Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO) Manager of the Rural Business Innovation Initiative recognized at June 6 ceremony
COLUMBIA, Md. (July 14, 2023) – Towson University recently announced that Karen Zuccardi, Manager of the Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) at TEDCO, completed the Next Level Leaders Program, a signature program of the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute. The Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute honored the second cohort of twenty-two participants who completed this program on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 at Towson University.
The Next Level Leaders Program is an eight-month program designed to empower mid-level managers looking to elevate their leadership skills; through a results-driven, intensive and cohort-based experience, individuals across sectors engage in interactive learning experiences. These diverse experiences allow for the discovery of self-exploration, uncover intergenerational workplace motivators, practice intentional influencing through various leadership styles, forge team collective leadership to drive goals forward, and harness strategies and hands-on application to foster employee engagement. 
Reflecting on her experience in the Next Level Leaders Program, Zuccardi shared, “The program helped me envision a fully holistic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state, and I am excited to see how my research and presentation support my role in the upcoming opportunities and projects that TEDCO’s RBII tackles.”
Zuccardi brings a wealth of experience to her role at TEDCO. As the Manager of RBII, she oversees the development and growth of tech entrepreneurs in Maryland’s northern territories. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem and works closely with TEDCO’s partners in this region to bring resources and mentoring opportunities to rural communities.
The program is open to mid-level leaders committed to expanding the impact they contribute to their organizations and communities. For more information about The Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute’s Next Level Leaders Program please visit Next Level Leaders | The Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute | Towson University or email grasmickleadership@towson.edu.
About Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University
Developed by leaders, for leaders, the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute offers a values-driven and robust portfolio of offerings for individuals and organizations that create transformational outcomes for leaders at any level in their careers and across all industries. The Institute aspires to positively impact the region and beyond through results-producing and ethical leadership development. The Institute builds on TU’s ongoing commitment to community and business engagement while serving as a key regional asset—uniquely supporting leadership recruitment, development and retention to allow our state and region to thrive.
About the Next Level Leaders Program
Next Level Leaders empowers mid-level managers to take their leadership to the next level over the course of eight months. Next Level Leaders is a results-oriented, eight-module leadership development experience. Participants are guided through an interactive learning journey designed to amplify key leadership skills, develop coaching strategies, and encourage participants to apply their learnings to make a meaningful impact on their organizational culture.