EXPLORE. LEARN. CONNECT. CONTRIBUTE.

For Frederick County professionals who want to connect and contribute to their community! Leadership Frederick County (LFC) provides in-depth, experiential learning designed by distinguished county leaders coupled with graduate-level leadership masterclasses taught by organizational leadership experts from Hood College.

APPLY NOW!

You will become more informed, passionate, and well connected in the county through an exciting nine-month program, where Frederick County becomes your “living lab” to explore. Participants meet a diverse network of colleagues who are also future leaders, developing the knowledge and relationships often needed to effect change.

EXPLORE

Community experience days are designed by top leaders in business, government and nonprofit organizations, covering critical community topics including education, healthcare, economic development, agriculture, public safety, health and human services, government and quality of life.

LEARN

Each month, you will be immersed in a topic through exclusive, guided tours and discussions with influencers and decision-makers who understand the challenges and opportunities for leaders in that realm. You will then be challenged to apply your new knowledge in interactive activities, testing and growing your ability to be an effective contributor.

Through customized instruction and coaching from Hood College faculty and senior leaders you’ll also receive intensive leadership training, mentorship and guidance aimed to develop your individual skills and personal leadership competencies. You will receive leadership coursework providing you with concepts, mind maps and tools to advance your practice of leadership.

Included:

• Leadership masterclasses and workshops
  
• Personal coaches and mentors to guide leadership development 
  
• Leadership assessments 
  
• Guidance for "Leadership for Service" project 
  
• Participation in an experiential "Leaders on Loan" project 
  
• Podcasts, videos, books and other materials to supplement and facilitate personal growth and development

CONNECT

You will be joined by classmates from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions, from life-long residents eager to explore the corners of their county to new residents ready to make their mark. Some are already very involved as community leaders, while others are just starting their community leadership journey. During the course of your class year, you will have opportunities to learn from one another and work together on experiential projects, allowing you to deepen your relationships.​

CONTRIBUTE

All LFC participants are connected by a shared desire to serve as informed leaders in Frederick County, working together to make Frederick County a better place to live, work, play, and prosper.​

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

To further facilitate your personal and professional development, Leadership Frederick County graduates also get the opportunity to:
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• Participate in the LFC Alumni Association, a prestigious group of graduates who remain committed to learning, leading, and contributing. Programs and service projects provide ongoing opportunities to share ideas, take action and make a difference.​
• Apply their LFC leadership experience towards elective or equivalent coursework at Hood College for an approved master’s or doctoral degrees. 

Stop standing on the sidelines, watching your community from the outside!  Explore, connect and contribute through Leadership Frederick County. 

The 2025-2026 cohort will begin accepting applicants in February and continue through April. Space is limited.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can participate in Leadership Frederick County?
Anyone who lives or works in Frederick County is eligible to apply. 

​Do I need to have a certain job title or career experience to get the most from this program? 
No. All you need is an open mind and an intent to serve. Participants are employed in an array of professions—from public service, to nonprofits, to business—and they live and work throughout the county. Some are already very involved as community leaders, while others are just starting their community leadership journey. 

Who puts the program together?
Leadership Frederick County is an educational community leadership program of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with several county partners in higher education, economic development, workforce development, healthcare and more.

​UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW MEMBERS