Springdale Resident Will Mapp Graduates from Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program
By PRESS OFFICER
Qlarant
Easton, Md. (Dec. 3, 2025)—Leadership Maryland announced today that Will Mapp, CTO at Qlarant, Inc., has completed Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program, a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Leadership Maryland honored Mapp, a resident of Springdale, MD, and the entire Executive Program Class of 2025 at its 32nd graduation ceremony held December 2 at the Westin Annapolis. He is now a member of Leadership Maryland’s powerful alumni network, consisting of more than 1,600 esteemed leaders from all over the state.
Mapp was one of 51 individuals chosen by a committee to complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program. The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that book-ended five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions. Topics of discussion and review included the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities served as panelists and guest speakers.
“On behalf of our staff, board, and membership, I congratulate the Executive Program Class of 2025 and Emerging Leader 2nd Class on their incredible achievement,” said David Fike ’16 (LM), president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “The graduates of both programs have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, and I am confident they will continue to drive meaningful change in their communities and across Maryland as part of our alumni network.”
The Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state.
“What a terrific experience it is to be part of this program,” noted Mr. Mapp. “Qlarant has been a strong supporter of Leadership Maryland through the years, and I personally was impressed by the quality of the team, the leaders, and the participants.”
Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation—the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 600 people and has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Top Workplaces award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact boosp@qlarant.com
Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program selects as many as 53 diverse and accomplished senior-level leaders from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. And new in 2024, Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program brings together a class of 30–40 of the state’s rising stars and gives them the skills and tools they need to advance in their careers. With an alumni network comprised of leaders from all industries and regions of the state, Leadership Maryland has established thousands of Marylanders on their career leadership path, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence positive change. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101 or email info@leadershipmd.org
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Atkinson Named President & CEO of People Encouraging People
People Encouraging People, with an office in Hyattsville, is a non-profit providing life-changing behavioral healthcare and support.
New PEP leader has proven record of fiscal stewardship, mission-driven impact
By PRESS OFFICER
People Encouraging People
Baltimore (Dec. 3, 2025)—Aaron Atkinson has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of People Encouraging People (PEP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering recovery, resiliency, and independence for individuals with mental health support needs living in Baltimore City and five surrounding counties.
Atkinson brings more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a proven record of transformational leadership, fiscal stewardship, and mission-driven impact to his new position. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Western Montana, where he led strategic growth initiatives that improved and expanded services, strengthened financial sustainability, and advanced organizational culture.
“Aaron is an accomplished advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health diagnoses,” says PEP Board Chair Chamberlain Diala. “His success at The Arc Western Montana, coupled with his extensive background in directing multi-site operations, eliminating multimillion-dollar deficits, and enhancing program quality and staff engagement, will be instrumental in positioning PEP as one of Maryland’s top employers and expanding our service offerings in the jurisdictions in which we operate.”
Founded in 1982, People Encouraging People provides an array of behavioral health and supportive services across Maryland, including psychiatric rehabilitation, outpatient mental health, substance use treatment, and housing support. Guided by the principles of recovery and resiliency, PEP partners with individuals and communities to promote hope, health, and opportunity.
“PEP has a long and powerful history of helping people thrive through comprehensive, strength-based mental health services,” says Atkinson. “I am honored to join this mission-driven team and look forward to building on PEP’s legacy of providing services and supporting people in their mental health and well-being journeys.”
Prior to The Arc Western Montana, Atkinson held executive leadership roles with Community Options, Inc. and The Arc Baltimore. He has also served on multiple state and national boards and committees, including the National Conference of Executives, the Montana Association of Community Disability Services, and the Governor-appointed Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors.
A graduate of several executive leadership programs, including Leadership Baltimore County, Leadership Missoula, and the Maryland Leadership Institute, Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Prescott College and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland.
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