by Staff Writer
Carroll Community College brought together over 20 regional leaders for its first-ever Carroll Catalyst Executive Leadership Summit on September 25, 2025. The event marked a major step toward strengthening the region’s economy and workforce through collaboration between business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
College President Dr. Rosalie Mince opened the summit by emphasizing the urgent need for a future-ready workforce. “Workforce readiness has never been more important,” she said. “With your insight and partnership, we can design a future that positions Carroll County as a leader in skills development and economic vitality.”
Held on the college campus, the summit introduced a new strategic plan based on the pillars of Enter to Learn, Experience, and Earn. Board of Trustees member Greg Kahlert described the plan as deeply rooted in community values and built to address real-world needs. “These pillars are not just aspirational—they are actionable,” he said. “They reflect the values of our institution and the vision of our Futures Think Tank.”
A key feature of the event was the unveiling of the Foresight Playbook, a new tool developed by the college’s Business Solutions department to guide organizations through change and innovation.
Attendees participated in interactive sessions, including PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) analysis, strategic planning exercises, and reflective activities focused on envisioning the future of higher education and local employment. Topics ranged from demographic changes and declining interest in traditional college pathways to the growing demand for alternative routes to skilled careers.
Michael McHale, Business Manager of IBEW Local 24, praised the summit’s collaborative spirit. “The opportunity to work with our community partners to advance our common goals of workplace training and skill development is timely,” he said. “I look forward to working with CCC to help our neighbors gain the knowledge and skills to achieve success in the field of their choice.”
Feedback from the summit pointed to a strong demand for programs in cybersecurity, agricultural technology, and business management. Participants also recommended expanding internships, launching innovation hubs, and embedding skills like civil discourse, adaptability, and media literacy into academic programs.
The College also announced the formation of the President’s Advisory Board, a group of regional leaders committed to guiding program development, validating job skills, and strengthening the local talent pipeline.
“This board will help us ensure that Carroll continues to be a catalyst for opportunity, economic growth, and regional prosperity,” said Dr. Mince.
The overwhelmingly positive response to the summit signals a strong appetite for ongoing collaboration between the College and its regional partners. Leaders expressed a shared sense of urgency in preparing students and workers for a rapidly evolving job market, with particular emphasis on aligning education with employer needs.
The summit also served as a launchpad for future initiatives, including expanding leadership training, enhancing regulatory compliance education, and developing micro-business tracks to support entrepreneurship. With the new President’s Advisory Board in place and momentum building, Carroll Community College is poised to serve as a driving force for innovation and inclusive economic development.
