leadership-montgomery-151787

Beyond Talk: Montgomery County Leaders Launch Action Framework to Address Migration, Housing, and Economic Divides

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:53:43 GMT

December 8, 2025, marked a different kind of gathering in Montgomery County—one designed not to end with handshakes and good intentions, but to begin with them.

Leadership Montgomery convened over 100 cross-sector leaders for the Montgomery County Action Table, a working session that acknowledges a simple truth: our county's challenges—federal job losses, lack of housing, food insecurities, and persistent educational inequities, to name a few—are too interconnected for any single sector to solve alone.

Participants—including executives, program directors, and community leaders from business, government, nonprofits, and philanthropy—broke into five focus areas:

Transforming Educational Outcomes,
Housing Affordability & Stability,
Health & Well-Being,
Economic Vitality,
Civic Power & Participation.

Rather than listening to presentations, they mapped existing initiatives across the county, identified gaps and duplications, and surfaced early priorities where coordinated action could make a measurable impact. Each group was supported by facilitators and notetakers who captured not just ideas, but commitments.

The real work, participants understood, was just beginning .

From January through June 2026 , these cross-sector teams will meet monthly to combine capacity building and facilitated action planning. Leadership Montgomery will equip participants with the skills, mindsets, and practices required for effective cross-sector collaboration—then immediately put those tools to use by identifying 1–2 joint actions for each focus area to pilot in the second half of the year.

This is Leadership Montgomery's strategic evolution in action: serving as a neutral convening space where leaders can build the shared understanding, relationships, and coordinated strategies that strengthen opportunity and well-being across Montgomery County.

The December convening produced something increasingly rare in our polarized moment: leaders from different sectors, with different expertise and constituencies, agreeing to show up month after month to move from analysis to action.

No ribbons were cut. No proclamations were signed. Instead, calendars were marked for January's first working session.

In Montgomery County, the work of building a more equitable, resilient community doesn't end when the convening ends. It begins there.

LEADERSHIP RESOURCE LIBRARY

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:39:25 GMT

Welcome alumni! We’ve compiled a list of various resources to continue your leadership development. Below, you will find videos, podcasts, books, websites, and blogs to review at your leisure. Some resources are from LM (session day presentations, event recordings, etc.) while others are from outside resources discovered over the years by our staff and alumni.

This library is constantly growing so please bookmark this page so you can check back often. Also, if you know of a great resource not listed here, please let us know so others may benefit.

Disclaimer: This library contains links to other sites. Please be advised that Leadership Montgomery does not control or endorse the information presented on these websites, books, podcasts, and other resources, nor do these resources endorse the information contained on the LM’s site. In addition, LM is not responsible for other sites’ information policies or opinions. These sites’ privacy practices, disclaimers, and security are not representative, either implicitly or explicitly of Leadership Montgomery.

Check out some previous LM education events, session presentations and other leadership videos.

Looking for leadership podcasts to listen to during your commute (or anytime)? Find a few here.

Looking for a few websites that can help enhance your leadership? Check out a few of these.

Many great books have been written about all facets of leadership. Here are just a few.

Here are a few blogs about leadership that our alumni may find helpful.

Know of a great leadership resource that is not listed here? Let us know!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:36 GMT

Montgomery County Updates

County Executive Marc Elrich is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:

Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested.

Please Note that the BCC Application Process is Online!!!

You may access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions through the following link: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/boards/index.html . Please read instructions carefully on that page, where you will find a link directly to the vacancy announcements.

Court Watch Montgomery

Are you passionate about ensuring safety and access to justice for survivors of intimate partner violence in Montgomery County? Court Watch Montgomery (CWM) is looking for dedicated and dynamic individuals to join our Board of Directors! We are committed to building a diverse board with a wide range of skills, experiences, and backgrounds, especially fundraising, finance, or advocacy. Click here for more information.

Consider the Benefits of Home Sharing

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) authorized the nonprofit Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) to launch the Montgomery County Home Sharing Program in 2021 to match older homeowners who have a spare room in their home with compatible home seekers looking for an affordable and safe place to rent for longer than six months. HIP is a green housing developer and HUD-approved housing counseling agency with offices in Germantown and Gaithersburg. Home sharing counselors and case managers employ a thoughtful process that includes discussing a homeowner’s personal preferences and needs to identify potential housemates who have compatible interests. Background checks are mandatory for both homeowners and home seekers. HIP will facilitate client meetings and help negotiate the home sharing arrangement and lease agreement.

The benefits of home sharing are many. It can: help reduce feelings of social isolation for seniors who want to age in place, create an additional stream of monthly income to help meet household expenses, and identify a housemate who could share light housekeeping chores and run errands in exchange for a reduced rent. Average home sharing rents range from $750 – $1250, depending on the size of the room and amenities offered in the home.

HIP services are offered free of charge. Homeowners must reside in their homes in Montgomery County, while home seekers from any location can participate. HIP staff are involved in the process from sign-up through matching, ensuring careful vetting of rental applicants and homeowners, and monitoring once a match is made.

For more information, please contact Michele Higgs- Community Outreach Coordinator, Housing Initiative Parthership, Inc. 301-85-SHARE (301-857-4273) or e: mhiggs@hiphomes.org

County-wide Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

The application deadline is May 13, 2026.

Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board

The application deadline is April 24, 2026.

Animal Matters Hearing Board

The application deadline is April 17, 2026.

East County Citizens Advisory Board

The application deadline is May 1, 2026

Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board

The application deadline is May 6, 2026.

Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture Inc. Board of Directors

The application deadline is May 13, 2026.

JOBS AROUND THE AREA

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:30:10 GMT

If you would like to post a job opening in the public, private, or nonprofit sector, please email info with a short description and web links to kaarmin.ford@leadermont.org

Coordinator, Student Services and Advising (Part-Time)

USG is recruiting a C1 Coordinator to support this unit. The position will run from April 15, 2026, until October 15, 2026. The Coordinator will provide on-site support to students consistent with the services offered by the Macklin Center for Academic and Leadership Success. Additionally, the Coordinator will provide guidance to students, faculty, and staff seeking general information. For more info or to apply, please click here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

DCJOBS.COM: www.dcjobs.com

IDEALIST.ORG: The world’s best place to find volunteer opportunities, nonprofit jobs, internships, and organizations. http://www.idealist.org

INDEED: http://www.indeed.com/jobs

JOBHERO: http://www.jobhero.com/

LEADERFIT: An executive search firm for mission-driven organizations http://www.leaderfit.org/current-searches

MARYLAND WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER: Offering numerous business-related workshops. https://marylandwbc.org/events/

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/about-mc/careers/index.html

MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT: You can see all County job postings and apply for the job that interests your career goals at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HR/Recruitment/MCGCareers.html

MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK & PLANNING COMMISSION JOBS: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mncppc

NONPROFIT MONTGOMERY: Montgomery County’s nonprofit alliance frequently posts job openings from its nonprofit members: https://www.nonprofitmoco.org/category/job-opportunities/

MY GREEN MONTGOMERY JOBS: A local job portal dedicated to green jobs in the area. https://mygreenmontgomery.org/jobs/green-jobs/

SLESINGER MANAGEMENT SERVICES: http://www.slesingermanagement.com/

STERLING MARTIN ASSOCIATES: Provides executive recruiting services for nonprofit organizations and associations. Check out their current offerings.

Director of Development

Main Street’s mission is to create dynamic opportunities through affordable, inclusive housing and community engagement so people of all abilities can live their best lives. The Director of Development advances this mission by leading all fundraising strategy and activities, including donor cultivation, stewardship, major gifts, events, grants, campaigns, and related communications. This role partners closely with the Executive Director, Founder, Board, and committees to align development goals with organizational priorities and maintains strong systems for donor data and impact storytelling. The Director of Development represents Main Street in the community, supports board engagement, collaborates with program and finance teams, and helps foster a culture of philanthropy that sustains and grows Main Street’s inclusive work. For more info or to apply, please click here

Manager of Organizational Development, Culture, and Inclusivity (ODCI)

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) , an accredited agency, is an all- hazards life safety agency protecting about 500 square miles and over one million people who live and work in Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction. The Manager of Organizational Development, Culture, and Inclusivity (ODCI) will support the MCFRS vision of being a learning organization - continuously striving to learn and improve our processes, looking inward and outward to ensure an inclusive and equitable workplace full of engaged members. For more info or to apply, please click here.

OTHER EVENTS AND USEFUL INFORMATION

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:28:27 GMT

Have an event or information you’d like to share? Send info to kaarmin.ford@leadermont.org.

Montgomery County Volunteer Needs Survey

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center and Age-Friendly Montgomery want to learn more about your organization and how we can expand support for organizations that engage with the community through volunteerism. Take our survey and help shape the future of volunteer support!

By sharing your insights, you’ll help:

· Measure awareness of Volunteer Center resources.

· Develop a better understanding of your organization’s volunteer program needs.

· Focus our work and advocacy efforts on areas that best meet the needs of organizations in Montgomery County.

Take a few minutes to share your experience working with volunteers.

Deadline to respond: Friday, August 1st .

Compass Pro Bono DC Nonprofit Opportunities

Get free strategic support for your nonprofit!

Applications are open now through July 30 for Compass Pro Bono’s On Track consulting program.

What is On Track?

On Track connects your nonprofit with a team of skilled business professionals who volunteer their time to help you tackle a key strategic challenge.

Here’s how it works: We help you define the problem you want to solve. We match you with a trained team of volunteers. Over four months, your team will develop a tailored, evidence-based action plan.

Project areas include:

Board Development
Decision Support
Funding Strategy
New Ventures
Organizational Performance & HR
Strategic Alignment
Strategic Marketing
Sustainability Analysis
Technology, Data, and AI

Learn more and apply: Visit www.compassprobono.org to explore how Compass can support your organization.

NAACP Homebuyers Seminar

NAACP Homebuyer Seminar

Saturday, June 14 · 10am – 12pm EDT

Location

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

610 South Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Videos

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:13:15 GMT

Videos are from various educational events, forums, and discussions from LM and beyond. Click the topic below to see videos.

Recent Recordings

The LEAD Forum 2022

The LEAD Forum 2021

AARP Educational Series

Conversations with a CEO

Looking Forward Series

Leadership In Action Series

Business In Action - The importance of Social Responsibility

What Will COVID-19 Teach Us?

Q&A with the Montgomery Planning Department

February 7, 2025

LEAD Forum Sessions

Our second LEAD Forum took place in-person on June on June 10, 2022. The recorded streamlined sessions are listed below:

Welcome and Keynote

Greg Coleman (CORE 2019, LM Board), CEO, Nexercise, Inc.

Montgomery County’s Educational Path Forward – Breakout Session

Dr. Monifa McKnight (CORE 2022), Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools

Dr. Anne Khademian (CORE 2023 Class Participant), Executive Director, The Universities at Shady Grove

Dr. Jermaine Williams (CORE 2023 Class Participant), President, Montgomery College

Moderated By: Dana Pauley, CEO and President of Leadership Montgomery

Immigration in Montgomery County – Breakout Session

Devang Shah (CORE 2016) Partner, Shah & Kishore Immigration Law

Cathryn Paul (EL 2021) Government Relations & Public Policy Manager, CASA de Maryland

Julien Labiche, Manager, Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center

Joan Hodges-Wu, Founder & Executive Director, AsylumWorks

Mental Health in the Workplace – All Attendee Session

Cari Guthrie (CORE 2016), Executive Director, Cornerstone Montgomery

Leading Inclusively – Breakout Session

Wylea Chase, Director, Partnerships & Corporate Engagement, Leadership Montgomery

Strategic Thinking in Leadership – Breakout Session

Rick Henry, Director of Leadership Programs, Leadership Montgomery

Addressing the Labor Shortage: A Cross-Sector Discussion on Shifting Workforces – All Attendee Session

Elaine Engle (LM Board), SVP, Talent Management & Organizational Capacity, Marriott Intl.

Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director, WorkSource Montgomery

Susan Seling, Chief, Human Capital Management & Org Development, Montgomery County HHS

Heather Tinsley-Fix, Senior Advisor, Financial Resilience, AARP

Moderated By: Erin Allen, President, Contemporaries, Inc

ffordable Housing Breakout Session

Ilana Branda (EL 2017), Deputy Chief of Services to End and Prevent Homelessness, Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services

Natali Fani-Gonzalez (CORE 2021), Vice Chair, Montgomery County Planning Board

Delegate Vaughn Stewart, District 19, Maryland House of Delegates

Strengthening Leadership Mindsets in Challenging Times Breakout Session

Jennifer Hart, Founder & CEO, Intelektularo

Leading Race Equity at a Large Company Breakout Session

Ebony Jones, Director of Inclusion and Diversity, Accenture Federal

Returning Safely to the Workplace Breakout Session

Suzan Jenkins (CORE 2013), CEO Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County;

Dr. Raymond Crowel, Director, Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services;

Dr. Earl Stoddard (CORE 2023 Class Participant), Director, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Management

Moderator: Leigh Henry (CORE 2010), Principal, Henry Investment Partners

Leading Inclusively Breakout Session

Dr. Adriana Rojas, Consultant to Cook Ross

Welcome and Keynote

Dr. DeRionne Pollard (CORE 2012), President, Montgomery College

Abigail Seldin, Chief Executive Officer, Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation

Why Are We Stuck In Traffic and What Can We Do? Breakout Session

Neil Harris (CORE 2019), Councilmember, City of Gaithersburg

Richard Parsons (CORE 2003), Director of Communications & Public Involvement, WSP USA, Inc.

Our inaugural LEAD Forum took place on June 11, 2021. The virtual sessions are listed below:

YOUR Role in Building a Community

Tom Colling (EL 2017), Deputy Director, Nonprofit Village

Tony Spearman Leach (CORE 2018), Director of Development and Philanthropy, National Academy of Public Administration

Tammy Bresnahan, Director of Advocacy for AARP Maryland

Moderator: Amy Harbison (SLM 2018), Certified Transition Coach, Open Window Coaching

The Intersection of Business and Community: Working as a Business or System

Tonja Paylor (CORE 2019), Director of Marketing & Communications, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

Molly Callaway, Montgomery County Volunteer Center

Moderator: Carson Henry (CORE 2016), Chief of Operations at the Silver Spring Urban District

AARP Videos

In 2020 and 2021, we partnered with AARP to bring our alumni information on topics relevant to leaders of all ages. Below are the recordings.

Vaccines

April 20, 2021

Fraud Watch Network- Be Vigilant

June 16, 2021

AARP – The Mental Health of Older Adults in Maryland

September 15, 2021

How to Care for Older Adults During and After a Time of Social Distancing

June 30, 2020

Livable Communities and the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities effort in Montgomery County

December 16, 2021

Voter 101: What You Need to Know About Voting This Year

October 1, 2020

Conversations with the CEO

For many years, LM has offered alumni exclusive access to CEOs leading businesses in Montgomery County. Click on a video below to hear insights and thoughts on leadership from our esteemed guests.

Jim Conlon(CORE 2016), Owner and Founder of Elysian Energy and Katie Conlon, Coach, Trainer and Founder of The Phoenix Nest .

March 26, 2021

Scott Nash, Founder and CEO of MOMs Organic Market

March 31, 2020

Jamie Ratner, CEO and Founder of CertifiKID

June 21, 2023

Zeki Mokhtarzada – The CTO of Tenovos and Co-Founder of Truebill

May 7, 2020

Peter Lowet- Executive Director Mobile Med, Inc.

October 28, 2020

Leading Through Crisis with Dr. DeRionne Pollard (CORE 2012) – President of Montgomery College

April 7, 2020

This series of events in April of 2021, was intended to convene our community around rebuilding and recovery. We explored specific themes around rebounding and feature leaders across government, private and nonprofit sectors discussing how we as leaders can redirect our objectives and practices for the better.

Looking Forward Series

Part 1: CEO Conversation: Jim and Katie Conlon

March 21, 2021

Part 2: Resiliency | Looking Forward: Building Better Practices for a New Reality

April 9, 2021

Part 3: Health and Values-Based Leadership

April 16, 2021

Part 4: New Business Models

April 23, 2021

Leadership In Action Series

A four part series in April of 2020 designed to hear how local leaders discuss in our community are stepping up; working tirelessly to save lives, stimulate the economy, and meet the needs of its internal and external stakeholders. There is no manual or guideline, but each of them is creating their own.

Series 1- Business Sector

April 16, 2020

Series 3- Government Sector

April 30, 2020

Series 2: Nonprofit Collaborations

April 23, 2020

Series 4 – Cross Sector

May 7, 2020

Business In Action – The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility

November 5, 2020

What Will COVID-19 Teach Us?:Research’s Role in Shaping Our Future

January 8, 2021

Books

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:49:49 GMT

Podcasts

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:34:27 GMT

Websites

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:09:28 GMT

Blogs

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:50:31 GMT

Lieutenant Governor-Elect Miller, Other Alumni Poised to Take Office

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:37:20 GMT

Lieutenant Governor-elect Aruna Miller (CORE 2013) leads the list of Leadership Montgomery (LM) alumni who were successful in their bids for election to public office. More than 20 LM alums from three of LM’s leadership programs were on the ballot during yesterday’s general election.* (Nearly 40 appeared on the ballot for the primary back in July).

By gathering leaders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, The organization offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in collaborative discussions providing unique perspectives that create solutions to challenges facing our region.

LM’s mission is to connect and prepare leaders to build thriving and inclusive workplaces and communities.

“For more than 30 years, our organization has been the gathering place for l eaders who want to grow and make change in their community,” said Dana Pauley, President and CEO. “No matter the sector, participants strengthen their leadership through our programs. We are truly excited to see how these (and all) alumni will put their leadership to use for the greater good of our community.”

Aspirations for political office vary. Some enter the program already serving as elected officials, while others decide to get involved after completing the program. Regardless of the timeline and reason, LM has always worked to support the needs of our county’s cross-sector leaders.

Once the results are certified, Miller will be the first LM grad elected to the position. Two of her classmates, Marc Korman (CORE 2013) and Karla Silvestre (CORE 2013), were also successful in their bids for reelection to the MD House of Delegates and Montgomery County School Board, respectively. Other classes with multiple candidates on the ballot were CORE 2005, CORE 2017, and CORE 2020.

Come December, seven of the 11 Montgomery County Council members will have participated in an LM Leadership Program: Gabe Albornoz (CORE 2008), Marilyn Balcombe (CORE 2000), Andrew Friedson (CORE 2020), Evan Glass (CORE 2010), Natali Fani-Gonzalez (CORE 2021), Laurie-Anne Sayles (CORE 2017) and Kate Stewart (CORE 2020).

When election results become official, LM will have alumni representation in the Montgomery County Council, Montgomery County Board of Education, MD House of Representatives, MD Senate, and the office of MD Lieutenant Governor. Below is a list of alums who are poised to take office:

*LM does not, nor has it ever endorsed any candidate for political office.

Board of Education

Grace

Rivera Oven

CORE 1996

Silvestre

CORE 2013

Board of Education

Karla

Wolff

Board of Education

Brenda

SLM 2018

Board of Education

Julie

Yang

CORE 2020

County Council

Gabe

Albornoz

CORE 2008

Balcombe

County Council

Marilyn

CORE 2000

County Council

Fani Gonzalez

CORE 2021

Natali

Friedson

County Council

Andrew

CORE 2020

Evan

Glass

CORE 2010

County Council

Laurie-Anne

CORE 2017

County Council

Sayles

Stewart

CORE 2020

County Council

Kate

CORE 2013

Lieutenant Governor

Aruna

Miller

Fraser-Hildago

MD House of Delegates

David

CORE 2008

Anne

Kaiser

MD House of Delegates

CORE 2005

EL 2015

Kaufman

MD House of Delegates

Aaron

CORE 2014

MD House of Delegates

Kelly

Ariana

MD House of Delegates

CORE 2013

Korman

Marc

CORE 2005

MD House of Delegates

Lily

MD House of Delegates

Wilkins

Jheanelle

CORE 2020

Cheryl

MD Senate

Kagan

CORE 2002

Invest in Yourself: Four Tips from Emerging Leaders

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:13:56 GMT

Here at Leadership Montgomery , we offer a program called Emerging Leaders (EL)— an experiential learning program designed to broaden one’s leadership capabilities while building a professional network and knowledge of the county. Completing a program like this can be beneficial for rising leaders. But what are some additional ways innovators can invest in their leadership? We asked some of our EL alumni how they have dedicated their efforts post-program to advance their leadership and what advice they would give to other up-and-coming leaders. While having these conversations, we found four recurring themes, and in the spirit of looking ahead, we wanted to share these themes with those who are focused on the future and working to build their careers.

With many of us still feeling the emotional effects of 2020 and 2021, it’s hard to believe that 2022 is winding down. Where did the time go? Looking ahead to 2023 can simultaneously feel overwhelming and hopeful—a strange mix of forward-thinking excitement and hesitation. This mix of feelings can be especially vexing for those beginning to emerge as leaders within their organizations. Regardless of conflicting emotions about the future, now is the time to invest in oneself and prepare for the next stage of leadership.

Emerging Leaders participants learning about the county.

Tip #1– Have (or find) Self-Awareness: To quote one of our EL alums, “Leadership [starts as] an inside job.” Knowing when it is time to take the lead versus when it is time to follow can be crucial. Taking the initiative to expand your knowledge through a professional development avenue is also essential. Lifelong learning and growing your skill set go a long way to advancing your experience. According to some of our EL grads, challenging yourself is also vital. Some EL alums have utilized programs like The Flourishing Center’s Certificate in Positive Applied Psychology , Emotional Intelligence training, or their own company’s internal leadership development offerings to build their proficiencies.

Tip #2– Find an Invested Mentor: Having someone to respect and learn from can be critical in advancing leadership and career. Leaning on someone with extensive experience can help you navigate career challenges and opportunities, increasing the chances of attaining your goals. Joining an industry affinity group or even conducting LinkedIn research can help to jump-start a mentor match. No matter how you find a mentor, you, as the mentee, should drive the relationship.

Tip #3– Give Back to the Community: People don’t think of community service as a way to invest in themselves (except, perhaps, to pad their resume, which is NOT a valid reason to give back). But as one of our EL grads recently shared, giving back to his community gave him new perspectives and ideas that ultimately helped his career. In the same way that Design Thinking can help us solve problems, being open to new perspectives unrelated to our practice area can provide unexpected solutions within our jobs. Also, supporting organizations that advance our values only gives us a clearer picture of where we want our careers to take us.

Tip #4– Convene a Solid Peer Network: Connecting with other leaders in similar positions or on similar career paths can be beneficial. Having a peer sounding board has proven valuable to many EL alumni. Many have remained connected to their classmates through text, phone calls, social media, and regular gatherings. Together they celebrate wins, mourn losses, and challenge each other to be the best they can be through feedback and shared experiences.

These are only a few ways leaders can invest in themselves. What are some of the ways you have invested in yourself?