Caroline County Hosts 26 Shore Leaders

Legacy and Community in Caroline County was the Shore Leadership program focus in May. The 2014 Shore Leadership class looked at how cultural history impacts the shape, successes and challenges of civic and business operations in Caroline County.

The program focused on how the Eastern Shore can use its distinct cultural and community characteristics as opportunities to create and grow an emerging pool of leaders who will help to sustain the Eastern Shore into the next century. Its working lands, diverse populations, access to water, preservation of open space, rich history, easy access to major metropolitan areas and a distinct quality of life were among the competitive advantages identified by the program participants. The program was led by Shore Leadership facilitator Dr.  Joseph J. Thomas, a distinguished professor of leadership education at the United State Naval Academy.

The program was sponsored by Tri-Gas and Oil, the Chesapeake Culinary Center, and Caroline County Parks and Recreation. Presenters who participated in the legacy and community session included: Sue Simmons, executive director of Caroline County Parks and Recreation; Kathy Mackel, director of the Caroline County Office of Tourism; Beth Brewster, founder of the Chesapeake Culinary Center and coordinator of food services for Caroline County Public Schools; Marina Dowdall, executive director of the Caroline County Arts Center; Amy Jacocks, program coordinator for the Fibre Arts Center of the Eastern Shore; Ellie Altman, executive director of Adkins Arboretum, and Neta Settin, superintendent of the Maryland State Parks.

Over the course of 9 months the 26 class participants will explore a particular theme and connect that theme to one of the many leadership challenges on the Eastern Shore. The Shore Leadership program offers executives, managers and leaders on Maryland’s Eastern Shore the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the issues and challenges facing our region.  For more information about Shore Leadership visit their website www.shoreleadershipmd.org.

Photo: Marina Dowdall, Executive Director of Caroline County Arts Council presents to the Shore Leadership Class of 2014