Harford Leadership Academy Holds Annual Graduation

Members of the HLA Class of 2026. Photo Credit: Ujen Jonchhe, Harford Community College

The 2026 Harford Leadership Academy (HLA) annual graduation banquet was held on June 4 at the Chesapeake Welcome Center located on the Harford Community College campus.

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. Stuart Savin, Associate Vice President, Workforce & Continuing Education, welcomed everyone and recognized distinguished guests. Dr. Theresa B. Felder, President of Harford Community College, and Angela Rose, President/CEO, Harford County Chamber of Commerce, greeted attendees.

Members of the HLA Class of 2026 are Kimberly Albert, Joseph Alton, Paul Applegate, Derrick Autry, Izak Battle, Danielle Bedsaul, Robyn Best, Nick Champagne, Stacey Cochran, Alexander Coulson, Joanne DeSantis, Patrick Hanley, Justin Hedrick, Amanda Hickman, Sheila Kahle, James Karmel, Rebecca Knight, Caitlin Ledford, Kaitlin Lee, Lauren Madison, Ri-Chard McCarthy, Ryan McGeathy, Veto Mentzell Jr., Lisa Mittman, Alexander Necker, Jordan Norwood, Marla Posey-Moss, Christopher Rives, Christopher Rosette, Jeffrey Schleigh, Anthony Strickland, Brian Wainwright, Raquel Warbington, and Elizabeth Ward.

The 2026 class speaker was Alex Necker.

Dr. Savin presented the 2025 Outstanding Past Graduate award to Matthew Ellis, City Council Member in Havre de Grace and a local Master Barber. He serves as Council Chair for the Department of Public Works Committee, the Council Liaison to the Tree and Youth Commissions, and is a member of the city's Green Team.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Joe Cluster, Chief of Executive Staff, Office of the County Executive; Maude CreveCoeur, Trustee, Harford Community College Board of Trustees; Matthew Ellis, Havre de Grace Council Member; Dr. Theresa Felder, President, Harford Community College; Sheriff Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff’s Office; Angela Rose, President, Harford County Chamber of Commerce; Patrick Vincenti, Harford County Council President; and Brian Walker, Harford Community College Board Chair.

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