LEADERSHIP MONTGOMERY ANNOUNCES CEO TRANSITION PLANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          

Rockville, Md (September 14, 2020)- Leadership Montgomery (LM), today announced that C. Marie Taylor has chosen to step down from her position as Chief Executive Officer effective September 30, 2020 to launch a boutique consulting firm focused on assisting corporations and nonprofit organizations examine their work through a race equity lens. The LM Board of Directors appointed Dana Pauley, LM’s Vice President of Philanthropic Investments, as Interim Executive Director to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities as the board embarks on an executive search for a new CEO.

“I am very proud of the work I accomplished in expanding Leadership Montgomery’s leadership programming, particularly advancing the dialogue around racial equity, inclusion, and diversity issues that are reflected in our programming,” said Ms. Taylor. “I look forward to continuing my work to advance racial equity and transform organizations and communities in the future,” added Ms. Taylor. She will remain at LM through September 30.

“C. Marie Taylor has played a pivotal role at Leadership Montgomery and we are grateful for her leadership,” said Dr. Marilyn Lynk, LM Board Chair. “C. Marie has been instrumental in taking LM’s legacy a step forward by assembling an incredibly capable professional staff, developing programming that reflects what is happening in our community, and building a very engaged and diverse membership,” noted Dr. Lynk.

Ms. Taylor made significant contribution to LM during the past five years:

  • Doubled and diversified LM’s revenue and leadership programming, and significantly grew its membership, membership retention, event participation, and staff expertise.
  • Increased LM’s relevance by embracing innovation and transforming legacy leadership programming into programs to reflect what is currently happening in our community.
  • Positioned LM as a thought partner in Montgomery County on racial equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice issues through leadership work such as the REAL Inclusion Program and Race Equity Training & Workshops.
  • Engaged more corporations by creating a continuum of engagement through events, training, and opportunities such as the Corporate Volunteer Council and BoardMatch Program.

“We are excited about the future of Leadership Montgomery and confident that Dana’s leadership positions us to continue delivering exceptional programming and engagement opportunities for our members as we search for a new CEO,” said Dr. Lynk. “LM has the resources in place to deliver the value and service our members, sponsors, and partners expect,” added Dr. Lynk.

Ms. Pauley joined the Leadership Montgomery team in July 2018 as Vice President of Philanthropic Investments. She leads the team that oversees fundraising, marketing, membership, events, and special programs, including the Corporate Volunteer Council and racial equity work.

In the transition, LM will build upon its momentum and continue making progress in racial equity, diversity and inclusiveness work, ensuring diversity in program attendance by removing barriers to participation, expanding the Emerging Leaders Program, and conducting this fall’s programming in a hybrid format incorporating both outdoor, in-person meetings with virtual learning.

About Leadership Montgomery

Leadership Montgomery is advancing Montgomery County through a network of more than 2,500 public, private and nonprofit leaders who share a commitment to making meaningful changes for a thriving community. In operation for more than 30 years, Leadership Montgomery educates, inspires, convenes and connects leaders through programs supported by a hands-on learning curriculum and service-based programs. Our program participants emerge better connected to people, organizations, and volunteer opportunities through improved understanding, services and relationships. Visit https://leadershipmontgomerymd.org/our-programs to learn more about our programs, events, professional development trainings and Leadership in Action initiatives like our racial equity workshops. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

###