Executive Connections

Last Friday, regional leadership program executives got together over breakfast to share ideas, updates, and a little inspiration ☕️ Left to Right: ✨ Wilda Reahm-Alessi – Leadership York ✨ Jennifer Diaz – Leadership Lancaster ✨ Una Martone – Leadership Harrisburg Area ✨ Nicole Deary – Leadership Cumberland (President & CEO of the Carlisle Area Chamber and program director) Grateful for the collaboration and connection among this incredible group of women leading regional leadership development!

6 years of service, style, and serious impact 🙌 From the classroom to the community, Eric’s dedication runs deep. A devoted dad, awesome friend, fashion icon, and former educator, he now pours his passion into countless organizations that protect youth and push York forward. We’re so lucky to have his heart, humor, and leadership at Leadership York. Thank you, Eric, for all that you do! 💙

Last month, we celebrated the graduation of our Executive Connections and Leadership Training Program Classes of 2025 — an inspiring evening filled with reflection, connection, and hope for the future of York County. 🌟 We were honored to hear from several graduates who were nominated by their classmates to speak during the ceremony — a true testament to their leadership and impact throughout the program year: ✨ Sarah O’Brien (Executive Connections) shared a thoughtful overview of the EC experience. ✨ Teddy Fisher (Leadership Training Program) reflected on the growth and learning that defined this year’s LTP journey. ✨ Courtney Buechler gave insight into the incredible community projects led by LTP participants. ✨ Gina Spellman and Zachary Newby closed out the program with powerful words on the personal and professional impact of Leadership York. A heartfelt thank you to RKL, our Graduation Sponsor, for supporting this milestone moment. And to Heritage Hills, thank you for hosting us so graciously — it was a beautiful setting for such a meaningful occasion. We also want to give a huge shoutout to our incredible program coordinators, Kraig Hursh and Wilda Reahm-Alessi, for their tireless dedication to cultivating strong leaders. Your guidance, passion, and commitment to excellence are what make these programs so impactful year after year. 💙 To all our graduates — we are proud of you and excited to see how you’ll continue to lead and serve in our community. Congratulations! 🎓 📸 To see a full compilation of graduation photos, be sure to check out our Facebook page, where you can view the complete album from the evening!

🔍 “Be the one they can’t do without.” That was the parting wisdom from longtime community leader Joe Wagman during last month’s Mentorship York conversation on Career Planning. Joe reminded us that no job is ever a perfect fit—and that’s okay. What matters most is how we approach each opportunity: by leaning in, staying curious, and intentionally shaping our roles to support personal and professional growth. Joe’s insights—and honesty about his own career missteps—offered a powerful reminder: your value lies not just in what you do, but in how you do it. 💼 Thank you, Joe, for the encouragement to lead with intention, humility, and purpose!🌟

9 years of leading with heart 💙 Kraig wears many hats—Leadership Training Program coordinator, top-notch realtor, devoted husband, rockstar dad, and all-around amazing human. He’s also deeply involved in the community and a true board development connoisseur—guiding leaders and organizations with wisdom, wit, and heart. We’re beyond lucky to have him as part of the Leadership York family. Thank you, Kraig, for all that you do and all that you are. Cheers to 9 years of impact, insight, and inspiration! 🥂

Spark is almost here… and so is your chance to rep Leadership York in style!🔥 Our LY Merchandise Store is officially OPEN — but only for a limited time! You have until midnight on June 5 (the day after Spark) to snag your gear and show off your LY pride all year long. 🎉 Don’t wait — shop now: https://susquehannaapparel.chipply.com/leadershipyork/ 👉 See something missing you'd love to wear? Reach out to Haley with your ideas at hhernandez@leadershipyork.org — we’re always looking to grow the collection!

Spark 2025 is just around the corner — happening this coming Wednesday! Join us for Leadership York’s annual celebration of community, connection, and impact at Spark 📍 Where: The Hangar at The New York Wire Works, 441 E Market St, York, PA 📅 When: Wednesday, June 4 | 5:30–7:30 PM 🎟️ Who: Leadership York alumni, supporters, and friends — all are welcome! This year, we proudly honor: 🏆 Alumnus of the Year: Joan Mummert 🏆 Alumni in Action: Sharee McFadden 🏆 Partner of the Year: York County Community Foundation Come celebrate these remarkable leaders who are making a difference in York County. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a drink on us, and a pay-as-you-go bar as you mingle with fellow changemakers. Let’s come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and ignite the future of leadership in our community. Register Now: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Spark2025

The LTP Class recently came together one final time for their Closing Retreat — a meaningful culmination of a year spent growing as leaders, deepening community connections, and discovering their power to make a difference in York County. Together, they reflected on all they had accomplished: presenting team projects that addressed real community challenges, sharing best practices, and envisioning a brighter, more equitable future for our county. 💡 They revisited their personal growth journeys — crafting mission statements for community service, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and creating action plans for continued impact beyond the classroom. There was laughter, there were tears, and there was LTP’s Got Talent, reminding us that leadership can be both serious and joyful. 🎤 As they looked back on what they learned and how far they’ve come, one thing became clear: this class isn’t just graduating — they’re stepping forward as changemakers, united by a commitment to lead with heart. 💙