Teamwork Drives Success: Spring ELC Demonstrates Power of Marshall-Style Collaboration
This past weekend, 11 bright and motivated high school students from across the DMV participated in the George C. Marshall International Center’s Spring Ethical Leadership Conference (ELC) — an immersive leadership experience grounded in the enduring example of its namesake.
While the students explored the Marshall pillars of selfless service, unwavering integrity and visionary leadership, the conference itself demonstrated another lesson: great leadership is never accomplished alone. From staff and volunteers to speakers, donors, panelists and community partners, the Spring ELC reflected the collaborative leadership style General Marshall championed throughout his life and career.
“The Ethical Leadership Conference is a compelling example of teamwork and shared purpose in action,” said Marshall Center Executive Director Valérie Beaudoin. “From our staff and volunteers to our speakers, donors and community partners, our great team comes together to invest in these students and bring Marshall’s principles to life.”
The conference began Friday evening with a special experience at Dodona Manor, the historic Leesburg home of General George C. Marshall. Volunteer docents welcomed students and families with guided tours of the historic property.
After dinner at the Leesburg Junction, Marshall historian Rachel Thompson provided unique historical insights into Marshall’s life, leadership and why his example remains deeply relevant today. Retired U.S. Army Major General James “Spider” Marks then shared personal experiences from his distinguished military career, offering students firsthand perspective on leadership and ethical decision-making in action, on a daily basis and during high-pressure moments.
The Saturday session featured a lively and engaging panel discussion with Marshall Center Board Chairman Paul Michaels, CEO and Founder of Monoc Securities LLC; Stephanie Nerantzis, CPA, Director of Giving at the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation; and moderator Frances Cox of The Fratelli Group. The panelists shared lessons from their leadership journeys before answering student questions.
Grounded in the enduring example of General George C. Marshall, students examined how ethical leadership shapes decision-making, strengthens communities and prepares young leaders for future responsibility. In a values/integrity discussion, students identified leadership values that mattered most to them before working together to narrow the list down to three core values the group felt were essential.
The program’s growth has expanded beyond Leesburg through partnerships with organizations including Fork Union Military Academy, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (outside Philadelphia) and Boulder Crest Foundation, a national leader in posttraumatic growth and veteran well-being.
“The future of the ELC program is incredibly bright,” said program director Pete Janhunen. “We are continuing to grow the ELC and bring these leadership experiences to broader audiences and new geographic areas through expanding partnerships. It is exciting to see so many organizations, leaders and supporters working together to help develop the next generation of ethical leaders.”
We extend our gratitude to the Marshall Center’s donors and sponsors, who are an essential part of the team that makes the program possible by providing the critical support needed to bring students together for these impactful leadership experiences free of charge. We are especially grateful to Steve Chapin, former Marshall Center Board Chairman, who donated his downtown Leesburg meeting space to host the conference.
The Marshall Center is now preparing for the third edition of Camp Marshall – its immersive four-day summer leadership experience taking place June 22–25 – which has already reached full capacity.
The next sessions of the Ethical Leadership Conference will take place this fall – September 18-19 and a special one day session on November 3. Spaces remain available, and the Marshall Center encourages students, families and educators across the DMV to spread the word and apply.