LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Executive Program graduated its eighteenth class on May 14 at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland in California, Md.
The 37-member cohort of Southern Maryland executives completed a nine-month community leadership development program of monthly full-day discussions of regional issues. The group studied economic and workforce development, defense, education, healthcare, housing and human services, diversity, public safety, energy, and the environment.
The graduation ceremony featured a memorable speech by Class of 2026 member Emily Stagner, elected by the cohort to represent them.
In their closing session, participants reflected on key insights gained from their Executive Program experience. “The best feature of the program was its ability to broaden my perspective,” said COSMIC Symphony president Karen Roberts. “I came into the program with a strong understanding of my own organization and community involvement, but I leave with a much greater appreciation for the many people and organizations working every day to improve Southern Maryland. The relationships formed, the knowledge shared, and the opportunities to collaborate have been invaluable.”
Graduates of the LSM Executive Program Class of 2026 are:
From Calvert County –
- Jane Bachman, Development Director, Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
- Larisa Goganzer, Senior Vice President of Operations, CalvertHealth
- Tosha Lewis Hughes, Founder & Principal, Inflection Point Advisors
- Dr. Amanda Leal, Clinical Director, Serenity Place, LLC
- Ed Nork, Director, Technology and Analytics Group, Naval Systems, Inc.
From Charles County –
- Christie Burnett, Executive Director, Charles County Charitable Trust
- Ron Price, Vice President of Human Resources, People, Culture & Engagement, College of Southern Maryland
- Jason Washington, Senior Store Manager, FedEx Office
- Corae Young, Assistant Director, Family Investment Administration, Charles County Department of Social Services
From St. Mary’s County –
- Mark Amspacher, NAVAIR Customer Accounts Manager, Raytheon an RTX business
- Dr. Joseph Beavers, Deputy Superintendent, St. Mary’s County Public Schools
- Errol Campbell, Director, Business Development, Advanced Effects, Anduril Industries
- Amanda Cross, Vice President, Technology Security Associates, Inc.
- Amy Egeli, Director of Systems Engineering, Aviation Systems Engineering Company
- Nathan Evans, Vice President of Operations, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
- Dr. Dale Farrell, Chief of Staff, St. Mary’s County Public Schools
- Jenna Frosio, Director of Assurance & Accounting Services, Askey, Askey & Associates, CPA, LLC
- Caroline King, Executive Director, Office of Career Development & Community Engagement, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- Dr. Andrew Koch, Analysis and Reporting Tool (ART) Lead, Integrated Battlespace Simulation and Test, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
- Denise Lumpkins, Chief Financial Officer, AIRTEC, Inc.
- Julia Maddox, Director of Electronic Warfare & Mission Integration, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- John Martin, Chief Operating Officer, Peak Performance Solutions
- Robert Medley Jr, Director Program Management, KAIROS
- Rachelle Millison, President/Owner, Millison Management, Inc.
- Gabriel Pankhurst, Director of Naval Engineering & Secure Technology, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- Karen Roberts, President, COSMIC Symphony (Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland, In Concert)
- Amanda Russell, Chief of People & Culture Officer, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union
- Sasha Seenath, Executive Director, Three Oaks Center
- Bill Selk, Senior Program Manager, KBR
- Emily Stagner, Assistant Vice President- Philanthropy, MedStar Health, Inc.
- Rick Tarr, Director, Technology Transfer Office, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
- Megan Warren, Senior Assistant Vice President, The MIL Corporation
- Rob Willis, Chief Operating Officer, Andromeda Systems, Incorporated
- Margaret Wilson, President, Blue Consulting Services, LLC and Principal Consultant, Sage Analysis Group
From Anne Arundel County –
- Karen Adams-Gilchrist, President and CEO, Providence of Maryland, Inc.
- Cari Guthrie, President and CEO, Cornerstone Southern Maryland
From Alexandria County, Virginia –
- Lucas Sater, Vice President of Finance, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center
Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is an independent community leadership development organization designed to broaden the knowledge base of public and private sector executives about the critical issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the Southern Maryland region. LSM’s flagship Executive Program is an interactive and life-enriching nine-month, tuition-based “behind-the-scenes” experience designed to enhance the collaborative abilities of our region’s top senior professionals. LSM welcomes mid- to senior-level executives representing diverse geographic locations, industries, professions, and other backgrounds who are committed to addressing the community needs of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.