Leadership Lake County is changing the perception of what leadership should look like
By Olivia Bloom
“I feel like I have some skills that will supplement what is already in place and help us continue to move forward and grow. I like that I know I’m going to make a difference,” says Janine Kuestner, one of Leadership Lake County’s newest staff additions. “It’s an organization that I believe in and that’s very important to me. We have a stellar reputation and do work that I really care about.”
A Wickliffe resident, Janine was brought into the organization to serve as executive assistant. She has a master’s degree in secondary science education and is the former director of development and community engagement for Extended Housing in Painesville.
“Leadership Lake County is in its 34th year of operation and a high-performing and diversely talented staff is needed to be sustainable and to help the organization grow,” says Jessie Baginski, CEO for Leadership Lake County. “Janine brings to the table the community development background and a real drive for understanding technology and systems and how that can enhance our stability and growth.”
Jay McDonald is Leadership Lake County’s program manager for youth and young professionals. He oversees the Youth Leadership Academy, Junior Leadership and Community Builders programs and is responsible for curricular, logistical and financial planning, and execution of these three programs designed to develop leadership skills in high school sophomores and juniors, adolescents and young professionals.
Since Jay was hired in July 2018, the community exposure of Leadership Lake County, especially within school districts, has blossomed. At the same time, program effectiveness is at an all-time high, Jessie says.
“Jay has brought the programs he’s managing to a much higher level of personal achievement for the participants and community impact than we’ve seen in many years,” Jessie notes. “His ability to really capitalize on the strength that every participant brings to a program is a unique talent that we are very fortunate to have at Leadership Lake County.”
Jessie, who has been with Leadership Lake County since 2012, has been recognized nationally by her peers with service as the secretary for the national Association of Leadership Programs. She is proud to work with the 2020 Signature Class for Leadership Lake County, the largest and most diverse in the agency’s history dating back to 1986.
“For me, it is a reflection of how the community feels about us and that they want to be at a place where everyone can develop their leadership skills,” she said. “We’re changing the perception of what leadership should look like in Lake County—and that’s huge.”
Leadership Lake County is a private educational nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1986. Its goal is to develop and engage existing and future leaders within highly interactive leadership development programs in community-based settings while in pursuit of civic and economic excellence in Lake County and surrounding communities. For more information, visit LeadershipLakeCounty.org or find them on Facebook @LLCLeads.