The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional Leadership Anne Arundel graduates. Recipients are individuals who have adopted “the heart of community trusteeship” and have made significant and notable contributions for the betterment of our community. 

For full description of the recognition, criteria, selection process, and the nomination form, continue to scroll down the page.

Congratulations to Andy Schindling (FLG19) and Charles Madison (FLG95), our 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award recipients!

Andy Schindling (left) is the founder and Executive Director of The Complete Player Charity, Inc. which is a youth empowerment non-profit organization focused on building confidence, character and emotional intelligence among targeted elementary and middle schoolers in northern Anne Arundel County.   His passion and dedication to empowering the youth of Anne Arundel County is evident in everything he does. Mr. Schindling defines commitment when it comes to serving, mentoring, and uplifting the next generation. 

Since 2016, Charles Madison has served as Managing Executive of the Asymmetric Operations Sector at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where he leads over 1,600 professionals working on some of our nation's most critical security, health, and operational challenges. His work spans Homeland Protection, Special Operations, Cyber Operations, and National Health, and under his leadership, the sector has advanced both in technical excellence and strategic national importance. Mr. Madison’s service on boards such as United Way of Central Maryland – Community Partnership of Anne Arundel County, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Housing Commission underscores a long-standing dedication to equity, education, and innovation.

Recognition

The Distinguished Graduate Award is the longest standing award at Leadership Anne Arundel, and is most significant in that it is the only award based on open nominations to a selection committee of Leadership Anne Arundel graduates and award recipients.  The Distinguished Graduate(s) will be recognized and honored at the Tribute to Community Leadership Celebration in June.

Nominations are welcome from any Leadership Anne Arundel graduate, current class member, or member of the community.

Criteria

The recipient must be a graduate of any Leadership Anne Arundel program.

The recipient must live or work in Anne Arundel County.
The recipient must have exhibited his/her commitment to volunteerism and community service.
The recipient must have demonstrated the application of leadership principals.

Scope

The Committee is interested to know the nominees’ level of commitment and contribution in terms of time invested, leadership roles assumed, and significant contributions to the advancement of the mission of the organization or cause.  The selection process considers the nominee’s body of work in the community and breadth and depth of the contributions to the good of the community.

Please click here to complete a nomination for 2025 consideration.

Deadline: Monday, May 5, 2025

Past LAA Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients

Erwin Abrams – FLG97

Monica Alvarado – FLG09

Wendy Beavers – NLA07

Pam Beidle – FLG96

Ken Brannan – FLG00

Vicki Callahan – FLG96

Vanessa Carter – FLG95

Carlessa Finney – FLG94

Marc Gilbert – FLG00

Melanie Graw – FLG02

Janice Hayes-Williams – NLA99/FLG01

Lisa Hillman – FLG95

Alli Holstrom – FLG10/NLA09

Penny Hopkins – FLG97

Barbara Huston – FLG99

Rick Hutzell – FLG08

Jon Korin – FLG13

Bill Kuethe – FLG95

Tricia Lehmann – FLG97

Nadja Maril – FLG02

Tom Marquardt – ELS05

Patty McManus – FLG97

Pastor Sheryl Menendez – FLG02

George Moran – FLG94

Bruce Morgenstern – FLG12

LaToya Nkongolo – FLG18

Ed Reilly – FLG03

Diane Sancilio – FLG14

Lisa Shore – FLG03

Jerray Slocum – FLG20

Tony Spencer – FLG95

Pat Troy – FLG94

Larry Ulvila, Jr. – FLG95

Cathleen M. Vitale – FLG04

Tad Wood – FLG99