LEADERSHIP YORK ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Leadership York proudly recognized three exceptional honorees during its annual Spark Event. Presented by M&T Bank, this year’s celebration was held at The Hangar inside the New York Wire Works building and honored alumni and partners who exemplify Leadership York’s mission to train, connect, and inspire individuals to serve the York County community.
 
The 2025 awards presented were: Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Alumni in Action, and Outstanding Partner of the Year.
 
Joan Mummert (NLA 2011, Board of Directors 2016–2021) was honored as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for her distinguished nonprofit leadership and civic engagement. Mummert recently retired after serving 17 years as President and CEO of the York County History Center, where she led a $30 million campaign to create a nationally recognized cultural campus. Her career spans over 40 years and includes leadership roles with Girls Inc., Youth for Understanding, Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, and the Maryland Historical Society. Her board service includes York Rotary, White Rose Leadership Institute, York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Leadership York. Mummert continues to contribute to the community through her involvement with the Children’s Chorus of York and the Give Local York Advisory Committee.
 
Sharee McFadden (LTP 2020) received the Alumni in Action award for her impactful leadership across multiple sectors. With more than 15 years of experience in community development, youth mentorship, public relations, and advocacy, McFadden is the founder of InJOYourLife Consulting. Her leadership extends across organizations such as The Grotto Community Center, Keystone Kidspace, Braided River Collective, and the YWCA’s Racial Justice Committee. She is also a mentor, cheerleading coach, and champion for historically marginalized communities. A Philadelphia native who has called York home for over 20 years, McFadden brings bold, joyful purpose to all she does.
 
York County Community Foundation (YCCF) was named Outstanding Partner of the Year for its continued investment in youth leadership and community collaboration. In 2025, YCCF committed $20,000 to support Leadership York’s Future Leaders of York (FLY) program, enabling students to award grants to nonprofit projects that address pressing community needs. YCCF also introduced students to its online grantmaking platform, offering real-world experience in informed giving. The award was accepted by Michele Mummert on behalf of YCCF.
 
Leadership York’s annual Spark event brings together alumni and supporters to celebrate leadership in action, foster new connections, and inspire continued community engagement.
 
For more information about Leadership York or to nominate a candidate for the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and the 2026 Alumni in Action, visit www.leadershipyork.org.
 
Leadership York’s mission is to train, connect and inspire individuals to serve the York community in leadership positions. The organization was founded in 1978 and boasts just over 4,600 graduates from its seven programs. Those graduates provide leadership to more than 250 nonprofit organizations and serve thousands of constituents in state and local government. Leadership York is the primary resource for developing inspired leadership for our changing community. For more information, visit leadershipyork.org.