Harford Leadership Academy Holds Annual Graduation

The 2025 Harford Leadership Academy (HLA) annual graduation banquet was held on June 5 at the River Watch at Water's Edge in Belcamp, MD.

The HLA, a community leadership development program co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, promotes the development of existing and emerging leaders and creates a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders in Harford County. More than 1,000 individuals have completed this outstanding program, representing the areas of business and industry, education, government and civic organizations.

Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President, Student Success, Harford Community College, and Angela Rose, President/CEO, Harford County Chamber of Commerce, addressed the graduates.

Members of the HLA Class of 2025 include Kimberly Anderson, Jeanne Beaman, Paul Beaulieu, Burke Bowers, Yvonne Chester, Jaclyn Coates, Krista Demcher, Jason Dieter, Monica Dilworth, Laura Drake, Lindsay Durham, Matthew Ellis, Justin Evans, Jennifer Farrell, Jordan Heaps, Barry Hebb, Natalie Johnson, Dorothy Kuzora, Keith Kuzora, Tara Lathrop, Toby Latreille, Kristy Louvado, Richard Mahoney, Jenee Page, Rachel Pedersen, Tracy Penman, Ben Phipps, Jamie Reilly, Christopher Ricci, Stuart Savin, Raschelle Sevilla-Castro, Jamie Sibel, Pam Taylor, and Kelly Warnagiris.

Class elected speaker Dr. Chris Ricci delivered a moving speech reflecting on the class’s time together and leaving the group with one charge, “Be an authentic leader!”

Dr. Austin Hill, Coordinator, Harford Leadership Academy, presented the 2024 Outstanding Past Graduate award to Greg Derwart, V.P. Strategy & Experience Officer at Harford Bank. He encouraged the newest group of HLA alumni to “Be the leader that you needed in your life when you were young,” then gave closing remarks.

Distinguished guests in attendance included County Executive Bob Cassilly, Harford County Council President Patrick Vincenti, Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler, and many of the HLA Board members.

The mission and purpose of the Harford Leadership Academy is to help prepare individuals to assume positions of leadership with nonprofit, social, and citizen organizations within the community. HLA provides the opportunity for participants to learn together, exchange ideas, and network with others from our community.

For more information about Harford Leadership Academy, visit go.harford.edu/hla.

Photo Credit: Ujen Jonchhe