Pictured above are some of the LEAD Maryland Foundation Board of Directors (February 28, 2019).  Left to right:  Nicole Fiorellino, Ph.D.; Darren Jarboe, Ph.D., M.B.A.; Vanessa A. Finney, CPA; Paul Spies; Emily Wilson; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder; Valerie Connelly; Joe-Sam Swann; Amy Crone; Jennifer Layton; Shelby Watson-Hampton; Amy Cawley; and Steve McHenry.  Not pictured: Rick Blevins, Kurt Fuchs, and our newest members as of 2022, Ross Peddicord and Danielle Bauer Farace. (Image Credit: Remsberg Photography).

The LEAD Maryland Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and operates the curriculum-based LEAD Fellowship Program in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension, and other funding and supporting partners.

To view a current list of volunteers serving on the LEAD Maryland Foundation Board of Directors, or to view some of LEAD's major funders and partners, please explore the tabs below.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and sponsors who support the LEAD Maryland Foundation and the Fellowship Program!

Board of Directors

Serving as members of the LEAD Maryland Foundation Board of Directors: 

  • President:  Emily Wilson
  • Vice President:  Amy Crone
  • Treasurer:  Jennifer Layton
  • Secretary:  Stephen McHenry
  • UM Extension:  Darren Jarboe, Ph.D., M.B.A.
  • Secretary Kevin M. Atticks, DCD
  • Amy Cawley
  • Valerie Connelly
  • Danielle Bauer Farace
  • Nicole Fiorellino, Ph.D.
  • Kurt Fuchs
  • Beth Hill
  • Ross Peddicord
  • Jonathan Quinn
  • Shelby Watson-Hampton

We thank the board members for their unpaid volunteer service and dedication to identifying and developing leaders to serve agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.

Funders and Partners

The LEAD Maryland Program is a partnership effort of the University of Maryland Extension and the LEAD Maryland Foundation. Program partners often contribute to the curriculum design, content, and implementation, as well as funding to the LEAD Maryland Foundation. 

We thank the following program partners and key funders:

These and many other visionary organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals financially contribute to the program. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, the LEAD Maryland Foundation seeks, secures, and utilizes grants and funds dedicated to the training, education, and leadership development efforts.

Thank You!

Thank you to the many people who serve as volunteers, program alumni, or represent other organizations, government offices, businesses, or employers, who make 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 give your time and services, we appreciate these precious gifts too!

Thank you, also, to the many people, employers, organizations, and family members who invest 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!