About LFC
Each year, up to 40 individuals are selected to participate in a nine-month Leadership Frederick County class that explores high-priority and emerging local issues, as well as elements of community leadership. Alumni have a tradition of providing leadership to Frederick County's civic, business and governmental organizations. Graduates of Leadership Frederick County have been elected and appointed to public office. Others have donated time and skills to Frederick County's civic, cultural, neighborhood and human service organizations.
Apply now for the 2011-2012 class: Discover Frederick County. Discover your potential. Download the application (PDF). Applicant interviews begin June 17, and will continue until the class is filled. Space is VERY limited. We encourage you to apply as early as possible!
Testimonials:
"Leadership Frederick County is a tremendous educational process that helps individuals become more aware of what it takes to be a leader. The Leadership Frederick County program gave me, then a newcomer to Frederick County, a comprehensive description of each of the major sectors and issues that affect the people and the affairs of our community. As a result, I was able to decide how and where I could best contribute to community leadership, and the results have been very fulfilling for me personally." – Jim Grimes, Frederick Businessman
"On a daily basis, I use what I learned and I benefit from the network of people I met." – Dana French, President, D. P. French & Associates, Inc.
"Leadership Frederick County has been, for me, an incredible learning experience. We had the opportunity to learn far more about the intricacies of Frederick County than I ever imagined. We also had the opportunity to be a positive force for the needs of Frederick County citizens through the Leaders on Loan program. Over the past 9 months the camaraderie, networking and friendships that were forged has been incredible." – Kevin Filler, President, Frederick Mutual Insurance Co. "
"My leadership Frederick experience was, and continues to be, fantastic. The program is a valuable personal and business asset. I highly recommend LFC to all who have the desire to become a contributing member of our community." – Mary Anne Wampler, Owner - Transform, Inc.
"Leadership Frederick County is a phenomenal program for those who aspire to make a difference within the Frederick Community. LFC has created a fantastic learning experience with a “hands –on” approach that is invaluable to all – from new business persons to seasoned professionals to retirees and more! Not only do you reap the benefits from the LFC experience, so to does your employer and the community organizations in which you are involved." – Mary Ford-Naill, Vice President, MacRo, Ltd. "
"Anyone who intends to call Frederick home should make it a point to participate in Leadership Frederick County. Even for native Fredericktonians and those who have lived here for a number of years, like me, the experience is awesome and the education indispensable." – Ike Wilson, Business Reporter, The Frederick News-Post
"The Leadership Frederick County program is a great forum to bring together the many talented professionals and leaders within this County. I have personally enjoyed interacting with professionals from other industries and learn the challenges and triumphs of their trade. Leadership Frederick has especially opened my eyes to the role that non-profit organizations and volunteers play in our County's and Region's quality of life." – Dusty Rood, Environmental & Land Use Planning Consultant, Rodgers Consulting
"Leadership Frederick County has been an eye-opening experience! Sessions presented an insider's view of issues facing the County today, along with concrete ways to contribute to the solution. Before the class started, one full day per month seemed like a big commitment. Sessions were so interesting and so much fun, I would soon rearrange everything to insure I didn't miss a single minute." – Nancy Norris, Community Relations Manager, TransIT Services of Frederick County
"Enlightening to say the least. My expectations were exceeded! I knew this was a great opportunity but I now realize that LFC is an outstanding program that just keeps improving year by year and involving more and more extraordinary people. Each session is like going on a new adventure with an eager group. This commitment is well worth your time and effort, you owe it to yourself and your community." – Joanne Capoccia, Office Manager, Hardy Construction
"I found Leadership Frederick County to be an excellent program that I would recommend to anyone. No matter what your position, you will gain valuable insight into all facets of Frederick County. Another great asset is getting to know others who are equally interested in and committed to the quality of life here in Frederick." – Jack Dale, Superintendent, Fairfax, VA County Public Schools
"The Chamber of Commerce of Frederick County is to be commended for its Leadership Frederick program. It acquaints community leaders and would be community leaders with the workings and machinations of the county, points out needs and wealth of organizations and challenges the individual in that program to commit to community involvement for the success of its organizations both for-profit and non-profit." – Annelie Weber, Frederick Commission for Women
"LFC was a great experience, one that any one interested in taking a position of leadership in the community should attend. It is a true personal growth experience. Too bad all citizens of the county could not be exposed to this material." – Rick Hood Patapsco Designs and Owner, Summer Creek Farm
"Leadership Frederick not only allowed me to interact with wonderful individuals from varying backgrounds and industries, it also provided a fantastic insight into one of the best places to live: Frederick County." – Christopher Leff, Portfolio Manager, Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc.
"Going through leadership Frederick County was a great experience for me, particularly because it allowed me to network with other business and government executives who I need to know as an entrepreneur in Frederick County. The Leadership program gave me the contacts and ability to pick up the phone and call top officials, which helps our business do business in Frederick County. We have sent participants through this program each year and will continue to do so." – Pete Plamondon, Jr., Co-President, The Plamondon Companies
"I was raised in Frederick but I never really took the time to get to know how Frederick worked, and what resources were available to me as a business professional and as a citizen of Frederick. The Leadership Frederick program enhanced my personal and professional knowledge of the city and county of Frederick. I met many new people during our monthly sessions, both in my class and outside of my class. I continue to utilize the knowledge, resources, and personal contacts I gained in Leadership Frederick County countless times since 1994. I have since started my own consulting business, and I attribute a portion of my professional success to my outstanding Leadership Frederick County experience." – Paul Frey, President. PLF, LLC
"Each LFC class graduates individuals full of energy who want to give back to the LFC program and the Frederick Community - which in turn makes subsequent classes even better. It is like parents raising their children -- and most parents want to improve upon their life experiences and provide a better experience for their children. With over 500 graduates out there, LFC has and still is making a big improvement on the Quality of Life for Frederick County residents." Wally Olson, Vice President, Service Concepts
"The value of this program is difficult to state in a few words. For any person with a genuine interest in where they work and or live, this program will educate, enlighten and invigorate him or her to get involved and stay involved. We are often taught about the power of one in our society and I am a believer in philosophy. However, as powerful as one can be, what I really learned in the past nine months is that one is powerful, many is a force." – Cathy Guzauskas, Controller, Specialized Engineering
"Leadership Frederick County was a great experience on many levels. One area that was very interesting to me was the dynamics of a diverse group having to come together as a team very quickly to work toward a common cause. There were different personalities, personal goals, and leadership styles that had to all agree and work together to achieve a set, major goal. Participating in this process alone was worth the price of admission not to mention all the other benefits I enjoyed in from the program." – Don Frisby, Claim Section Manager, Frederick Operation Center
"Leadership Frederick County is worth so much more than its investment and will continue to reward for years to come. I met people I would have never met, was exposed to things I would have never seen and learned more than I ever could. If you have any interest in the place you call home, become a Leader!" – Jon Bailey, Business Development, Wood Street Inc.
"Leadership Frederick County introduced me to places in Frederick County I didn’t know existed. I gained better knowledge about places I did know about and met many interesting people along the journey. I had experiences that will help me be better both professionally and personally. The members of my class are people I can call in the future to help me be a better employee and person." – Kim Johnson, Grant Development Manager, Frederick Community College
"The best of the best, the behind the scenes of Frederick County and its individual communities and their systems are showcased in this program. Class members are tasked with learning from an insider's perspective what the challenges and opportunities are. There are discussions with peers, movers, shakers and living legends on how to put those two together to increase the quality of life in Frederick County. This program is an eye opener and a treasure to anyone who wishes to grow and prosper and to raise the bar for the future." – Ian Duke, Planner, Vika, Inc.
"LFC was by far one of the best professional development activities that I've ever participated in. A learning opportunity that's fun, engaging and relevant is a great use of time, and is a wise investment for anyone. As a full time trainer, I've seen all sorts of programs, and I give this one two thumbs up!" – Janet Flanagan, Business Training Manager, FCC/JTA Customized Training
"The Leadership Frederick County Program was a tremendous experience! Not only was I exposed to our county government and economic development plans, but I had an opportunity to see and learn about our agriculture, history, culture, volunteerism and our community. I look forward to continuing to find ways to make a contribution and be a leader here in Frederick County." – Waynet L. Jones, HR Business Partner, Bank One
"Leadership Frederick County is an unconditional prerequisite for those who aspire to make a difference for their employer, their career and Frederick County." – Kitty Reed, Founder
For more information about LFC, contact Paul Frey at leadership@frederickchamber.org or 301.662.5150.