Harford Leadership Academy Holds Annual Graduation

The 2024 Harford Leadership Academy (HLA) annual graduation banquet was held on June 6 at the River Watch at Water's Edge in Belcamp, MD.

The HLA, a community leadership development program co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, promotes the development of existing and emerging leaders and creates a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders in Harford County. More than 1,000 individuals have completed this outstanding program, representing the areas of business and industry, education, government and civic organizations.

Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Harford Community College, and Angela Rose, President/CEO, Harford County Chamber of Commerce, addressed the 26 HLA graduates, commending them on their accomplishment and their dedication to leadership and service in the community.

Members of the HLA Class of 2024 include Jacob Adkins, Danny Arguello, Richard Barlow, Ellie Bockstie, Aaron Cahall, Shanda Carr, La Tonya Cobb-Cannon, Barkley Creighton, Brad DeLauder, Greg Derwart, Stephen Diggins, Mijiza Green, Steve Jones, Sue Lebuhn, Madicella Martinez, Erin McComas, Seth Orsini, Mulu Parks, Katie Ramirez, Deidrah Reeves, Arthur Squire, Scott Walter, Carmen Weddle, Laura Weinstein, Christina Woodie, and Karla Wynn.

Class elected speaker Greg Derwart delivered a moving speech reflecting on the class’s time together and leaving the group with a takeaway in one word, “together.”

Dr. Austin Hill, Coordinator for Harford Leadership Academy, presented the 2023 Outstanding Past Graduate award to Yvonne Golczewski, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna.

Sherry Massoni, Associate Vice President of Workforce and Community Education, Harford Community College, gave the closing remarks.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Maude M. CreveCoeur, Harford Community College Board of Trustees; Harford County Councilman (District A) Dion Guthrie; Joseph Cluster, Chief of Executive Staff, Harford County Executive's Office; and Colonel William Davis, Harford County Sheriff’s Office. The HLA Board of Directors was well represented, with eight of the 15 members attending.

The mission and purpose of the Harford Leadership Academy is to help prepare individuals to assume positions of leadership with nonprofit, social, and citizen organizations within the community. HLA provides the opportunity for participants to learn together, exchange ideas, and network with others from our community.

For more information about Harford Leadership Academy, visit go.harford.edu/hla.

Photo credit: Ujen Jonchhe, Harford Community College