We are proud to share that Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development, and Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture, have been named 2025 New Leaders Honorees by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA). This honor recognizes professionals who have recently stepped into new leadership roles and demonstrate outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to the Anne Arundel County community.
As part of this recognition, Ross and Brandy will be honored at the New Leaders Breakfast Celebration on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Carrol’s Creek Café in Annapolis.
“Ross and Brandy are exceptional leaders whose work supports our teams and communities to evolve and thrive,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Through their bold leadership, dedication to our mission, and expertise in their fields, they create profound impacts in hundreds of lives across Anne Arundel County.”
Ross leads strategic community development projects that advance inclusive housing and development across the region. Since joining The Arc’s enterprise in 2024, Ross has played a key role in the rapid growth of the organization by identifying development opportunities, securing property acquisitions, and fostering strong community partnerships.
Brandy is a dynamic leader who fosters a culture of appreciation and connection across The Arc’s enterprise. Since joining in 2023, Brandy has launched key initiatives like the Direct Support Professional Career Ladder and consistently works to enhance the employee experience. Her leadership is grounded in supporting organizational development, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and empowering employees to lead with authenticity.
Ross and Brandy join leaders from every sector who are actively shaping the future of Anne Arundel County through innovative programs, strategic development, and collaborative partnerships.
About Leadership Anne Arundel
Since 1993, Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) has served as the nexus of leadership in Anne Arundel County as a professional development and networking program for the county’s most impactful leaders. LAA facilitates opportunities for diverse leaders from for-profit, nonprofit, governmental, and community organizations to come together and gain the education, resources, and networks necessary to become the strategic, forward-thinking leaders their communities need. Learn more about LAA at www.leadershipaa.org.