FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Talon J. Sachs
Vice President of Strategic Communication for The Arc
410.384.4942 | tsachs@thearcccr.org
Severn, MD. (December 8, 2021) – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) congratulates the Leadership Maryland Class of 2021 who completed the professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders.
“Leadership Maryland provides a profound experience for leaders across all sectors. As the CEO of an organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I found my time with Leadership Maryland invaluable to furthering our mission,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc and Leadership Maryland Class of 2013 graduate. “I hope that the Class of 2021 had a similar experience, one that has empowered them to make a significant impact within their communities.”
Among the graduates this year is The Arc’s Director of Engagement Deena Deese Kilmon. Deena was one of 49 applicants chosen by committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program. The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that bookended 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. Originally selected to be the Class of 2020, the cohort was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the events of the past two years, our communities greatly need connectedness, shared vision, and resilient leadership, which makes our mission of empowering a diverse network of local leaders more important than ever,” said Renée M. Winsky ‘05, president and Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Maryland. “With the understanding, connections, and clarity of purpose gained from their program experience, the 49 members of the Class of 2021 are now better poised to make a positive impact, and we look forward to seeing all they’ll accomplish for our state.”
Leadership Maryland honored Deena and the entire Class of 2021 at its 28th annual graduation ceremony held December 7 at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport.
About The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region provides services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through living options, workforce development, and fiscal management services. Serving Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Arc provides an innovative, person-directed approach across the arc of a person’s life with a focus on equity and self-determination. Visit www.thearcccr.org
About Leadership Maryland
Leadership Maryland is a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Each year, as many as 52 diverse and accomplished executives from Maryland’s public and private sectors are selected to come together as a class for an eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. The first Leadership Maryland class graduated in 1993, and the organization’s alumni network now consists of more than 1,300 leaders from all industries and regions of the state. To learn more, please call Leadership Maryland at 410-841-2101 or visit www.LeadershipMD.org