Join us for an in-depth workshop on succession planning, designed to help business owners, leaders, and advisors prepare for a seamless transition of leadership. This five part series will cover essential strategies for identifying key roles, grooming future leaders, and creating a succession plan that ensures business continuity and long-term growth. Whether you’re just starting to think about succession or looking to refine an existing plan, this workshop provides the insights and tools needed to secure the future success of your organization.

Session One: Marketing from the Executive Director’s Perspective
Date/Time: January 17, 2025 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location:Junior Achievement Center
Presenter: Jayme Hayes, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore
About The Presenter: Jayme L. Hayes is a passionate leader and advocate for education and community development. A 2001 graduate of Salisbury University, she was named Personal Trainer of the Year by the Daily Times in 2004 and founded The Dinner Company, Inc., shortly after. As President of Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore since 2007, Jayme has driven the organization to earn a 5-Star JA USA rating for 17 years and numerous accolades, including the Richard A. Henson Award for Non-Profit Excellence. In 2024, she received JA USA’s Charles R. Hook Award for her leadership. She also led a $7.5 million capital campaign, creating the 25,000-square-foot Perdue Henson JA Center, a first-of-its-kind educational facility in Salisbury. Jayme’s dedication extends to roles with the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, the Perdue School of Business, and the Wicomico Education Foundation. She was Young Professional of the Year in 2013 and one of the Top 45 Women Leaders on the Shore in 2011. A black belt in Tai Jitsu and certified career coach, Jayme balances her professional achievements with her devotion to her two daughters, her greatest inspiration.

Session Two: Cross-Team Collaboration from the Director’s Perspective
Date/Time: February 21, 2025 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
Presenter: Sonya Whited, Senior Director of Product Development and Innovation, Perdue Farms
About The Presenter: Sonya Whited, Senior Director of Product Development and Innovation at Perdue Farms, is passionate about people and guiding them toward success. While deeply analytical, she thrives on teamwork and collaboration, particularly in bringing individuals together to solve problems or improve efficiency. Her proven track record includes successfully executing projects by leveraging technical expertise, implementing project management tools, and enhancing cross-functional communication. Sonya excels in fostering teamwork across diverse groups within the company, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve optimal project outcomes, and demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills. These qualities, outlined in her business philosophy, are integral to both her professional endeavors and her commitment to community service, which she considers a vital part of her life. She embraces the personal hashtag #AuthenticCollaborator to reflect her approach.

Session Three: Developing a Growth Mindset & Carving Your Own Path 
Date/Time: March 21, 2025 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
Presenter: Christopher Eccleston, Founder & President, Delmarva Veteran Builders
About The Presenter: Chris Eccleston, a Navy veteran, founded Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), a dynamic commercial construction firm driven by a “veteran attitude” that has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. Committed to veteran employment, DVB maintains a workforce of veterans, guardsmen, and reservists, earning the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. As DVB expanded, it emphasized company culture, marketing, and workforce development. Chris also launched Trashforce, a roll-off trash service for the Lower Shore. His accolades include 40 Under 40 by Building Design + Construction, Maryland Capital Enterprises’ Entrepreneur of the Year, the Comptroller of Maryland’s Bright Lights Award, and the WeHeartSBY Award. A University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate with a degree in construction management and an MBA from Salisbury University, Chris is deeply involved in his community. He serves on the boards of Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development and the Greater Salisbury Committee and is a past president of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. Chris resides in Salisbury with his wife and their two children, embracing family life, youth sports, travel, and outdoor adventures.

Session Four: From Planning to Legacy: Mastering the Stages of Succession 
Date/Time: April 11, 2025 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
Presenter: Jim Hartstein, CIC CRM CWCA, Principal, The Insurance Market
About The Presenter: Jim W. Hartstein, CIC, CRM, CWCA, began at The Insurance Market in 2006 and currently serves as a Principal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from Elon University. With certifications as a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM) from The National Alliance, as well as as a Certified Workers Compensation Advisor (CWCA) from The WorkComp Institute, Jim brings extensive expertise to his role. Jim’s dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. He has served as past chair for the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Holly Center Citizens Advisory Council, Greater Salisbury Committee, and TidalHealth Foundation. Currently, he is the chair of TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and coaches in the Fruitland Falcons football league. Jim’s commitment to community service and leadership is as strong as his dedication to his profession, making him a valued asset both in and out of the workplace.

Session Five: Passing the Baton: Succession Strategies for Small Businesses 
Date/Time: May 16, 2025 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
Presenter: Eric Johnston, CFP®, President & Financial Advisor, InFocus Financial Advisors, Inc.
About The Presenter: Eric W. Johnston founded InFocus Financial Advisors in 2005 with a singular goal: to help clients transition into retirement and make it the best it can be. Acting as fiduciaries, Eric and his team focus on strategies that enable clients—most of whom are over 50—to grow their assets, manage risk, lower taxes, and achieve a fulfilling retirement. Eric’s approach is rooted in a well-organized process designed for success. By assembling a top-tier team, InFocus Financial Advisors delivers personalized solutions aimed at helping clients navigate their retirement years with confidence. A Certified Financial Planner® with 30 years of experience, Eric also leads in his community. He chairs the Eastern Shore Leadership Institute, serves on the Executive Board of the Greater Salisbury Committee, and is a past president of the Art Institute and Gallery. Eric has also taught retirement planning at Salisbury University. Residing in Salisbury, MD, with his wife and four children, Eric remains dedicated to his clients, community, and family.

Cost: $175 for all 5 Sessions

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