LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.
Measures of Success
inspire others to dream more, learn more,
Ido moref yourandactions
become more, you are a leader.”
“
—John Quincy Adams
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Ken Korando
Class IV 2005-06
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The above quote by John Quincy Adams
makes me think of the current class of
LEAD Fellows (Class VII, 2011/2012), the
significant accomplishment of creating
the first LEAD Maryland Foundation
Symposium, and the words Fellows chose
to signify their mission: Educate, Inspire,
Empower. They have captured the essence
of what Adams was saying in a headline.
The class was assigned to create the first
LEAD Maryland Foundation Symposium, and was given the
broad topic for the symposium, “Image of Agriculture.” Ask one
hundred people what the image of agriculture is and you get one
hundred different answers. And if you broaden the topic just a
bit to include the image of rural Maryland, or rural America, you
get an even wider array of ideas.
The mission of the LEAD Maryland Foundation is creating
leaders. We focus their leadership skills and public issues
education toward agricultural, rural and natural resources
subjects. So as class members take on the mantel of leadership,
it is in perfect synergy that they have chosen to educate our own
and the community at large about the issues of agriculture and
rural life, inspire people to speak out about how and why they do
what they do, and empower leaders with tools of communication
to create a positive message.
I want to thank all those who have given generously to the
LEAD Maryland Foundation and to the Symposium. It is your
generosity that continues to make our program a success.
Ken
Ken Korando
Class IV 2005-06
President
LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.
Mission Statement
Maryland Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
developing leadership for agriculture, natural resources and rural communities.
Thank you to all organizations and volunteers who work to
promote the Foundation throughout the year. LEAD has a
display and various handouts available. The display was at
a MidAtlantic Farm Credit event in October 2011 and also
featured information from leadership programs operating
in neighboring states.
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Class VII Fellow Joe-Sam Swann shared his personal
perspectives of his fellowship experiences with the Maryland
Farm Bureau annual meeting attendees in December 2011,
and he thanked Farm Bureau for sponsoring the program.
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“My
Maryland experience substantially broadened my knowledge of the many issues facing rural and urban
communities, which has allowed me to become a much more effective advocate for the agricultural industry in Maryland.”
Measuring Success
Every two years, a diverse group of 20-25 Fellows complete
the educational, training, and personal development LEAD
Maryland Fellowship program. Fellows become more
equipped and confident to solve problems, identify resources,
engage and educate others, and influence public policy.
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90
Nonprofit Organizations
In early 2012, the 136 graduates of the 1999-2010 LEAD
classes were invited to complete a 28-question survey
developed to gain information about program impact and
effectiveness, and to help determine where or how the program
leaders can make improvements. The survey had about an
overall 80% response rate from the program graduates.
Governmental-Based Organizations
With 101 LEAD Fellows responding, it was determined that
95% were active in a community through volunteer work
and positions. Almost 77% of the responding Fellows worked
with six or more community, industry, government or other
organizations since graduating; 14% were involved with 10 or
more organizations.
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Nonprofits ranked first in types of organizations
where LEAD graduates volunteered.
Fellows attend a series of multi-day seminars held at various
locations around Maryland and Washington, D.C., and
complete a domestic and/or international travel study. Since
the first class in 1999-2000, Fellows have traveled to the
Netherlands, Belgium, Cuba, Brazil, China, Finland, Estonia,
Russia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Class VII will
travel to Chile in January 2013.
Graduates Serve Their Communities
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(such as United Way, FFA Foundation, 4-H Foundation or 4-H Clubs, Farm
Bureau, education foundations, food banks, Boy Scouts, local recreation sports)
54
Industry-Based Organizations
(such as commodity check-off program boards, education and promotion
boards, trade associations, and marketing boards)
47
(such as planning commissions, education and school boards, city and county
councils, state or local advisory commissions)
34
Civic Associations
(such as Rotary, Lions, Ruritan, community improvement groups)
30
Professional Associations
(such as institutes and governing groups for trades and professional standards)
29
Faith-Based Organizations
(such as church charities, humanitarian aid groups, missions)
20
Political Organizations
(such as political parties or campaigns)
Close to 90% worked with nonprofit organizations, such as
FFA, the 4-H Foundation and food banks.
70% of Fellows
increased their volunteer
hours after completing
the LEAD program.
30%
70%
At a reported monthly average of 14.5 hours each, the survey
respondents volunteered a total of 1,429 hours per month.
Using the Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time) estimate of the per-hour
value of volunteer time in Maryland, the surveyed
LEAD Fellows contributed over $32,500 per month
worth of volunteer hours—an annual total of
$390,000.
“Since participating in
, I have been asked to serve with more organizations and boards than I
set me up to speak, to appreciate and to understand that
would have ever planned… I believe
going outside of my comfort level reaps lifelong learning and experiential rewards.”
Fellows Learned Skills to Enhance
Policy Leadership Abilities
Farmer, Forester, Grower, Producer
Participants Learned to Grow the Bottom Line
LEAD participants are taught critical skills necessary for
effective leaders, particularly those who will be active in public
policy-making—writing effective communications, making
presentations, building consensus, working with public elected
and appointed officials, and testifying at public hearings.
Half of the LEAD Fellows responding to the survey were
farmers, foresters, growers, or producers. The largest share
(84%) of this group indicated that the LEAD experience
helped them better connect to resources that are useful in
their businesses. Almost one third of these LEAD participants improved the profitability of their operations. While
many factors influence profitability, 10% of survey participants added or changed the type of products they produced
and 24% accessed new markets.
Almost 50% of the survey participants indicated that LEAD
training helped them play a larger role in shaping public
policy. Since completing LEAD classes, 17% of participants
ran for, applied for, or were appointed to public office,
including agricultural commissioner, planning board
member, and State representative.
100%
reported that they have engaged
and educated the public about agriculture’ s
and rural communities’ perspectives on
agricultural and environmental issues.
Skills Acquired in
Program
Also Beneficial in Workplace
Almost 98% of surveyed LEAD participants indicated that
they gained important skills and confidence that helped
them succeed in their jobs, including networking, leveraging
resources, and improving relationships. Nearly 80% stated
that the program honed their strategic thinking, problem
solving, and team-building skills.
"
taught me to be a leader in a problem
with ag and not a follower. I prefer to educate
the public on what I do and how I do it because
I am proud of my work.”
More than half improved their communications with State
and Federal government offices relevant to their operations.
Almost half of the producers, farmers, foresters, and growers
felt that the program enabled them to make better use of
science and technologies.
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Over 80% of farmers and other producers
indicated that LEAD helped them better connect
to useful resources.
84%
Better connected to resources that assist me in my operation
57%
Improved communication with government offices
43%
Better use of technology and/or science
38%
Improved environmentally or in land use choices
32%
Engaged in succession planning for my operation
Improved profitability
30%
24%
Accessed new markets
11%
Added or changed the type of products I produce
Evaluation Project Information:
Principle Investigator: LEAD Maryland Foundation Executive Director Susan R. Harrison, leadmd@umd.edu;
Co-Investigator: LEAD Maryland Foundation Program Director Debbie Stanley;
Teresa McCoy, MPA, Assistant Director for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Maryland Extension, tmccoy1@umd.edu
Andy Lazur, Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader, University of Maryland Extension, lazur@umd.edu
Fellows Class
2011-2012
“My greatest accomplishment was representing agriculture's perspective in conversations with media as well
as federal and state officials.”
“I believe
Maryland has changed the face of our agricultural organizations… providing leaders
who are educated about the issues, about the diversity of agriculture in the state, and about what they need
to do to influence people. There can be no better investment in our future than the creation of great leaders!”
Alumni Workshops 2011-2012
The LEAD Maryland Foundation provided three
Alumni Workshops:
• The Diversification of Agriculture, held in Frederick
County, November 2011;
• Agricultural Education and Diversification, held in
Harford County, February 2012; and
• Crisis Management in Agriculture; Alumni Social; held
in Caroline County, May 2012.
The workshops were planned and implemented by many
LEAD Alumni Committee members. The committee chair is
Kurt Fuchs (Class IV 2005-06).
During the workshops, Rural Maryland Council’s Executive
Director Mike Thielke provided information about:
• The Rural Maryland Council (RMC),
• The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, and
• The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural
Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF).
RMC’s Mike Thielke speaks to LEAD
Alumni and guests gathered at
Rocky Point Creamery.
The workshops were primarily sponsored by the Rural
Maryland Council, and other organizations and individuals
contributed significant in kind support for meals and
hosting tours.
Statement of Financial Position
June 30, 2012
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Tuition/fees and Other Receivables
Prepaid Expenses Property and Equipment, net
$ 535,325
6,883
4,000
1,195
Total Assets
$ 547,403
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and accrued expenses
$ 87,721
Total Liabilities
$ 87,721
Net Assets
Unrestricted
Temporarily Restricted
Total Net Assets
$ 393,852
65,830
459,682
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
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$ 547,403
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Statement of Activities
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012
Revenues
Grants
$ 76,000
Contributions
57,450
Tuition/fees26,000
Individual giving
6,396
Special Event/Alumni Activities
2,344
Investment Income
197
Total Revenues
Expenses
Program Services
Management and General
$ 168,387
$ 116,563
17,964
Total Expenses
$ 134,527
Increase in net assets
$ 33,860
Net assets, beginning of the year
Net assets, end of the year
LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.
$ 425,822
$ 459,682
Vanessa Finney
Class III, 2003-04
Treasurer’s Report for
2012 Annual Report
Statement of Financial Position
Assets
The LEAD Maryland Foundation strives to keep its program
affordable to Fellows by keeping tuition levels low and
securing more than eighty percent of program funds through
contributions from major donors, program sponsors,
grants, alumni, and the community at large. LEAD’s current
cash position is a reflection of the generous giving of these
program supporters. Note the various revenue line items in
the Statement of Activities.
LEAD’s cash balance does include reserves for current
operating expenses, which include all program seminars, as
well as long-term donor-restricted funds that help support
the University of Maryland’s Faculty Extension Assistant,
who serves as the LEAD Maryland program director.
The cash balance as of June 30th also includes amounts
saved and allocated for the international study tour to be
conducted in early 2013. These funds amount to approximately $80,000.
The balance of year-end assets includes tuition receivables
and prepaid seminar expenses.
Liabilities
The University of Maryland contributes to the LEAD
Maryland program through the partial funding of the
program faculty. Liabilities at year-end include payments to
the University for the LEAD Maryland Foundation’s share of
program faculty salaries and benefits, and the Foundation’s
payment of expenses such as office supplies, printing,
phones, copies, postage and deliveries. Liabilities also
include funds collected and allocated to pay for LEAD’s first
Fellow-organized symposium. This symposium will be held
on December 12, 2012.
Net Assets
Restricted net assets represent remaining grant funds
received, restricted for the Foundation’s and University’s
shared funding of the program director’s position. These
grant funds as currently available will support LEAD’s share
of this position through fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.
Statement of Activities
The University of Maryland paid in excess of $68,000
towards salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes of LEAD
Maryland Foundation’s executive and program directors,
who are University of Maryland Extension faculty (Associate
Agent and Faculty Extension Assistant). The University of
Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources also
contributes additional administrative support and office
space at no cost to the organization.
The majority of expenses, referred to as program expenses,
are associated with the conduct of seminars. The program
includes nine multi-day seminars over the course of two
years, plus one international study tour. Seminar expenses
include lodging, meals, conference rooms, transportation,
and teaching material fees. Most speakers and tour leaders,
which include program alumni and industry experts, donate
their time and services to LEAD.
General management expenses include the normal day-to-day
administrative costs of managing and running an organization.
Maryland Foundation Donations
University Sponsor
University of Maryland Extension
$50,500
Maryland Grain Producers
Utilization Board
$15,000
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Maryland Farm Bureau
Maryland Soybean Board
$10,000
Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
Maryland Agricultural
Education Foundation
Maryland Department of Agriculture
$7,000
Maryland Nursery and
Landscape Association
$6,000
Rural Maryland Council
$5,000
Choptank Electric Trust
Land O'Lakes Foundation
$2,500
Maryland Agricultural and
Resource-Based Industry
Development Corporation
(MARBIDCO)
$1,000 to $1500
CNB
Henry Schmidt
Maryland Crop Improvement
Association
Maryland Horse Industry Board
$600
Anonymous
$500
Arbor Valley Tree Service–
Frank Dudek
Charles E. Day, III
Hoober, Inc.
Maryland Dairy Industry Association
Sump & Associates
Wicomico County Farm Bureau
$300-$450
Anonymous
Maryland Charity Campaign:
Anonymous
Steve McHenry
Mark Powell
Kaley Walker
$200-$250
Caroline County Farm Bureau
Farm Credit of the Virginias
Kenny Bounds
Ken Korando
George & Janey Mayo
Little Bohemia Creek Farms–
Jonathan Quinn
Melissa Sadowski
Talbot County Farm Bureau
Wicomico Soil Conservation District
$150
Hannah Cawley
Steve McHenry
Bill Satterfield
$100- $125
Jim Boyle
Brookfield Pumpkins–Sam and
Mary Jane Roop
Robert Cooper
Deep Creek Farm—Donnie Tennyson
Vanessa Finney
Cricket Goodall
Raymond T. Harrison, Jr.
Pat Langenfelder
Maryland Agriculture Teachers
Association
James “Bubby” Norris
Palmyra Farm—Terrie Shank
Candace Pearce—Lohr’s Orchard
John Rigdon
Alan Schmidt
Jennifer Schmidt
Jason Spicer
John Sullivan
Emily Wilson
$50-$75
Harford County Division of Agriculture
Sue Bullock
Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians
Up to $50
Tom Miller
Jennifer Debnam
Anonymous
Anonymous
Valerie Connelly
Raymond T. Harrison, III
Mark Sultenfuss
“
provided me the leadership training to revive our county Young
Farmer group and I have held leadership positions such as President.
I was instrumental in establishing a discretionary fund to provide
individuals with financial assistance to participate in agricultural programs.
For example, our Young Farmer group sponsored numerous 4-H kids
and clubs to travel and attend and/or compete at national events.”
In Kind Gifts are important to the LEAD Maryland
Foundation. We especially thank the following for Noncash
Charitable Gifts, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012*:
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Baltimore County Farm Bureau
Cheryl DeBerry, DeBerry Farm Fresh Produce
Dragonfly Designs, LLC
Edwin Remsberg Photographs
Harford County Division of Agriculture
Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc.
Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Maryland Farm Bureau
Maryland Million Ltd.
Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc.
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center
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“We often think that if we present a logical,
sensible position that others will appreciate and
embrace it. I found that it requires repeated
efforts to educate those with opposing viewpoints,
but persistence can really pay off.”
Class VII Fellow Megan Messix chaired a local fund
raising event on October 12, 2011, at Doc’s Riverside Grille
restaurant, Centreville, MD. Thank you to those who
participated, collectively raising $400: Megan Messix, Jenny
Rhodes, Ken Korando, Paul Spies, Kurt Fuchs, Emily Wilson,
Buddy Cahall, Steve Isaacson, Luke & Alison Howard, Faith
Elliot Rossing, Kody & Leslie Cario, Jennifer Layton, Lisa
Winters, and Doc’s Riverside Grille!
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Many people—serving as volunteers, program alumni,
or representing other organizations, government offices,
businesses, or employers—made significant gifts of time,
travel, speaking, teaching, presentations, planning, leading
tours, hosting, and otherwise adding value to LEAD’s educational programming and to the organization’s volunteer
committees and board. If you have given your time and
services, we appreciate these precious gifts, too!
Thank you to the many people, employers, organizations,
and family members who have invested into the success of
the LEAD Fellows by providing scholarships or otherwise
assisting with paying program participation fees (tuition).
Though payments of the fees are the responsibilities of the
Fellows and cannot be recognized as charitable contributions, your support is important and appreciated!
*Our apologies if any donations have been inadvertently overlooked. Please bring correction or additions to our attention. Thank you.
Maryland Foundation, Inc.
Ken
Korando
President
Colby
Ferguson
Vanessa
Finney
Vice Presdient
Treasurer
Board Members
Jason
Scott
Secretary
(June 30, 2012)
Kenneth M. Bounds
Senior Vice President/Regional Manager,
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
James R. Boyle
Farm Owner/Operator and President, Boyle Brothers, Inc.
Hannah Cawley
Assistant Farm Manager and Operator, Hay Jay Acres
Valerie Connelly
Director of Governmental Relations,
Maryland Farm Bureau
Colby Ferguson
Business Development Specialist—Agriculture, Frederick
County Business Development & Retention Division
Vanessa Finney
Executive Director: Maryland Nursery and Landscape
Association; Maryland Arborist Association;
Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS); and
President, Quercus, Inc.
Earl F. “Buddy” Hance
Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture
Owner , Solomons Island Winery
Ken Korando
Patricia Langenfelder President, Maryland Farm Bureau
Stephen R. McHenry
Executive Director, Maryland Agricultural and ResourceBased Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO)
Thomas H. Miller
Regional Extension Director, University of Maryland
Extension, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Bill Satterfield
Executive Director, Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.
Jason Scott
C. John Sullivan III
Emily Wilson
Walnut Hill Farms and Scott’s Seed, LLC
President, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation;
and Deputy Chief of Staff, Harford County Executive’s Office;
Harford County Division of Agricultural Affairs
Deputy Director of Land Acquisition and Planning,
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Faculty and Staff
Susan R. Harrison
Debbie Stanley
Debby Dant Executive Director, LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.;
and Associate Agent, University of Maryland Extension
Program Director, LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.;
and Faculty Extension Assistant, University of
Maryland Extension
Administrative Assistant, LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.
and University of Maryland Extension
LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.
124 Wye Narrows Drive | P.O. Box 169
Queenstown, Maryland 21658
Phone 410-827-8056 | Fax 410-827-9039
E-mail: leadmd@umd.edu | www.leadmaryland.org
Images of the Maryland State House by Edwin Remsberg.
Other photos are by Edwin Remsberg and Susan Harrison.