Cecil Leadership Institute

Develop the skills to lead with confidence through the Cecil Leadership Institute at Cecil College. Connect with regional professionals, strengthen your leadership abilities, and gain practical strategies to advance your career and organization.

Accept the Leadership Challenge

Building a strong community requires leaders who are willing to collaborate, solve problems, embrace opportunities, and work toward a shared vision. As Cecil County continues to evolve, the need for informed, connected, and effective leaders has never been greater.

The Cecil Leadership Institute (CLI) provides current and emerging leaders with a unique opportunity to learn from one another and from many of the county's most influential business, government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, tourism, public safety, and community leaders. Through meaningful experiences and real-world leadership lessons, participants develop the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to make a lasting impact in their organizations and throughout Cecil County.

The Cecil Leadership Institute is a community leadership development initiative co-sponsored by Cecil College and the Cecil County Office of Economic Development.

Program Overview

The Cecil Leadership Institute is a 15-week leadership development program that combines learning, networking, and community engagement through three core components:

Leadership Development: Participants explore Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team through dedicated workshops facilitated by leadership expert Dr. Kim Marucci. These sessions focus on building trust, managing conflict, creating accountability, strengthening commitment, and achieving results as a high-performing team.
Learning from Community Leaders: Through more than 30 interactive sessions, participants engage directly with leaders from businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, tourism destinations, and public safety agencies. Sessions provide behind-the-scenes insight into organizational operations, leadership philosophies, workplace culture, and the impact these organizations have on Cecil County. Facility tours are included whenever possible.
Community Service Project: Participants apply their leadership skills by planning and executing a community service project that addresses a local need. This hands-on experience fosters teamwork, civic engagement, and a deeper connection to the community.

Why Participate?

Participants gain the opportunity to:

Develop and strengthen leadership skills.
Expand their professional and community networks.
Learn from accomplished leaders across multiple sectors.
Explore key issues and opportunities affecting Cecil County.
Enhance critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
Increase awareness of community resources and services.
Give back through a meaningful service project.
Join a network of more than 575 Cecil Leadership Institute alumni.

Program Experience

Each year, participants explore topics and organizations representing:

Business and Entrepreneurship
Economic Development
Healthcare
Education
Public Safety
Tourism and Hospitality
Agriculture
Human Services and Nonprofits
Workforce Development
Local Government and Public Policy

Cohort participants represent a diverse cross-section of employers: nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations throughout Cecil County.

Attendance Expectations

Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged.
A maximum of two absences is permitted.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
In the event of inclement weather, CLI follows Cecil College's closing and delay schedule.

Apply Today

A new online application is currently being developed for the Class of 2027. Once finalized, a link will be added to this webpage.

Applications are accepted annually for the class beginning each February.

Application Deadline: January 12, 2027

For additional information, please contact:

Jamie McCloskey
jmccloskey@nullcecil.edu
(443) 907-1451