Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Leadership Southern Maryland?
A: LSM is a 9 month tuition-based program (9 sessions with a break in December) to develop leaders from the Southern Maryland area for regional collaboration by:
- Nurturing trusteeship among community leaders for the benefit of the Southern Maryland region
- Increasing understanding and awareness of regional opportunities and threats
- Developing and strengthening networks of decision makers to encourage cooperation and make informed choices
- Leading candidates through a series of classes and hands-on experiences that highlight local and regional issues.
- While absorbing the local “flavor” in each of three counties, participants will have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives on a number of the most significant issues challenging our region.
Q: How does LSM work?
A: Each year, a class of thirty to fourty competitively selected candidates representing the Southern Maryland region are selected for LSM. For the next nine months, all class members take part in seminars held once a month at various locations in the Southern Maryland area. During these seminars, class members interact with local policy setters and decision makers, and further examine the role leaders play in finding solutions to the critical challenges of today and tomorrow.
Q: What qualities must I possess to be considered for LSM?
A: Each class reflects a cross-section of the region, to include diversity of geographic location, profession, ethnicity, age and gender. Since each class is comprised of thirty to fourty participants each year (all representing the Southern Maryland region), the selection process is competitive. LSM candidates include:
- Mid to Upper-tier leaders (e.g. VP, Division Directors) who have demonstrated aptitude and ability to become senior-level leaders (Presidents, CEOs), as well as senior-level leaders new to the area.
- Those with sincere concern and commitment to help shape the future of the Southern Maryland region.
- Leaders whom share a willingness to commit the time, energy, and resources to actively participate in and complete the program.
Q: What issues are discussed in the program?
A: LSM strives to cover any and all social issues affecting the Southern Maryland area. Although the LSM Planning Committee does their best to choose the topics of each of the eight yearly sessions, it is impossible to cover every social concern. Instead, the Committee chooses from a variety of topics which may change with each class. Some topics include, but are not limited to:
- Creating a Regional Mindset
- Public Governance
- Healthcare
- Human Services
- Criminal Justice
- Public Safety
- Economic Development
- Education
- Land Use and the Environment
- Defense Industry
- Multi-culturalism & diversity
- Workforce Development
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Vulnerable Populations
Q: Does LSM travel?
A: Yes, each session the LSM class will travel to a location within Southern Maryland that relates to that month’s topic of discussion. After meeting at a pre-determined location, transportation to the meeting destination is provided for the entire class. Some field trips may be planned to:
- Patuxent River NAS (St. Mary’s)
- Indian Head Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) (Charles)
- Beretta (Charles)
- Calvert Cliffs (Calvert)
- Paul Hall School of Seamanship (St. Mary’s)
- Valero Refinery (St. Mary’s)
- Dominion & Constellation (Calvert)
- Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (Charles)
- St. Mary’s Emergency Operations Center (St. Mary’s)
- Trooper 7 Helicopter (St. Mary’s)
- Lexington Park Development Corporation (St. Mary’s)
- College of Southern Maryland (CSM) (All Counties)
- Southern Maryland Higher Education Facility (St. Mary’s)
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland (St. Mary’s)
- Public Schools
- Calverton (Calvert); Ryken & King’s Christian (St. Mary’s)
- Calvert County Detention Center (Calvert County)
- Historic St. Mary’s City (St. Mary’s)
- Solomon’s Island (Calvert)
- St. Mary’s Hospital (St. Mary’s)
- Civista (Charles)
- Calvert Memorial (Calvert)
- St. Charles Center Mall (Charles)
- Maryland International Raceway / Buds Creek (Charles / St. Mary’s)
- Land Use and Growth Management (all 3 counties)
- Circle C Oyster Ranch (St. Mary’s)
- Tobacco Auction (Charles)
- Chesapeake Beach (Calvert)
- Calvert Marine Museum
- Patuxent River Test & Evaluation Museum
- Bel Alton School
- Sotterley
Q: Is Leadership Southern Maryland for me?
A: Possibly! Ask yourself these other questions:
1. Do you know (or want to know) the difference between management and
leadership?2. Do you have something to offer, as well as something to learn, from the
group you will be joining?3. Do you believe that our region has great potential and much to
offer our state (and in fact our nation), with our approach to solving
problems and how we work with each other in our businesses, our schools, and our
governments?
If you can say "yes" to at least one of these questions, you should seriously consider applying to Leadership Southern Maryland!
Q: How do I join?
A: Please start by downloading and filling out the application. Instructions are included with the application that will guide you through the selection process and also discuss a number of other topics, including the proposed schedule and fees.