Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leadership Maryland (LMD)?

LMD is a statewide program to develop “informed” senior-level leaders – those with significant achievements in their careers as well as in the volunteer community.  Senior-level is defined as CEO, president, senior vice president, vice president, executive director, etc.

LMD, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1992 under the auspices of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce; however, in 1997 it became independent. 

Now in its 15th year, LMD has graduated more than 600 leaders from all over Maryland.

What is LMD’s goal?

The goal of the LMD program is to cultivate the interest, state and regional knowledge, and leadership capacities of participants to enable them to contribute their time and talents effectively in meeting the rapidly changing challenges facing the state.

Another goal is to build relationships and teams of informed leaders who share deeper insight and broad knowledge of issues facing Maryland – a network that crosses geographic and geopolitical boundaries.  These leaders can then work together and draw on each other’s talents and resources.

Certainly those who enter the program have an expectation to become more aware of the social and economic forces shaping the state, but at its core, LMD is about the importance of leadership, perspectives, and relationships.

How does it work?

LMD is an issues-awareness program based on the belief that knowledge is a key element and motivator of leadership.  Problems and issues are complex and must be viewed as part of a larger system.  Participants find that all issues are interconnected.

The program consists of six 2-day sessions and one 1-day session, held in various areas of the state.  A broad statewide issue is explored and discussed the first day; and local and regional issues and challenges facing the host region are discussed the second day. The issues explored are education, environment, economic development, health & human services, criminal justice, and multi-culturalism/diversity. 

What do you look for in selecting each class?

The Selection Committee’s goal is to ensure that each class is VERY diverse; it’s important to have all voices at the table.  In selecting a class, the committee considers age, gender, ethnicity, geography, and profession.  The committee strives to select a class composition with approximately two-thirds from the business community, and the remaining one-third from non-profits, education, government, and labor.

What are the selection criteria?

• Senior-level leaders with significant achievements in career, as well as in the volunteer community
• Sincere concern about the future of Maryland and a personal commitment to help shape that future
• Willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program
• Full support of the organization or business that applicant represents
• Graduates of local community leadership development programs receive additional consideration
• Each class reflects a cross-section of the state, to include diversity of geographic location, profession,
• ethnicity and gender

Would you describe a session schedule?

Program schedules may vary slightly each month, but generally begin with a continental breakfast at 7:15 AM on Thursday morning, with the program beginning promptly at 8:00 AM. The Thursday program also includes dinner that evening, which participants are required to attend. The program generally ends by 4:30 PM on Friday.  Most participants stay overnight before a session if they live a great distance away.  Plus, optional social/networking activities are planned the afternoon and evening prior to the beginning of a session (Wednesday).

Is there an attendance requirement?

Yes.  All participants are expected to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program. Participants must commit to attend all sessions, including the mandatory Orientation Retreat. Two excused absences (defined as one full 2-day session, or two individual days, or a total of 22 hours) are permitted. Participants are encouraged to save absences to deal with an unexpected illness or family emergency.  If your schedule will not permit you to attend the Orientation Retreat, it is best to defer your application until next year.

If a session is held near my home am I required to stay in the hotel?

No, but participants are expected to attend all sessions and meals.

Are spouses included?

No, the program is for participants only.  However, spouses or other guests are invited to the black-tie graduation banquet.

Are there other leadership programs in Maryland….around the country?

There are over 1,000 leadership programs nationwide, including 34 state leadership programs.  There are 13 local/county leadership programs in Maryland and D.C.  They are: