LEADING NOW CONVERSATIONS
The Leading Now Conversations series is exclusive to our alumni. Events offer an opportunity to hear from regional leaders in a small group setting, gaining insights, learning about experiences leading in challenging times, and engaging in rich conversation.
Leading Now Conversations events are free and open to alumni only. Below is a list of our past speakers with links to view the video from their presentation. This is accessible only to our alumni.
Click here for information about upcoming Leading Now Conversations events.
“These sessions provide a front-row seat to a lot of things that are going on in Baltimore, and I like that David guides the questions to the topic of leadership. I often come away with helpful ideas about how to be a better leader.”
“These Leading Now Conversations have been very worthwhile. David Sachs is a skillful moderator, and he always elicits candid, thoughtful insights from the guest speakers. I’ve tried not to miss any of these sessions.”
Guest Speakers to Date
Listed in order of event date – oldest to newest

Kurt Schmoke
Former Mayor & President, University of Baltimore

Dr. Sonja Santelises
CEO, Baltimore City Public Schools

Dr. Redonda Miller (2012)*
President, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Joe Sullivan
Chairman and CEO, Legg Mason Inc.

Shelonda Stokes (2005)*
President, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Michael S. Harrison
Commissioner, Baltimore Police Department

Rebecca Hoffberger
Founder and Director, American Visionary Art Museum

Ben Cardin
U.S. Senator, State of Maryland

Dr. Letitia Dzirasa
Commissioner, Baltimore City Health Department

Delali Dzirasa (2018)*
Founder and CEO, Fearless

Bill Ferguson
President, Maryland State Senate

Erricka Bridgeford (2018)*
Co-Founder, Baltimore Ceasefire 365

Diane Bell-McKoy (1994)*
President and CEO, Associated Black Charities

Brandon M. Scott
Mayor, City of Baltimore

Dana P. Moore (1994)*
Chief Equity Officer, City of Baltimore

Thibault Manekin
Co-Founder, Seawall Development

Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman (2019)*
Health Officer, Anne Arundel County Dept. of Health

Dr. Frances "Toni" Draper (2019)*
CEO and Publisher, The AFRO-American Newspapers

Bill Henry (2007)*
Comptroller, Baltimore City

Mary Ann Scully
Chairman and CEO, Howard Bancorp and Howard Bank

Isabel Mercedes Cumming
Inspector General, Baltimore City

Dr. David Wilson
President, Morgan State University

Chris Van Hollen
U.S. Senator, State of Maryland
*Indicates Class Year – Guests who are Alumni of our Flagship Leadership Program