Frederick, MD – Rivers & Roads Consulting announces that Chris Wheedleton is serving as Leadership Consultant for LEAD Maryland Class XIV, guiding a new cohort of emerging leaders through a two-year fellowship focused on agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.
LEAD Maryland, a University of Maryland Extension Signature Program, brings together 20–25 leaders from across the state for an intensive leadership experience. The curriculum spans 11 multi-day seminars and a study tour, equipping Fellows with public issues education, leadership skills, and real-world insight.
Wheedleton joined Executive Director Susan Harrison and LEAD alumni in Frederick County to launch Seminar 1: Introduction to LEAD & Leadership. From the outset, he challenged Fellows to rethink traditional assumptions about authority and influence.
“Leadership is a practice — not a position,” Wheedleton shared during the opening session.
Building a Foundation for Two Years of Growth
Seminar 1 focused on core leadership disciplines that will anchor the two-year experience. Fellows examined the difference between leadership and management, explored how personal presence affects group dynamics, and discussed the role of credibility and civil discourse in public life.
They also worked through structured exercises designed to build trust and shared accountability within the class. Rather than treating the fellowship as a conference series, Wheedleton framed it as a learning contract — one that requires intention, reflection, and responsibility for impact.
By the end of the three-day seminar, the class had established group standards and clarified expectations for professional conduct, engagement, and feedback. That early alignment sets the tone for the remaining seminars.
Supporting Leadership Across Maryland’s Rural Communities
Over the next two years, Wheedleton will integrate leadership frameworks across all LEAD seminars. His role includes facilitating reflective practice, encouraging civil discourse, and helping Fellows translate insight into action within their communities.
The LEAD Maryland Fellowship aligns closely with the University of Maryland Extension mission and serves leaders across production agriculture, conservation, food systems, rural development, business, government, and education. In 2019, the program was designated an Extension Signature Program for its demonstrated public value and sustainability.
“Maryland’s agricultural and rural communities are navigating real change,” Wheedleton said. “Strong leadership will shape how those communities adapt and grow. It’s an honor to walk alongside this class as they build the skills and perspective needed for that work.”
Leadership Development as a Strategic Investment
Wheedleton’s work with LEAD Maryland reflects a broader focus at Rivers & Roads Consulting: helping organizations strengthen leadership capacity and align vision with execution.
The firm partners with nonprofits, foundations, associations, educational institutions, and public entities to:
Facilitate board retreats and strategic prioritization sessions
Deliver executive leadership training and coaching
Design leadership development programs
Guide organizational strategy and implementation planning
Support stakeholder engagement and civic alignment
“Chris brings a rare combination of corporate experience, public service insight, and deep agricultural roots,” said Sam Shoge, Partner at Rivers & Roads Consulting. “More importantly, he helps leaders examine how they show up, how they listen, and how they influence outcomes. That kind of work changes organizations.”
As LEAD Maryland Class XIV begins its two-year journey, Rivers & Roads celebrates the opportunity to invest in leaders who will shape the future of Maryland’s rural and agricultural communities.
Is your organization investing intentionally in leadership—or simply hoping it develops on its own?
If you’re building a cohort program, preparing your board for transition, or looking to elevate leadership across your organization, we’d welcome the opportunity to help you design a process that delivers lasting impact. Reach out through the form below to start the conversation.
