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Annapolis, MD - Leadership Anne Arundel proudly hosted the 2026 New Leaders Celebration Breakfast at Carrol’s Creek Café in Annapolis, bringing together community, business, nonprofit, and government leaders to recognize individuals who have recently stepped into key leadership roles across Anne Arundel County. The morning began with coffee and networking, setting the tone for meaningful connection before the program officially opened with welcome remarks from LAA Board Chair Monica Rausa (FLG20). Monica reflected on LAA’s mission to inspire, develop, and connect leaders of diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of recognizing new leaders who are already shaping the future of our county through service, innovation, and collaboration. LAA President & CEO Kris Valerio Shock (FLG06) recognized Leadership Anne Arundel’s sustaining sponsors and event partners, thanking them for their continued investment in leadership development. A special moment followed as LAA honored Carrol’s Creek Café and owner Jeff Jacobs (ELS11), a graduate of LAA’s Executive Leadership Series, with a ceremonial tie‑cutting celebrating the restaurant’s 43 years in business and recent renovation.
Joined by local and county officials, the recognition underscored Carrol’s Creek’s long-standing role in the community and its generous support of LAA’s New Leaders Celebration for more than a decade. The heart of the program was the recognition of the 2026 New Leader Honorees, individuals who have assumed significant leadership roles within the past year. County Executive Steuart Pittman offered reflections on his connection to Leadership Anne Arundel and the importance of lifting up emerging leaders, followed by introductions of new leaders serving at the state, county, and city levels. Mayor Jared Littmann also shared brief remarks before recognizing new City of Annapolis leaders. Additional honorees representing arts, education, health, and human services organizations were introduced by featured guests and community partners, highlighting the broad impact these leaders are already making across sectors. Each honoree was recognized with a certificate and welcomed with enthusiastic applause from family, colleagues, and fellow community leaders.
The morning concluded with breakfast and continued networking—true to the spirit of connection that defines Leadership Anne Arundel. The 2026 New Leaders Celebration reinforced the strength of our leadership community and the collective commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive county. Thank you to today’s Event Sponsors: our Host Sponsor, Carrol’s Creek Café, and Event Sponsors, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services and Annapolis City Marina —for their generous support and partnership in making the New Leaders Celebration Breakfast a success.
