Leadership Howard County, which seeks to empower leaders to strengthen and transform the community, named Anne Brinker chair of the organization’s board of directors. Brinker brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, program and grant management, strategic planning and operations.

Brinker is chief operating officer for the Horizon Foundation, Howard County’s community health foundation, where she oversees all finance, technology, human resources, facility and day-to-day business operations. Previously, she was vice president and director of operations for the Community Action Council of Howard County, director of strategic organizational planning for Columbia Association and village manager for the King’s Contrivance Community Association.

In addition to her work for Leadership Howard County, Brinker has served on the Howard County Economic Opportunity and Prosperity Task Force. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from the University of Notre Dame and an executive certificate in creating collaborative solutions from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Serving with Brinker on Leadership Howard County’s executive committee will be Vice Chair Wynne Hayes of Pfizer, Treasurer Joe Garrison of StratWealth, Secretary Judy Smith of On Point Consulting, General Membership Chair Shaun Eddy of Oxford Planning Group, Past Chair Alex Adler of Fisher Investments and General Counsel Paul Skalny of Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny.

Leadership Howard County also elected Suzi Padgett of Long & Foster to the board. She previously chaired the general membership steering committee. Trevor Garner of Idea Crew, Judy Smith of On Point Consulting and Karen Trendler of Sandy Spring Bank were reelected for additional three-year terms.

Leadership Howard County provides innovative programs designed to empower and connect community leaders and keep them engaged in the critical issues facing Howard County and the region. Drawn from private businesses, nonprofits and the public sector, Leadership Howard County participants share a common interest in learning more about their community and a commitment to making a positive impact. (www.leadershiphc.org)