April 19th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Allegany! Program recently held graduation ceremonies at the Cumberland Country Club. Dr. Sara-Beth Bittinger, Leadership Allegany! Chair, served as master of ceremonies with assistance provided by Mr. Robert Godfrey, Leadership Allegany! Co-Chair and Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Graduation diplomas were presented by Ms. Juli McCoy, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Mr. Seth Sgaggero, Sgaggero Event Planning, who was elected by the class to serve as valedictorian, provided comments along with Ms. Tanya Gomer, Chair of the Leadership Allegany! Alumni Committee.

Standing left to right (1st row): Tiras Jordan, First Jordan Logistics, LLC, Mark Gandolfi, City of Cumberland, Dr. Matthew Ryan, Progressive Physical Therapy, Tina Fazenbaker, Allegany County Department of Social Services, Christa McGee, Historic Highlands Association of Realtors, Trish Tichnell, IBM, Allison Layton, City of Cumberland, Robert Alkire, WEPCO Federal Credit Union.

Standing left to right back row:   Bret McHenry, First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, Jason Merritt, T3 Intelligence Services, Jonathan Frye, Jonathan Frye State Farm, Sabrina DeWitt, Allegany County Department of Social Services, Daniel Gilpin, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Robert Giffin, Cintas, and Seth Sgaggero, Sgaggero Event Planning.   

Leadership Allegany! is a nine-month program dedicated to promoting positive change by creating a network of leaders with a clear understanding of the community and a commitment to its advancement. In a forum of open discussion and interaction, class members acquire a deeper understanding of the issues endemic to the region by observing and hearing the views of others and gain an understanding of the public and private operations within Allegany County and the state of Maryland.  Educational programs engineered for class participation and dialogue cover topics such as Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health Care, Local and State Government, Human Services and Arts and Entertainment.  The program provides an opportunity for individuals to become acquainted with the processes, programs and challenges that exist in the region.

The Class of 2021-2022 joined the ranks of over 550 Leadership Allegany! alumni who have completed the program.  The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce believes today, more than ever, that our future is tied to strong leadership.  The more informed and involved citizens of a community become the stronger the community. 

For more information about the Leadership Allegany! program please contact the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce at 301-722-2820.