Debra Rich, Executive Assistant with Shore Bancshares in Easton, MD recently completed Shore Leadership’s leadership development and community education program. Modeled after national leadership organizations, Shore Leadership was formed in 1997 to promote a regional approach among local leaders for addressing community issues.

Ms. Rich was among 19 Eastern Shore executives and members of senior management who were selected to take part in the program. Meeting for day long sessions once a month April through November, the group explored regional interest relating to legacy, economic development & technology, community, healthcare, agriculture & environment, education, and government. Following their December 2011 graduation ceremony, the class of 2011 joined a network of over 300 alumni leaders from the upper, mid and lower Shore.

“Our participants engage in a broad range of experiences focused on the Eastern Shore as a whole—its people, its needs, and its services,” according to Marcia Bryan a member of the Class of 2006 and President of Shore Leadership. “Through face-to-face discussions with community leaders, these class members had a unique opportunity to hone their leadership skills and develop a better understanding of the shared challenges and opportunities of this region.”

Since 1997, the Shore Bancshares family of companies, Talbot Bank, CNB, The Avon-Dixon Agency and Wye Financial & Trust, have graduated 14 employees from Shore Leadership. Shore Bancshares is committed to leadership development not only within their organization but for the benefit of the region to sustain and improve the quality of our communities and environment. Shore Bancshares has also participated as a corporate sponsor of the leadership program.

For more information about Shore Leadership, becoming a sponsor or applying for a future class, contact Susan Parenteau at 856-981-0754 or info@shoreleadership.org .