. Tickets for the afternoon session are $25 per person, with tickets and reservations for both events made at www.talbotworks.org.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers may register to receive the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s monthly newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8000 or by visiting the department at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Radial Engines 101 to be held at Easton Airport on March 27

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Lycoming R-680-13 reciprocating 9 cylinder, air-cooled, 300 HP radial aircraft engine.

Students with a growing interest for aviation and engineering are in for a treat as Captain Hunter H. Harris of FlyAloft.com presents Radial Engines 101 on March 27 at Easton Airport. The event will be 5:30-7:00 p.m. and will be a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a dismantled Lycoming R-680-13 reciprocating 9 cylinder, air-cooled, 300 HP radial aircraft engine.

Participants will get an up-close look at the engine parts during a classroom-style session led by Harris. The group will then take a short walking tour to Harris’ hangar, where they can see the complete power plant installed in his beautifully restored 1942 Stearman “Silver Queen.” If weather conditions permit, attendees will have the chance to see the mechanical marvel come to life.

“We are really excited to partner with Captain Harris and offer students a chance to learn about the inner workings of his radial aircraft engine,” Easton Airport Marketing & Business Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “Hunters’ presentation will be engaging for students that we hope become future pilots, aircraft mechanics, and engineers.”

This event is free to attend and is open to all aviation enthusiasts. Younger students should be accompanied by an adult during the event. Students who participate will earn an “ACE Stamp” as part of the 2023 ACE Passport Program, which features spring and summer events designed to incentivize local students to expand their knowledge of aviation by providing structured activities with professionals at Easton Airport. By the end of the program, participants will be awarded an introductory flight-training scholarship.

Register today for Radial Engines 101 by contacting Jeff Lankford at [email protected] or call 410-770-8055.

For more information on the event and upcoming Easton Airport ACE programs, visit www.eastonairport.com.

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Easton EDC Announces $10,000 Grant Award from The Arc

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The Easton Economic Development Corporation (Easton EDC) along with community partners Talbot County Department of Emergency Services and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals were awarded a $10,000 grant from The Arc in collaboration with the AmeriCorps/September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance Project for their collaborative community educational event series,  “We Are One: Community Supporting Community.” The project will be one of many across the country that will pay tribute to the individuals lost and injured on September 11, 2001, as well as honor the first responders and the many others who have risen to service in a crisis. The purpose of this awareness effort is to empower the general public to be caring, responsive community members should their fellow citizens need their support and to be mindful of the work of first responders in their community.

The Talbot County Young Professionals, along with the Easton EDC, will support a series of public art activities during the summer open to everyone.  The interactive events will focus on helping people that may be vulnerable in a crisis, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and underserved community members. There will be a series of free, inclusive public art project days throughout the summer where everyone is encouraged to come learn about the effort and create their own work of art illustrating the theme, “We Are One: Community Supporting Community.”   A selection of the entries will also be displayed on banners throughout the downtown Easton area in August and September, 2023.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to honor the work of our first responders and organizations that support the safety and wellness of our most vulnerable community members while empowering our community to help each other,” said Frank Gunsallus IV, chairman of the Talbot County Young Professionals.

The events will culminate in a public Day of Remembrance ceremony on the morning of September 11, 2023 in partnership with the Town of Easton, honoring the lives of those lost on 9/11. A featured speaker will be announced at a later date.

“The Easton EDC is excited to work with such important community partners through this impactful grant project. Through this community art contest and awareness talks, we are educating others so people can better understand their role in helping us to create a safe community for everyone,” notes Holly DeKarske, Executive Director.

“We are so grateful for this opportunity with such a supportive community and group of partners. Teaching our community how to keep themselves and their neighbors safe is the first step in making our community resilient and able to endure whatever may come our way,” Geneva Schaffle, Emergency Management Coordinator, adds.

For more information, or to register your group to participate in the art events or to volunteer with the project, please contact the project coordinator, Deena Kilmon, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Easton EDC at [email protected] or visit the website, DiscoverEaston.com/WeAreOne. Community groups are encouraged to volunteer as a group.

“We Are One: Caring for our Community” is funded through The Arc of The United States through a sub-grant from Ameri-Corps, a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service and leads the nation’s volunteer efforts for Patriot Day and the national 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance Project.

About Easton EDC: The Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet. www.DiscoverEaston.com

About the Talbot Chamber of Commerce: The Talbot County Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business for more than 600 members representing several thousand employees. The purpose of the Chamber is to promote, protect and preserve the free enterprise system of business and to advance the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Talbot County and its trading area. Talbotchamber.org 

About the Talbot County Department of Emergency Services: The Talbot County Department of Emergency Services exists to provide premiere lifesaving services to the residents and visitors to Talbot County through emergency 9-1-1 telephone services, emergency medical services, and emergency preparedness and response coordination. TalbotDES.org

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Easton Utilities Seeking Summer Interns

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Easton Utilities is offering paid internship opportunities to college students entering their junior or senior year. The program consists of tours, learning workshops, projects, job shadowing, and presentations. “Our goal is to offer a robust, hands-on learning experience in a professional setting for numerous fields of study,” states Vicki Petro, Vice President of Human Resources for Easton Utilities.

The internship program is a formal, comprehensive experience led by Julie Andrew, HR Generalist. At the onset, the participants attend a series of tours to learn about the services, infrastructure, and demands of each department. The interns select a specific project or topic and are required to give a presentation to the management team at the culmination of the program. “It is important to give these interns an authentic experience with a realistic understanding of what will be expected from them in the real world,” says Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities.

With the limited number of internship options available in this region, this program truly benefits the entire community. Giving the interns the experience needed to build their resumes is invaluable and has led to several local job placements, including a couple at Easton Utilities. Andrew herself participated in the internship program in 2018 and 2019, and is currently a full-time employee, along with several others. “Internships provide such a great opportunity for students to gain professional development which will lead to future career success,” adds Petro.

Anyone entering their junior or senior year of college looking for a rewarding experience can learn more about the internship program and apply at eastonutilities.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono Announces Sandy Brown Public Interest Spring Interns

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Mid-Shore Pro Bono has named Marris Hoffee of Millersburg, Ohio, and Jamnesha ‘Jamie’ Ferguson of Aberdeen, Md. as the nonprofit’s 2023 Sandy Brown Public Interest spring interns.

The paid internship program was established to honor MSPB’s previous executive director Sandy Brown—who stepped down in Dec. 2021—and is supported by the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Bar Foundation. The donor-funded program provides undergraduate and law school students with a stipend while learning in the areas of public interest law, non-profit management, community service, and basic work experience.

Marris Hoffee is a legal intern and a 2024 J.D. candidate at the University of Baltimore School of Law. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s of arts degree in political science and served as an Ambassador and HR Representative with The Borgen Project in Seattle, Wash., where she worked directly with congressional leaders. Her community service includes working with the Cleveland Legal Aid Society and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Society.

“I have always been passionate about helping people trapped in the poverty cycle,” says Hoffee. “I studied the cycle of poverty in college and went to law school to pursue a career that can bring about effective change for people that are trapped in a system that keeps them struggling.

“My goal is to work with legislators to create and revise laws that affect the working class in employment, housing, and access to medical care,” Hoffee says. “Eventually, I would like to expand upon the mission of Mid Shore Pro Bono and provide access to legal representation on a large scale in America, so I am learning from the ground up how this organization works.

“I truly enjoy researching, learning, and helping the community through MSPB; each day I see the positive effect on the community and it translates into a joyful and fulfilling work environment with great people who share my passions.”

Marris Hoffee and Jamnesha ‘Jamie’ Ferguson

Jamnesha ‘Jamie’ Ferguson is in her final semester studying criminal justice at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, with her grades earning her a Dean’s List designation. Ferguson is active in the Student Government Association, having served as Sophomore Class Senator and Junior Class Vice President. She is an active member of UMES’s Women of Distinction and volunteers with numerous organizations, including Halo Women’s Drive in Princess Anne.

“My future aspirations involve law enforcement, whether that is going to law school to become a lawyer or venturing out to become an FBI agent,” says Ferguson. “My goal is to help people in the community who can’t help themselves.

“My Mid-Shore Pro Bono internship is one of the most rewarding challenges I have faced since attending college,” Ferguson says. “Assisting the volunteer attorneys and staff, seeing how they interact with clients, and providing available resources to ensure clients have the same opportunity to be represented as everyone else is amazing.”

“We’re honored to have Marris and Jamie continuing their education with us,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard. “We’re also grateful to the donors to our Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship fund so that we can provide a stipend to our interns.”

Girard says the nonprofit is uniquely positioned to expose students who are interested in the practice of public interest law, social work, and nonprofit management through hands-on experiences working with rural populations with limited access to financial and other resources.

“This program engages students in a wide range of legal-related experiences in a high quality and well-supervised professional setting,” she says. “And undergraduate students interested in law, justice, and criminal justice as well as other civic-minded careers will be exposed to hands-on experience in these areas as well.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance through a network of volunteers, with offices in Easton and Salisbury. Donations to the Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship Fund can be made online using the donate button at www.midshoreprobono.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Kozel Headlines Let’s Talk Business Speaker Series on March 6

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The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library in Easton continues its spring speaker series on Monday, March 6 at 6 p.m. with University of Maryland Shore Regional Health President and CEO Ken Kozel. The free series takes place at the Easton Branch of the Talbot County Free Library, with limited seating available.

Kozel will speak about proposed plans for a new regional medical center at a site near the Talbot County Community Center. He will share updates regarding the proposed project specifications, planned core programs and specialty centers, project timeline, and more.

Recently named to The Daily Record’s Power 100 List, Kozel has served as UM Shore Regional Health President and CEO since 2011 and is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a proven leader with an extensive background in building and managing collaborative teams, overseeing multiple clinical and non-clinical divisions and departments, and achieving strategic objectives.

On Monday, March 6, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health President & CEO Ken Kozel, MBA, FACHE, will speak at the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library about the recently filed Certificate of Need application for the proposed new hospital and medical services building on the SRH-owned site near Talbot County Community Center.

“The proposed regional medical center will be one of the biggest economic development projects Talbot County has seen in recent years,” says Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “We’re delighted to partner with the library to bring this business information to the people of Talbot County.”

On Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m., former Perdue Agribusiness President for Perdue Farms and Grain Marketing Consultant Dick Willey will speak about how the war in the Ukraine is affecting grain markets and business outcomes.

For those unable to attend, the “Let’s Talk Business” speaker series will be videotaped and shared on Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism’s YouTube channel.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend all sessions of the speaker series and to subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Qlarant Welcomes Lisa Preston as Chief Human Resources Officer

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Qlarant, Inc., a national leader in quality improvement, program integrity and technology solutions announced the addition of Lisa Preston as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This key position leads and provides oversight and coordination for all Human Resources services to Qlarant and its affiliate organizations. As a strategic thought-leader, Ms. Preston will create and oversee programs, services, and policies designed to achieve the company’s long-term objectives and will ensure Qlarant continues to be a competitive employer of choice. The company employs over 500 associates nation-wide and is celebrating 50 years of service in 2023.

“We are very excited to add Lisa Preston to our management team,” said CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. “She brings a diverse and extensive toolkit, rich with experience and expertise that will facilitate continued growth. We think she will fit perfectly with our culture and passion for excellence. ”

Lisa Preston is a human resources and operations executive with more than 20 years of experience in human capital disciplines, including HR, talent acquisition, staffing, performance management, and professional development. Her history includes proven and trusted experience serving as business partner and trusted advisor for executive leadership.

Lisa Preston

“I’m so excited to join Qlarant as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Preston. “I look forward to building upon what has made the organization thrive, and at the same time, help shape the organization to succeed for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Preston comes to Qlarant after 15 years at Guidehouse/Grant Thornton, LLC, Public Sector in McLean, Virginia. Most recently, she was Senior Director for Operations where she was leader of a 90-person internal client services (ICS) team comprising finance, compliance, HR, business development, marketing, contracts, reporting and analytics. In coordination with practice and firm leadership, she was responsible for setting ICS strategy, ensuring alignment with practice’s go-to-market strategy, and optimizing function processes, systems and outputs.

Preston is skilled mentor and coach who drives staff engagement and productivity. She is adept at facilitating strategic discussions on workforce demographics, management succession planning, and employee engagement. Her areas of expertise include management consulting, continuous process improvement, change management, organizational design, and program/project management.

In 1992, Lisa earned her bachelor degree in English from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. She also holds a master’s degree in American Literature from Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland and has completed her coursework for a PhD in American Literature at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

“I look forward to getting to know the people and look for ways to create the best possible culture and people experience for Qlarant associates,” she added.

About Qlarant: Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 500 people and has a 45-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, Md, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 500 people. Qlarant is a three-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

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Vicki L. Petro ’23 Chosen for Leadership Maryland Class of 2023

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Vicki L. Petro

Leadership Maryland announced today that Vicki L. Petro ’23, Vice President of Human Resources at Easton Utilities, has been chosen to participate in the statewide professional development program as a member of the Class of 2023.

Petro is one of 53 individuals chosen for Leadership Maryland’s 30th class, who will complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital issues. 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 multi-culturalism/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 Leadership Maryland,” said David Fike ’16 (LM) president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “The 53 members of the Class of 2023 are each influential leaders within their companies, industries, and communities, and have the desire to make a broader impact within our state. And the knowledge, experience, and connections they will gain in our program will prepare them to do just that.”

Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either 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. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101 or email [email protected].

About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a non-profit organization offering professional and youth development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its current and future leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s professional development program selects as many as 53 diverse and accomplished executives from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. Leadership Maryland also offers Maryland Leadership Workshops (MLW), the state’s premier leadership development program for middle and high school students. For more than 65 years, MLW has provided peer-led summer residential and community outreach programs that empower participants – known as delegates – to take ownership of their personal development as they grow in self-awareness, set measurable goals, and collaborate with peers in diverse groups. Together, Leadership Maryland and MLW have established thousands of Marylanders on their lifelong leadership path, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence positive change in all aspects of their lives and within our state. To learn more, please visit leadershipmd.org or mlw.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.