Season 2, Episode 7: A Leader’s Toolbox: Striking Balance, Making Connections, and Establishing Trust

“[Good leaders] have an openness to things we may not know, or even be interested in at the onset. Oftentimes, leaders have grown to a point where they’re experts in their field, but we always have the opportunity to learn more and grow more.” – Eli Modlin ‘19 (LM)

In this episode, Eric Brotman ’09 (LM), and guest host Eliot Pfanstiehl (LM) are joined by Eli Modlin ’19 (LM), Chief of Staff and Director of Government and Community Relations at Salisbury University. Eli and the hosts discuss how Salisbury University has navigated political, social, and COVID-19 issues, while faculty and staff have worked together to assist students and families during this unprecedented time. Eli shares insight on leadership roles within the University, and how the institution goes above and beyond to engage with and support the greater Salisbury community. 

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In this episode, we discuss: 

• Salisbury University’s status after the impacts of COVID-19, the role of government and community relations with the University, and the power of strategic planning and pivoting
• How balance and trust are essential skills of a leader, helping them stay true to their mission
• The importance of collaboration, and how it helps institutions move towards progress
• The Leadership Maryland experience and how it prepares participants to be better leaders with a more diverse understanding of what happens within an organization

About our guest: 
Eli Modlin has served as Chief of Staff at Salisbury University since July 31, 2019.  Prior to this position, Modlin held roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Government and Community Relations.
 
Eli graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in communication arts and a minor in political science, spending his summers in Washington, D.C. as a U.S. Capitol intern. At Salisbury University, he served as president and general manager of the campus TV station, SUTV, where he conducted interviews with dozens of state and local leaders including Governor Larry Hogan, Senator Chris Van-Hollen and other members of Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, and local elected officials.
 
In addition to the President’s Executive Staff, he chairs the Town-Gown Council and serves on the PACE Steering Committee, Safety Task Force, Neighborhood Relations Committee, and Strategic Planning and Budgeting Committee.
 
Prior to joining SU, Eli served as the Public Affairs Officer for the Comptroller of Maryland where, as a member of the Communications Team, he was responsible for writing speeches, talking points, and briefing memorandums for the agency. Before joining the Communications team, he served as the special liaison officer and handled constituent matters and staffed the Comptroller in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Howard, and Wicomico Counties.
 
Eli is a member of the Salisbury University Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa and an active alumnus of Mount Saint Joseph High School. He is also a member of the inaugural class of the Transformational Leadership Program, a collaboration between Salisbury University and the Greater Salisbury Committee to engage the next generation of leaders.
 
Beyond the University, Modlin serves on the board of directors of My Brother’s Keeper, a Baltimore organization that provides workforce development and meals for those in need, and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. He also is a member of the National Folk Festival Executive Committee and the Leadership Maryland Class of 2019.

Season 2, Episode 6: Spotting the Difference: Are You an Average or Outstanding Leader?
 
“Average leaders tell people what they want to hear, while outstanding leaders tell people what they need to hear.” – Sean Looney ‘96 

This month on Engaging Leaders, we welcome Sean Looney ‘96, vice president of state government affairs for Comcast NBCUniversal. Listen as Sean discusses which qualities separate average leaders from outstanding ones, and why true leaders are defined by their ability to adapt to circumstances, ask questions, and engage in uncomfortable conversations.

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In this episode, we discuss:

• The traits of effective leadership during COVID-19
• How to spot an average leader vs. an outstanding leader
• The importance of asking questions and engaging in open dialogue to reach your destination
• Integrity and toxicity in politics
• The impact of the media on leadership
• The power of community engagement and collaboration—why it’s beneficial to encourage people to become engaged with the public policy process

About Our Guest:
Sean Looney is vice president of state government affairs for Comcast NBCUniversal. He represents the company before state-elected and appointed officials in Maryland and Delaware. Sean has worked in state and federal government affairs for more than 30 years for NJ Bell, Bell Atlantic, Verizon, and Comcast. He is a 1996 graduate of Leadership Maryland and received the Leadership Maryland Leader of the Year Award in 2003. Sean has served in leadership positions for numerous business and community organizations. He lives in Annapolis, MD and Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ with his wife and two children. 

Season 2, Episode 5: Crisis 101: Over-Communicating, the Alignment of Control, and Finding Balance In-Between

“Seek examples of effective leadership in unusual places—go out of your way to thank people and listen to what they share with you.” – Joseph DeMattos ‘08

In this episode, Eric Brotman ‘09, and guest host Eliot Pfanstiehl (LM) are joined by Joseph DeMattos ‘08, president of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM). During the conversation, Eric, Eliot, and Joseph discuss leadership lessons from COVID-19—particularly in the healthcare industry—and how to lead from where you are, while understanding the importance of over-communication and the mirage of control during crisis.
 
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In this episode, we discuss:

• How leaders identify what they can vs. what they can’t control and how the alignment of control makes a difference during times of crisis
• The impact of COVID-19 on skilled nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and more and how healthcare leaders successfully navigated specific aspects of the pandemic
• How to distill what you know vs. what you don’t know, and prioritizing information to be shared based on importance and urgency of nature
• The benefits of a public-private partnership during times of adversity
• The overall multi-generational impact of experiencing a different kind of world war

 
About our guest:
In April 2009, Joseph DeMattos, Jr., MA became president of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) – the oldest and largest long-term care association in the state representing skilled nursing, sub-acute facilities, assisted living programs, and continuing care retirement communities. As president, DeMattos is responsible for managing and leading HFAM, a voluntary provider community association chartered in 1948 as the Maryland Nursing Home Association.
 
Prior to joining HFAM, DeMattos was AARP’s senior state director of Maryland—which has more than 875,000 members. He was responsible for the management of the AARP Maryland State Office in Baltimore, and charged with directing the organization’s advocacy, community service, and educational activities statewide.
 
DeMattos served in leadership roles for AARP’s Medicare Prescription Drug and Social Security campaigns. Prior to becoming state director, DeMattos was AARP’s interim Director of Advocacy where he directed government relations and advocacy nationwide.
 
DeMattos has more than 28 years of professional and community service experience in the fields of communications, community outreach, public relations, and government relations.
 
Before joining AARP, DeMattos was a government relations and crisis communications practitioner at a prominent Hawaii public relations firm. DeMattos served on Hawaii Governor John Waihee’s Executive Chamber staff and on the Office of Information staff. In Hawaii, DeMattos also served on the staff of the Attorney General and as a legislative aide in the State House.
 
DeMattos is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and is also a past president of the University of Hawaii Alumni Association. DeMattos holds a Master of Arts in Government from Johns Hopkins University. He has completed executive education studies in Management at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. He is also an alumnus of the Pacific Century Fellows Program, a Hawaii-Pacific program modeled after the White House Fellows. He is an alumnus of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2008.

Season 2, Episode 4: Past, Present, Future: Analyzing Multigenerational Leadership

“Being a strong leader is about being yourself and developing your own footsteps. If you want people to follow you, you need to take on a cause.” – Jim Perdue '00

This month, Eric Brotman ‘09 and guest host Memo Diriker ‘12 are joined by Jim Perdue ‘00, chairman of Perdue Farms, for a conversation about how Perdue Farms has navigated the pandemic, the different dynamics of family leadership, and the importance of diversity in decision-making. 

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In this episode, we discuss:

• The pandemic’s impact on food production, distribution, and safety
• Jim’s personal leadership style in comparison to his father, Frank Perdue’s and his grandfather, Arthur W. Perdue’s —and how diversity among leadership aids the decision-making process
• The next chapter for Perdue and the process of preparing younger generations to lead
• How Perdue continues to keep employees across the nation well-informed, safe, and productive
• The importance of “taking on a cause” as a high-level leader

About our guest:
Jim Perdue has been the chairman and advertising spokesman of Perdue Farms since 1991. He is a third-generation leader of the company founded by his grandfather in 1920. In 1983, Jim Perdue accepted the invitation from his father, Frank Perdue, to return to the family business. Over the next eight years, he worked various plant management jobs and was then named vice president of quality improvement.
 
Under Jim’s leadership, Perdue has grown from an East-coast centered label of premium fresh chicken to a national roster of premium protein brands which includes chicken, turkey, pork, beef and lamb; in addition, Perdue Agribusiness went from a regional grain and oilseed business to a multi-faceted international player. His leadership guided Perdue to become a leader in workplace safety and associate health, including innovative wellness programs.
 
Jim’s commitment to earning consumer trust guided Perdue to becoming the first major poultry company to move all of its chicken to no-antibiotics-ever protocols. In 2016, Jim announced the company’s Commitments to Animal Care, a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming Perdue’s approach to raising chickens.
 
As Chairman, Jim is responsible for ensuring the company stays true to its vision and values and ensuring that the company continues to build on its strong corporate responsibility programs, especially continued leadership in elevating animal care and in strengthening relationships with farmers.
 
Jim received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University, a master’s degree in marine biology from the University of Massachusetts at North Dartmouth, a doctorate in fisheries from the University of Washington Seattle, and his MBA from Salisbury University in Maryland. Jim is a member of Leadership Maryland’s class of 2000, he serves on the board of the National Chicken Council and the board of the Oyster Recovery Project, and he is extremely active in the local community.

Season 2, Episode 3: Understanding the Value of the Human Experience

“Leading is not about having the answers—it’s about marshalling the resources, supporting others, and helping to get to the solution.” – Phoebe Stein ‘10

In this episode, Eric Brotman '09 is joined by the President of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, Phoebe Stein ’10, to discuss the overall mission and values of the councils, why it’s critical to invest in the humanities—art, philosophy, literature, ethics, history, and more—the pandemic’s impact on new leadership roles, and the importance of relationship building.

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In this episode, we discuss:

• The role of the Federation of State Humanities Councils and how the various councils are offering free, accessible public humanities to their communities
• The pandemic’s impact on art, philosophy, literature, history, and more
• How to respond to leadership challenges brought on by the pandemic—navigating change and transition and embracing new competencies
• The importance of learning with the community and from the community, and how the councils are helping younger generations find connections through meaningful experiences

​About our guest:
Phoebe Stein is president of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, the membership association of state and jurisdictional humanities councils founded in 1977. The Federation provides leadership, advocacy, and information to help member humanities councils advance public programs that engage millions of citizens across diverse populations in community and civic life. The Federation also strives to create greater awareness of the value of the humanities— history, literature, philosophy, ethics, the law—in public and private life. Stein serves on the board of the National Humanities Alliance and on the advisory councils of BFG Financial Advisors and Humanities Indicators, a project of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
 
Stein was the executive director for Maryland Humanities from 2008 to 2020 and has been an advocate for the humanities at local, state, and federal levels for more than 20 years. During her tenure at Maryland Humanities, Stein expanded the council’s partnerships and resources and hosted a radio spot, “Humanities Connection,” while advancing several of the council’s flagship programs, including Maryland History Day, Museum on Main Street, and One Maryland One Book. She served on the Federation’s Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017 as both vice chair and as a member of the Legislative Committee. In 2016, she was recognized as one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” by The Daily Record. She is also a member of the 2010 class of Leadership Maryland. Before joining the Maryland council, Stein was the director of public affairs at Illinois Humanities. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in English from Loyola University of Chicago and her B.A. in English from the University of Michigan. 

Season 2, Episode 2: Optimism, Inspiration, Innovation: The Keys to Moving Forward

​“Always be prepared to expect the unexpected. The world will constantly be pushing in on you, but your inner confidence will provide your inner stability—watch your inner thoughts and talk because they often determine your outward actions.” – Dr. Jim Fielder, ‘98

In this episode, Eric Brotman '09 is joined by Maryland Higher Education Secretary Dr. James Fielder ’98 to discuss the status of higher education in Maryland—including how to move forward as a state during unprecedented times. Throughout the episode, Fielder hones in on the importance of lifelong learning, educated workforces, and how to stay relevant and ahead of the curve in the workplace and within educational institutions.
 
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In this episode, we discuss:

• The key differences of leadership and management
• The status of innovative learning and how it will impact the workforce
• How higher education has adapted and evolved—particularly during the pandemic—and the future of brick and mortar universities and educational institutions
• How to encourage and implement lifelong learning for members of the community
• The difference between engaging and enduring in the workplace

 
About our guest:
Maryland Higher Education Secretary Dr. James D. Fielder is an effective and highly regarded executive and public servant with a passion for leading change. Fielder is focused on improving the economic well-being of Marylanders through educational and business opportunities. 
 
He has been appointed by four Maryland governors, providing his talents and expertise in numerous leadership capacities.  These include:

• Current Secretary of Maryland Higher Education Commission
• Secretary of Appointments
• Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
• Deputy & Acting Secretary for Business and Economic Development
• Assistant Secretary for Department of Economic & Employment Development
• Governor Hogan’s Transition Team Member

 
He also served as Towson University’s Vice President of Finance & Administration, as well as the Director of Budget, Personnel & Institutional Research at the University of Michigan – Flint. Secretary Fielder obtained his Ph.D. at Michigan State University in higher education, his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park, and he is a Leadership Maryland Class of ’98 graduate and a past board member. 

Season 2, Episode 1: Using true leadership connections to create significance for others. 
​
“Just about anybody can become a better leader than they start off being if they understand what leadership really is. Leadership is not just power—it’s a reciprocal process that takes you and someone else to accomplish. You can’t do it all on your own.” – Eliot Pfanstiehl (LM)

In our Season 2 premiere, Eric Brotman '09 is joined by Eliot Pfanstiehl (LM), who represents all things leadership—having served as program facilitator for Leadership Maryland, Leadership Montgomery, Leadership Southern Maryland, Leadership Washington County, and Leadership Allegany since their inception. Throughout the episode, Eric and Eliot walk listeners through the Leadership Maryland experience—highlighting the intimacy and state-wide networking opportunities created during the program, as well as the vast perspectives, ideas, and issues that participants encounter. Eliot breaks down what it really means to be a leader and how to use leadership tools to create positive change for others. He also explains why any message about his departure from Leadership Maryland was premature. That's right; Eliot has decided to rejoin us for the Class of 2021!

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Topics covered in this conversation include:

• How to use the Leadership Maryland network and the transformational leadership experiences that occur throughout the program and after graduation
• The formula for getting people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of life to open up and collaborate with one another
• The importance of studying models of other leaders and mobilizing resources
• Breaking down what leadership is versus what it is not—the why vs. the how
• How to use your leadership skills to benefit and create value for others
• The impact of 2020 on the arts, reinventing social learning, and the rebirth of community organizations 

About our guest:
Eliot Pfanstiehl (LM) is Founding CEO Emeritus of the Strathmore Hall Arts Center in Bethesda, MD. Born in Washington, D.C. and a life-long resident of Montgomery County, he is a graduate of George Washington University, where he majored in psychology. After college, he worked for the Maryland State Department of Education and went on to be the arts coordinator for Montgomery County Government in Montgomery County, Maryland. During his time there, he opened the original Round House Theatre. In 1983, he was hired as the first Executive Director of the Strathmore Hall Foundation. Inc. and went on to build the world class Music Center at Strathmore and Pike and Rose AMP Strathmore. He conceived and launched the Strathmore East County Initiative and the innovative Partnership with MCPS and Strathmore called Think Big Café.
 
He’s served as the chairman of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and the Montgomery County Conference and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Pfanstiehl founded and served as president of the Montgomery County Arts Council, the League of Washington Theatres, the MetroArt I and II Consortiums, and Maryland Leadership Workshops, Inc. He has facilitated over 400 non-profit retreats, leadership training workshops, and educational conferences.
 
He has served as program facilitator for Maryland’s leadership programs and was a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Greater Washington, a member of the National State Leadership Directors, and currently serves as a founding board member of the National Give a Note Foundation.
 
Within the cultural industry, Mr. Pfanstiehl has served on the boards of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington; Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre Foundation of Maryland; Community and Friends Board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Round House Theatre; Maryland College of Art and Design; Black Rock Center for the Arts; Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County, and the Maryland Association of Non-Profit Organizations.
 
Mr. Pfanstiehl was named 2001 Washingtonian of the Year for his leadership in a new 2,000 seat Concert Hall and Arts Education Center at Strathmore scheduled to open in 2005. He and his anthropologist spouse, Cynthia, are proud parents of their four grown children in Silver Spring, Maryland where they are adapting to retirement by being busier than ever.

Episode 6: The steps to improving Baltimore City’s businesses, industries, and communities
 
“If there’s anything that I’ve learned in 2020 it’s to listen; you can learn an immense amount and become a better leader if you just listen.” – Kim Clark, 09

In this episode, Eric Brotman ‘09 is joined by the Executive Vice President of the City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), Kim Clark ’09. Throughout the episode, Kim discusses her unique background, and how it led her to serving 21 years at the BDC, the different challenges of Baltimore City and how to approach them, the pandemic’s impact on commercial and residential real estate, the status of transportation, and more.

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Topics covered in this conversation include:

•  How unconventional experiences can shape an individual into a leader
• The importance of mentoring younger generations
• The challenges facing Baltimore City and its surrounding areas
• Breaking down commercial real estate and diving into the residential mindset during 2020
• Baltimore City’s job creation status and the positive outcomes of 2020
• Exploring the future of transportation—namely commuters, construction, and congestion—in Baltimore and beyond

 
About our Guest:
Kim Clark is the Executive Vice President of the City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC). In her capacity as EVP, Kim oversees neighborhood development, business development, real estate development, capital budgeting, small and minority owned business initiative, innovation development, marketing, research and analytics.
 
Among her achievements at BDC, Kim helped structure public private partnership financing for several major redevelopment projects, including several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects; Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS) for several major developments, and the financing of several grocery store projects.  She was instrumental in retaining several businesses of all sizes and assisted smaller businesses with expansions. Kim represented the City in the development of the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, the redevelopment of Inner Harbor East and Belvedere Square, as well as several other projects.
 
Kim is the Immediate Past President of the Maryland Economic Development Association, President of the MEDA Foundation, Governance Chair of the Urban Land Institute Baltimore Council, Board member of the Emerging Technology Centers, Small Business Resource Center, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc., and is a member of the International Economic Development Council. In 2016 Kim was named by the Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, received the Mayor’s Medal for Meritorious Service, and was honored by Mercy High School with the Sister M. Joannes Clifford Distinguished Alumni award.  Kim graduated Leadership Maryland in 2009 and is a Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Class of 2007 graduate.

Episode 5: The Impact of Innovation: Understanding What it Means to Serve the Community
 
“Any leader needs to have a lot of patience. Jumping to conclusions is not where we need to be as leaders. You have to sit back and soak in the information in order to determine the best paths moving forward.” – Kelly Schulz ’16

In this episode, Eric Brotman '09 and cohost Renée Winsky '05 are joined by Kelly Schulz ’16, Maryland Secretary of Commerce, to discuss how to be a leader that creates change for the community instead of for themselves. Schulz dives into Maryland’s workforce development and how to inspire, encourage, and provide citizens—especially Maryland’s youth and local business owners—with the resources they need in order to succeed and benefit the community.
 
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Listen to this conversation to learn:

• How to enhance your own leadership skills by experiencing the different leadership styles and perspectives of your colleagues
• The best ways to support your peers and the community, and how to provide resources and guidance during challenging times
• How to effectively shift gears as a leader and grow from your failures
• The importance of listening and connecting to your constituents in order to make a real difference
• How to use optimism, empathy, and inclusivity to improve and progress our State
• The pros and cons of living in the age of social media, and the importance of providing the community with factual, educational resources

​About our Guest:
Secretary Kelly M. Schulz brings a wealth of knowledge to the Maryland Department of Commerce from her years of experience working in the government, in the private sector, and as a small business owner. Previously, she has served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), and is also a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates. 
 
A former member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Frederick County, she served on the Economic Matters Committee from 2011- 2015. In addition to local issues, then Delegate Schulz took special interest in legislation relating to banks and other financial institutions, business, occupations and professions, economic development, labor and employment, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation. 
 
Prior to embarking on a career of public service, Secretary Schulz sold real estate, worked as a program manager for a defense contractor, and was a part-owner of a cyber security firm. She is proud to participate as a member in many local community organizations including the Libertytown-Unionville Lions Club, the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, Leadership Maryland Class of ’16, and as a past Board member of the Frederick County Habitat for Humanity.
 
Secretary Schulz obtained her Associates degree from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York and later obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.