This post is from eyeonannapolis.com <p><a href=”https://leadershipaa.org/”>Leadership Anne Arundel</a> (LAA), the county’s premier leadership development organization, has announced the recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Graduate and Excellence in Leadership Awards. The honors will be presented during the annual <a href=”https://leadershipaa.org/tribute”>Tribute to Community Leadership and Graduation</a> celebration on Wednesday, June 25, at The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover.</p>

<p>The event, open tyo the public, will recognize the 2025 graduates of LAA’s Flagship and Neighborhood Leadership Academy programs, as well as community leaders whose impact reflects LAA’s mission of connection, collaboration, and service. Now in its 30th year, LAA has graduated over 1,800 leaders serving in public, private, nonprofit, and government sectors throughout Anne Arundel County.</p>

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”><strong>Distinguished Graduate Awards</strong></h2>

<p>Two alumni will be honored with the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify the spirit of community trusteeship and have made lasting contributions to the region.</p>

<p>Charles Madison, a 1995 Flagship graduate, is Managing Executive of the Asymmetric Operations Sector at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. He leads more than 1,600 professionals addressing national security, public health, and special operations. Madison also serves on boards including United Way of Central Maryland – Community Partnership of Anne Arundel County, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Housing Commission.</p>

<p>Andy Schindling, a 2019 Flagship graduate, is the founder and Executive Director of The Complete Player Charity, Inc., a youth-focused nonprofit that builds confidence, character, and emotional intelligence in students across northern Anne Arundel County. His hands-on approach and long-term commitment to mentorship have earned him high praise among community leaders.</p>

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”><strong>Excellence in Leadership Award</strong></h2>

<p>Carlene Cassidy, a 2005 Flagship graduate, has been selected for the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award, sponsored by Live! Casino & Hotel. Cassidy is CEO of the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, where she supports innovation and job creation across Maryland. She previously founded and directed the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute at <a href=”http://www.aacc.edu/default.cfm” target=”_blank” >Anne Arundel Community College</a>, served as a professor for 18 years, and co-authored three management textbooks. Her extensive experience also includes leadership roles in the private sector as Partner and COO of a regional computer consulting firm.</p>

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”><strong>Bertina Nick Flagship Scholarship</strong></h2>

<p>The Bertina Nick NLA Flagship Scholarship, the only full scholarship for LAA’s Flagship Program, will also be awarded during the event. Named for longtime activist and community leader Bertina Larkins Nick, the scholarship supports continued leadership development for a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy. The 2025 recipient will be announced during the ceremony.</p>

<p>The June 25 celebration runs from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and includes multimedia presentations, featured speakers, award recognitions, and graduation of the 2025 Flagship and Neighborhood Leadership Academy classes. Sponsorships are available. For more information or to register, visit <a href=”https://leadershipaa.org/tribute”>leadershipaa.org/tribute</a>.</p>