NOTTINGHAM, MD—Leadership Maryland on Wednesday announced that William “Rob” Hair, Superintendent and CEO of The Maryland School for the Blind, has completed its professional development program.

The Leadership Maryland program is “dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders.”

The program honored Hair, a resident of Baltimore, and the entire Class of 2021 at its 28th annual graduation ceremony held on December 7 at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport.

Hair was one of 49 applicants chosen by committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program. The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that bookended 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 multiculturalism/diversity across the state.

The class was originally selected as the Class of 2020 but was postponed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the events of the past two years, our communities greatly need connectedness, shared vision, and resilient leadership, which makes our mission of empowering a diverse network of local leaders more important than ever,” said Renée M. Winsky ‘05, president and Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Maryland. “With the understanding, connections, and clarity of purpose gained from their program experience, the 49 members of the Class of 2021 are now better poised to make a positive impact, and we look forward to seeing all they’ll accomplish for our state.”

Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. Additional information about the program can be found online at www.LeadershipMD.org.