Leadership Howard County’s Annual Dinner, Awards and Graduation

Leadership Howard County, which seeks to empower leaders to strengthen and transform the community, will recognize program alumni for their service to Howard County at the organization’s annual dinner and graduation. The event will take place June 11 from 5 to 8:45 p.m. at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, Maryland.

Ananta Hejeebu received the Distinguished Alumni award, which recognizes a Leadership Howard County graduate who has worked to better the community. In addition to serving Grace Community Church and coaching local sports teams, Hejeebu supports local organizations including the Howard County Autism Society, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of Howard County and Salvation Army. Hejeebu recently served on the Howard County Board of Education and is a managing partner with Howard Tech Advisors. He graduated from Leadership Howard County’s Leadership Premier program in 2008.

Tom Burtzlaff received the Unsung Hero award, which recognizes a Leadership Howard County graduate whose efforts have gone unrecognized. Burtzlaff has served on the board of local organizations including Making Change, Red Branch Theatre and the Rotary Club of Columbia, and he also mentors youth in Leadership Howard County’s Leadership U program. He is the president of CMIT Solutions of Columbia and graduated from Leadership Howard County’s Leadership Premier program in 2013.

Phyllis Madachy received the Leadership Legacy award, which celebrates a community member whose sustained service has helped Howard County. Madachy began delivering meals to Howard County’s elderly residents in 1974, kicking off a decades-long career dedicated to improving the lives of Howard County’s elderly and disabled citizens. Now retired, Madachy is a community volunteer and graduated from Leadership Howard County’s Leadership Premier program in 1999.

During the event, Leadership Howard County’s 2019 classes of Leadership Premier and Leadership Essentials will graduate.