NOTTINGHAM, MD—Leadership Maryland on Wednesday announced that William Robert Hair, Superintendent at Maryland School for the Blind in Nottingham, has been chosen to participate in its professional leadership development program.

Hair is one of 50 individuals chosen for Leadership Maryland’s 28th class – the Class of 2021, who will complete the eight-month hands-on learning program focused on Maryland’s social, economic, and environmental issues. The class was originally selected as the Class of 2020 but was postponed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the safety of all participants, this year’s program will include a hybrid of virtual programming and in-person sessions, if and when possible.

The program will run from April to December, and include five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing business, government, education, and the non-profit community will serve as panelists and guest speakers.

Hair, a leader in the education of children who are blind or visually impaired, has been on the staff of The Maryland School for the Blind since 2016 and was appointed Superintendent in September 2018. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Opera and the Everyman Theatre in Baltimore. He is a member of Lions Club International and is currently a member of the Overlea Lions Club, volunteering his time and talents in his home and business communities.

Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities.