Leadership Washington County—Reflections from the Class of 2020

LEADERSHIP WASHINGTON COUNTY Our strong community, supported by leaders

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CLASS OF 2020

written by CHRISTINA WILLIAMS

DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE ENGAGEMENT FOR

LEADERSHIP WASHINGTON COUNTY

Submitted photos

At the beginning of the Leadership Washington County program, the Class of 2020 declared that it was unique. Little did the members know how unique their experience would be. The pandemic had a significant impact on the program, and they have since deemed themselves the “Longest Class Ever.”

They rose to the challenge and showed up for weekly Zoom happy hours throughout April and May to stay engaged and connected. They held an Imagination Graduation in June on the day they were supposed to have their graduation celebration. They have maintained a strong bond and held a class-only celebration on Oct. 2. On behalf of the board of directors, Tara Sargent and myself, we would like to thank Class 33 for staying the course and finishing strong.

We asked the class members to share some thoughts about their experience and how they plan to give back to the community upon graduation. Here are their answers:

Will Scarborough: Class 33 Opening Reception Sept. 22, 2019, at Wisp Resort, McHenry, Md.

“As a member of Class 33 of Leadership Washington County, I plan to take my experience to help better and serve our local community by making a positive impact and shaping the future. I look forward to promoting positive change through forward-thinking and dynamic action to make our community a great place to live, work and play. I am forever grateful for the relationships and friendships I have built with classmates and alumni members.” – Will Scarborough, vice president, senior business banker, Capital One

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Stacie Turner & Beth Hare:

Opening Retreat – Speed Networking

Sept. 21, 2019, at Wisp Resort, McHenry, Md.

"LWC has connected me and empowered me to be an active member of the community. I am more equipped to ask probing questions to the right parties and wait for those answers. I am a more informed citizen and can now be a more knowledgeable active member of making change in the community in which I live, work and raise my family." – Stacie Turner, senior business analyst, program development, Fiserv

“LWC has been a huge eye-opening experience for me. It has shown me parts of this county that I didn’t know existed and needs in this county I didn’t know existed. I love the camaraderie that was fostered in our group. I love Leadership Washington County and the effect it has on members. It’s not possible to walk away without being challenged to get out of your comfort zone and use your skills to make a difference in our community.” – Beth Hare, paralegal to Chester H. Hobbs IV Bodie, Dolina, Hobbs, Friddell and Grenzer, P.C. Tara Bockstanz & Michael Kipe: Class 33 – Human Services Day

Oct. 11, 2019, at Horizon Goodwill

“The LWC experience has been life-changing for me! Our class has a very unique bond as the #coolestclassever! I never expected to make connections with people that will be lifelong friends. LWC has fostered an appreciation in me for all our county has to offer. I look forward to serving on the LWC board and supporting future participants as they uncover the hidden gems in Washington County.” – Tara Bockstanz, director of operations, McCollum Hearing Center “As a leader within a human-services organization, I will continue to advocate for people who require assistance and also for the workers who support them. As a community, we need to continue to break down barriers for these individuals and fully support their needs.” – Michael Kipe, CPA, chief financial officer The Arc of Washington County

Leadership Washington County Class 33 members heard several speakers present information about transportation in the county and toured the Classic Car & Truck Museum at the Bowman property in Williamsport on Sept. 11 during the group's cultural heritage program day.

Stephanie Hurd & Kelli Cobb: Class 33 Education Day Dec. 13, 2019, at Washington County Technical High School “LWC has been an amazing experience. I expected to learn more about the community and opportunities to get

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involved, but the program far exceeded my expectations. It introduced me to a group of 30+ community-minded leaders, who I’m now honored to call friends. I can’t wait to see what our group accomplishes through our new network of partnerships.” – Stephanie Hurd, marketing strategist, Innovative Inc. “LWC has been a life-changing experience! Seeing Washington County from so many angles, being provided endless opportunities, learning and growing professionally and personally with so many upstanding individuals and gaining lifelong friends. ... I will be forever grateful for LWC Class 33!” – Kelli Cobb, CPA, MBA, member of the firm, SEK CPAs and Advisors

Michael Smith:

Class 33 State Government Program Day

Tour of the State House, Jan. 29, Annapolis, Md.

“Being a part of Leadership of Washington County, Class 33, has been a wonderful experience. I’ve gained so much knowledge about how our community works. This is something I never really thought about in my everyday life. Learning about how both small and large businesses function and how government plays a huge role in changes has really opened my eyes. My journey through Leadership will help me continue to educate others about the role everyone plays in building a stronger community.” – Michael Smith, LCSW-CL Director of Meritus Behavioral Health, Meritus Medical Center Jason Malott:

Class 33 State Government Program Day

Washington County Coalition reception, Jan. 29, at the State House, Annapolis, Md.

“The Leadership experience has been all that I had hoped it would be and more. I have made connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. Although I have been active in the community for many years and currently serve as an elected public servant, LWC assisted in broadening my knowledge on the various issues, both positive and challenging, that confront our community. I am now more aware of the many ways that our organizations and leaders work together to help make Washington County the best that we can be. I look forward to giving back to our community in the years to come from this amazing Leadership experience.” – Jason Malott, Register of Wills, Washington County

Kelsi Palmer & Samantha Bodnar: Class 33

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Feb. 26, at The Maryland Theatre

“We were told at the beginning of our class time together that we have an opportunity to make this experience exactly what we want it to be. I decided that day I would take every opportunity to get to know all 35 of my classmates on a deeper level. I can honestly say that I have honored my word throughout the course of this year. As a result, I

have not only made important professional connections, but I have made lasting friendships with people who share my passion for driving continued success and impacting change in Washington County.” – Kelsi Palmer, chief experience officer, Kite & Anchor "Leadership Washington County has been the best experience, and I'm so grateful for the friendships and opportunities that it has brought. This program has given me a greater understanding and appreciation for the community in which I grew up and continue to work. I look forward to finding ways to continue to give back to my community for many years to come." – Samantha Bodnar, marketing manager, Bowman Group

Rebecca Musser and Christine Bartles: Class 33 members at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce BASH.

Feb. 20, at Leiters’ Fine Catering, Williamsport, Md.

“Leadership Washington County came highly recommended to me by several colleagues in the community. As I near graduation, I can firmly state that my time spent in the program was a great investment! Not only have I met and made strong relationships with many members of the community I may have never otherwise met, I have also been exposed to a vast variety of our community’s content. I have a better understanding of each gear that makes the machine of our county work. I feel that I will understand challenges that our county faces and the opportunities for our county’s growth better and with deeper comprehension. I hope that with this newfound knowledge, paired with my skill set, my energies can help to propel the county forward.” – Rebecca Musser, director of community engagement, Fahrney Keedy Senior Living Community

“Leadership has been the best learning experience I’ve ever had. College was great, but ‘On the Ground Realization’ has really opened my eyes to what a community can

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do when they work together. Volunteering as much as I can is what I plan to continue to do. Where do you start? There is so much a volunteer can do in our county, communities, nonprofit organizations, and the list goes on. Leadership Washington County has opened the doors to so many opportunities, and I’m truly grateful.” – Christine Bartles, event coordinator,

Leiters’ Fine Catering Inc.

J. Eric Rollins & Sarah Burge, Class 33 Imagination Graduation June 12 at Bowman Farm, Williamsport, Md.

“Submitting my application for LWC Class 33 was one of the best decisions of my life. Once interviewed and then accepted into the class, I knew that things would only develop and evolve into something great. Class 33 has been a unique experience since day one! Little did we know we would have a worldwide pandemic that would interrupt our last few months. Thankfully, we have great leaders and great classmates that ensured we stayed connected through these unusual times! LWC will be a lifetime commitment for me! I believe in the future of our county, and it is important that we continue to share this experience with others! #coolestclassever” – J. Eric Rollins, program manager, Mountaineer Recovery Center

“Being part of LWC has provided me with experiences to not only learn valuable information to help lead this community in the right direction, but to connect with local leaders and hear the stories of community members. It is amazing to see that Washington County is built with people that truly want to see one another succeed.” – Sarah Burge, director of grants and donor relations,

Community Foundation of Washington County Md. Inc. — Places