Leadership Oakland Announces 2022 Leader of Leaders Award Recipients

Leadership Oakland, Oakland County’s largest leadership and networking organization serving Southeast Michigan, recently announced the 2022 Leader of Leaders Award recipients. More than 100 professionals gathered on June 16 in Auburn Hills to celebrate Leadership Oakland’s 30th anniversary which took place during the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to announce Mark Geary, Senior Director of Communications at Beaumont Health; Rachel Hurst, Corporate Affairs Manager at Kroger, and Dustin McClellan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pontiac Community Foundation as this year’s Leader of Leaders Award recipients,” said Susan Hollady, Leadership Oakland Executive Director. “Each of these incredible professionals exemplifies what it means to be a leader in today’s ever-changing world."

“I am truly honored to receive the Leader of Leaders award along with the other esteemed trailblazers in Oakland County,” said Hurst. "Building strong community connections for the overall betterment of our county and state is a strong passion of mine. Together we are always better.”

Since 1990, Leadership Oakland’s Cornerstone Program has brought together more than 1,500 leaders from corporate, civic, and nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Graduates of the program utilize their knowledge and network from Leadership Oakland becoming key contributors, board members and executives across the globe.

“I am honored to be recognized and proud to be an alumnus of Leadership Oakland. I have had many mentors over the years, including other Leadership Oakland alumni. I think it’s critically important to have a network of people who support you throughout your career. And, I’ve enjoyed helping to mentor the next generation of communications leaders through my work at BHSH System, Beaumont Health and beyond,” Mark Geary, Beaumont Health Senior Director of Communications, said.

As a proud member of Leadership Oakland's first class in 1990, the best class ever, Nancy Quarles was awarded the very first Distinguished Alumni Award. Nancy is currently the Vice Chair of the Oakland County Road Commission and has had an extensive career serving the community. She was elected to multiple terms of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and the Michigan House of Representatives. She was the first Vice Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party and served on the Democratic National Committee. In January, 2022 Nancy was appointed to the Michigan State Officers Compensation Commission for a four-year term.

“Nancy embodies servant leadership,” said Hollady. “She has spent her life and career cultivating change and serving our community. Being a part of Leadership Oakland helped Nancy pave the way forward for both herself and the organization. It’s truly an honor to award her as the 2022 Distinguished Alumni, an award that we created with her in mind!”

For more information about Leadership Oakland and its upcoming Cornerstone class opportunities, visit www.leadershipoakland.com.

Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. Along with additional educational events, the organization provides a nine-month Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region.

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