Winds Of Leadership Makes Major Contribution To Skipjack Martha Lewis

ABERDEEN, MD (April 22, 2009) –Winds of Leadership announced today that they raised $34,000 to replace the sail on the Skipjack Martha Lewis. Torn and tattered, the sail had been repaired by the crew and staff over recent years. Without the donation, the sail would have required a financial expenditure from the ships operating budget.

Winds of Leadership is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to leaving a legacy to leadership in Harford County through their problem solving and fundraising efforts. Members of Winds of Leadership are the graduates of the Harford Leadership Academy, a product of the Harford Community College.

Plans to build a monument to leadership on the campus of Harford Community College are also underway. The monument will be a modern rendition of a Skipjack’s sail, a fitting tribute to the county, the Harford Community College, and the Harford Chamber of Commerce, the entities that formed the Harford Leadership Academy in 1991.

“I am very excited about the Winds of Leadership project. A monument to leadership on the College’s campus would be wonderful,” said Dr. James LaCalle, President of Harford Community College. “Leadership is a key element of the College’s mission and we have a long history of providing leadership to our community.”

Fundraising efforts began in earnest in mid-2008. Corporate donations and personal contributions combined to make the effort a success. “The Winds project is a true collaboration of talent, energy, creativity, and resources. This is exactly what the College and Chamber had in mind when the Harford Leadership Academy began in 1991,” said Bill Securro, President/CEO of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce.

Residents of the county can obtain contribution information for the monument and other Winds of Leadership Projects by calling Scott Walker at 410-679-2997 or by e-mail at scott-walker@hesshotels.com.

Winds of Leadership is an open group of leaders who currently participate in the Harford Leadership Academy. There are no dues or membership requirements.