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Campus Alert

Carroll Catalyst Executive Leadership Summit Carroll Community College

A bold new chapter in Carroll County’s future began at Carroll Community College on September 25, 2025, as more than 20 regional leaders from business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors came together for the inaugural Carroll Catalyst Executive Leadership Summit—a day dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and charting the course for the future of the region’s workforce and economy.

Setting the Stage for Change

Greg Kahlert Carroll Catalyst Executive Leadership Summit Carroll Community College
Board of Trustees member Greg Kahlert welcoming participants

The leadership event opened with inspiring remarks from Carroll Community College President Dr. Rosalie Mince and Board of Trustees member Greg Kahlert, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for a day of forward thinking.

“Workforce readiness has never been more important,” Dr. Mince said. “With your insight and partnership, we can design a future that positions Carroll County as a leader in skills development and economic vitality.”

Mr. Kahlert echoed that message, highlighting the College’s new strategic plan—Enter to Learn, Experience, and Earn—a framework that connects education directly to economic opportunity. “These pillars are not just aspirational. They’re actionable,” he said. “They reflect both the values of our institution and the vision of our Futures Think Tank, which will shape a plan that is both ambitious and grounded in the needs of our region.”

Ideas in Action

Throughout the day, leadership participants rolled up their sleeves to engage in interactive sessions designed to spark new ways of thinking.

Workshops included:

  • A PESTEL analysis examining key political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal forces shaping the region.
  • Group exercises on growth strategies.
  • “Imagine” reflection activities focused on envisioning what’s possible for Carroll County’s workforce.

The conversations were lively and productive, tackling everything from demographic changes and technology integration to the shifting role of higher education and alternative career pathways.

“The opportunity to work with our community partners to advance our common goals of workplace training and skill development is timely,” said Michael McHale, Business Manager of IBEW Local 24. “I look forward to working with Carroll Community College to help our neighbors gain the knowledge and skills to achieve success in the field of their choice.”

From Insight to Impact

As part of the summit, attendees shared reflections on how Carroll can continue to lead in workforce and leadership development, including expanding offerings in such fields as business management, cybersecurity, and agricultural technology, as well as forming robust partnerships with local businesses, unions, and youth organizations.

Key ideas included:

  • Developing new academic programs and micro-business tracks
  • Embedding civil discourse and media literacy into the curriculum
  • Enhancing internships, apprenticeships, and innovation hubs
  • Supporting leadership development and regulatory compliance training

These ideas will directly inform the College’s Foresight Playbook, a new resource developed by Carroll’s Business Solutions designed to help leadership in organizations anticipate change and lead with intention.

President’s Advisory Board

Workforce readiness has never been more important. With your insight and partnership, we can design a future that positions Carroll County as a leader in skills development and economic vitality.

Dr Mince quote image Carroll Community College
Dr. Rosalie Mince President of Carroll Community College

A major highlight of the day was the announcement of the new President’s Advisory Board, a collaborative group that will ensure the College remains closely aligned with the needs of local employers and the broader community.

The Board’s mission is clear:

  • Validate the skills and credentials most in demand for local & regional employers
  • Shape academic programs and workforce initiatives to meet emerging needs
  • Strengthen the pipeline of qualified workers for Carroll County and beyond
  • Keep Carroll Community College responsive, innovative, and community-connected

Interest in joining the Advisory Board was exceptionally high, with leadership from across the county and region eager to participate.

“Your willingness to serve on the President’s Advisory Board is a powerful acknowledgment of our shared goals and mutual respect,” Dr. Mince said. “This Board will help us ensure that Carroll continues to be a catalyst for opportunity, economic growth, and regional prosperity.”

Catalyst for the Future

Carroll Catalyst Executive Leadership Summit Group Carroll Community College

The Carroll Catalyst Summit was more than an event—it was a statement of intent. It demonstrated that when leadership comes together with purpose, they can create a shared vision for a thriving community.

Carroll Community College is proud to lead that charge, empowering individuals, inspiring collaboration, and building a stronger, more resilient future for all of Carroll County.

Be Part of Carroll’s Catalyst for Change

Explore our leadership & workforce training opportunities.