The LAA Connector 
Lifetime Connections & Seasons of Engagement
by President & CEO, Kris Valerio Shock

 

 

In the past month LAA celebrated two events, the Program Kickoff and Homecoming Event and the Lifetime Members Club Gathering, that shined a white hot spotlight on the enduring value of LAA connections.

 

This Homecoming we celebrated the new Flagship class (2022) AND Milestone Anniversaries:

FLG2021 = Just graduated!

FLG2016 = 5 Years

FLG2011 = 10 Years

FLG2006 = 15 Years

FLG2001 = 20 Years

FLG1996 = 25 Years

 

Outside of the new class (2022), Flagship 2021 had the most classmates in attendance, with Flagship 2016 coming in a close 2nd, but I have to brag on my own class - Flagship 2006 - with six representatives celebrating our 15th anniversary!

 

Earlier this week we welcomed Lifetime Members for a special gathering at Board Member and Lifetime Member Elaine Shanley's home. We had Lifetime members from classes between 1995 and 2021 in attendance, with a special shout out to Flagship 2005 with FIVE Lifetime Members represented!

 

It was a great evening to reconnect and consider how we can tap into the experience and insight of the LAA Lifetime community to benefit the broader LAA membership and leadership community at large.

 

Both of these events provided confirmation of the great value of lifetime connections forged through the Leadership Anne Arundel experience. What I found interesting at the Lifetime event, was how many alumni expressed regret that they had been disconnected recently. There was a tone of apology as we made our way around the circle of introductions. 

 

 

Some alumni went through the program early in their lives and careers. When children came along they found themselves on soccer fields and in PTA meetings. Others found themselves on multiple nonprofit Boards or with other commitments that sprang from the success of their LAA participation.

 

If they were like me (confession), they might also have perceived Alumni gatherings to be purely social and they might have longed for more continuing leadership development opportunities. They might have liked to connect with their LAA colleagues but prioritized service and/or learning and development activities. 

 

 

The LAA experience breeds connections for life. Then life happens: babies are born, job changes happen, new leadership opportunities present themselves and personal losses happen. What is most important is the example of the recent Kickoff and Lifetime events - when LAA colleagues come back together, the connections run deep. We are here for you when your life supports reengagement and it's as simple as updating your profile on the platform, clicking around to look for familiar faces and registering for the next program or event. 

 

While life has been happening, LAA has continued to evolve and learn from the ebb and flow of engagement. To make the most of your time, we have added service and leadership development events to our offerings; so you can connect with the LAA community while giving back and/or learning something new. 

 

One thing you can count on is that LAA continues to inspire, develop and connect our local leaders and the whole, thriving community is ready and waiting when you're able to jump back in. When you have a new initiative or idea, we have an audience for you. If you want to get your company in front of the nexus of community leaders county-wide, we have a robust menu of affordable sponsorship opportunities for your consideration.

 

We have a space saved for you. It all comes down to Lifetime Connections and Seasons of Engagement. The LAA community is here for you, for life.

 

Click here to see what’s next and consider how you can plug in, leave a comment below or contact me today to discuss connecting with your Leadership community.