Cecil College Leadership Institute celebrates Class of 2026

CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md: Cecil College, graduates, family, friends and employers, celebrated the Cecil Leadership Institute graduating Class of 2026 during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, at the Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina in Chesapeake City, Md. This year’s class consists of 24 members.

The Cecil Leadership Institute provides a framework where existing and emerging business, government, and tourism leaders engage, collaborate, and commit to Cecil County’s ongoing development. This unique learning opportunity provides participants with diverse perspectives on community growth and prosperity issues in addition to valuable time to share best practices and network.

The Class of 2026 heard words of inspiration from Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt and Interim Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Gladys Ramirez-Wrease. The keynote speaker was Colonel Troy S. Johnson, Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

The 15-week program offers participants unparalleled access to leaders from organizations such as Northrop Grumman, IKEA in Perryville, W. L. Gore & Associates, Bohemia Bees, Broken Spoke Winery, Warwick Mushrooms, Stafford Angus, Great Wolf Lodge, Wildcat Point Generation Facility, and Cecil College. Throughout the program, participants strengthen their leadership and management skills, build meaningful professional networks, and engage directly with influential thought leaders across Cecil County to gain insight into a variety of leadership styles and organizational strategies. Participants also put their learning into action through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including the planning and execution of a community service project. By investing in its leaders, Cecil Leadership creates lasting value for participants, their organizations, and the broader community while helping shape a stronger future for Cecil County.

The Class of 2026 includes: Emily Armington, Youth Empowerment Source; Matthew Baylis, Cecil College; Maria D. Donnelly, Faith, Hope and Joy Ministries; Megan E. Frunzi, Cecil County Public Schools; Sara Garbarino, The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region; Priscilla Garvin, Cecil County Public Library; Malik J. Grace, Cecil County Office of Economic Development; Brian Hampton, Retired/Cecil County Public Schools Board of Education; Veronika Hedrington, Frederick Ward Associates; Jacob Herman, Cecil County Office of Economic Development; Patty Jarrell, Visiting Angels of Harford and Cecil Counties; Sam Kelly, The Good Dog Foundation; Jennifer Martin, Cecil County Public Library; Mary McIntire, Cecil County Housing Agency; Stacey K. Mehaffey, Hollywood Casino Perryville; Dr. Amy Ocasio, Live For Thomas Foundation; John Peer, Perryville Police Department; Catherine H. Peloquin, Chesapeake Care Resources; Holly Preston, The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region; Robert Royster, Cecil County Government; Raschelle Sevilla-Castro, APG Federal Credit Union; Melissa C. Stamper, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation; Brian Strong, APG Federal Credit Union; Connie Thayer, Cecil County Government.

To learn more about the Cecil Leadership Institute and join the network of leaders who are building the future, contact Laurie Raphael atlraphael@cecil.eduor (443) 907-1376. Visit cecil.edu/CLI.

www.cecil.edu