Cecil Leadership Institute celebrates Class of 2023

Published on May 24, 2023


ELKTON, Md. – The Cecil Leadership Institute celebrated the graduating class of 2023 during a banquet on Thursday, May 18, at the Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina in Chesapeake City, Md. This year’s class was among the largest in the 24-year history of the program, with 25 graduates.

The Cecil Leadership Institute provides a framework where existing and emerging business, government, and tourism leaders engage, collaborate, and commit to Cecil County’s ongoing development. This unique learning opportunity provides participants with diverse perspectives on community growth and prosperity issues in addition to valuable time to share best practices and network.

Building a thriving community requires people working together to create a shared vision to solve problems and celebrate triumphs. Looking to the future, well-informed, diverse, and high-quality leadership is necessary for Cecil County to grow and prosper.

The Class of 2023 heard words of inspiration from Cecil College President Mary Way Bolt and Dean of Career and Community Education Miles Dean. The keynote speaker was Colonel Johnny M. Casiano, Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The 15-week program introduces participants to CEOs of companies such as W.L. Gore, Great Wolf Lodge Resort, Restoration Hardware, and Warwick Mushroom Farms. Cecil Leadership participants, their organizations, and the entire community benefit as participants gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead Cecil County into a bright future. They can develop professional networks, meet, and interact with key thought leaders in Cecil County and learn their management styles, and engage in Corporate Social Responsibility by planning and executing a community service project.

The Class of 2023 includes: Brandon Brice, Cecil College; Michele Burch, EXIT Preferred Realty; Jennifer Carter, Cecil County Public Library; Andrew Curran, Cecil County Public Schools; George Dunton, Herr Foods, Inc.; Heather Handler, Cecil County Public Schools; Darius Humphries, Chesapeake Care Resources, Ind.; Mardea James,  Maryland Department of Labor; Dr. Jessie Kubek, Cecil County Public Schools; Ed Lineaweaver, PuroClean of Elkton; Megan McRay, Cecil County Chamber of Commerce; Jamila Mettee, Frederick Ward Associates; Tracey Miller, Cecil County Public Library; Patricia McArdell, Susquehanna Workforce Network; Trisha Olfers, Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union; Jenifer Peterson, Bainbridge Development Corp.; Diana Ramirez, Susquehanna Workforce Network; Tyler Simonds, Edward Jones; Toni Sprenkle, Bainbridge Development Corp.; Jennifer Tuerke, Voices of Hope, Inc.; Maura Van Syckle, Carroll Community College – Small Business Development Center; Andrea Vuncannon, Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union; Alyssa Webster, Maryland Department of Labor; Erin Wright, Voices of Hope, Inc.; Stephen Yates, Town of North East.

To learn more about the Cecil Leadership Institute and join the network of leaders who are building the future, contact Laurie Raphael at lraphael@nullcecil.edu or (443) 907-1376.