This message is to share the news that our Executive Director, Jeff Fuchs, is taking on a new role with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jeff will be leading a massive effort to bring Lean to one of America's largest departments of Federal government. While Jeff will retain the title of Executive Director, we also recognize that he will not have time to manage day-to-day operations of the MWCC.

At the Board of Directors Meeting on August 22, we voted to establish a new role of Managing Director. The Board was also charged with selecting the best candidate, and we unanimously agreed on Joyce La Padula for this key leadership position.

Joyce is uniquely qualified for this responsibility. She is a member of our Board and is well known within the MWCC community. She has been involved with the Consortia since its inception and has served in roles of increasing leadership over that time.

Please join me in welcoming Joyce to her new role and thanking Jeff for his outstanding contributions over the last ten years.

John B. King, PE

Chairman, Maryland World Class Consortia

Without a doubt, I am beyond excited to be assuming the role of Managing Director of the Maryland World Class Consortia. In 1998, I had the opportunity to be part of its creation and launch by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and played an integral role in the MWCC's growth and development until my departure in 2008. I have also been privileged to remain connected to the Consortia as a Board member. My passion for the Consortia and its mission never waned; therefore, it is truly a joy to return to lead this organization.

In the more than two decades since the inception of the Consortia, we laid the foundation for this unique, 501(c)(3) membership organization. Be watching for a relaunch of our current workshops as well as expanded program offerings and value-added events.

I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors, engaging with our members and network, and growing and strengthening our footprint in the world of performance excellence.

Members and Friends of the  MWCC:

This month marks my tenth year as Executive Director of the Maryland World Class Consortia, and the time is right for me to step aside to make way for new leadership.

I pass the helm of the Maryland World Class Consortia on to Joyce La Padula, someone well known to many of you. Through Joyce's long tenures as the Consortia's Program Director and with the Maryland Department of Commerce, she worked to grow manufacturing and other sectors of the State's economy. She brings a deep understanding of the MWCC, continuous improvement, and business operations. Please join me in welcoming her as the Consortia's new Managing Director.

I have been blessed to be a part of the MWCC from its start twenty-two years ago, first on the founding Board, then with a member company, and later as a consultant service provider. By far, my most rewarding role has been this past decade as Executive Director, helping Maryland's businesses, government, and non-profit organizations on their Journeys of Continuous Improvement. It has been gratifying beyond words.