As the Chair of the Leadership Advisory Committee and a proud graduate of the Class of 2021, Thomas Magrino understands the power of connection, community, and personal growth that Leadership Fredericksburg inspires.
Thomas first learned about the program in 2017 from his supervisor. Having recently completed his MBA, he was eager to continue his leadership journey in a more community-driven way. “Credentials are one thing,” he reflected, “but I wanted to find a way to grow my connections to the broader leadership community.” A few years later, he joined Leadership Fredericksburg, and it became a transformative experience.
Leadership Through Challenge
Thomas began the program in Fall 2020, a time when the healthcare industry, and the world, faced unprecedented uncertainty. “Practicing resilience methods and hearing how others were coping helped shape my approach to leadership,” he shared. “Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, even in normal times, so the connections were very meaningful.”
Growth Beyond Boundaries
Professionally, the program gave Thomas the confidence to step beyond his industry. “I learned that there’s a universality to the challenges and virtues of good leadership,” he explained. “That understanding encouraged me to become more involved in the community and seek opportunities to engage with other leaders.”
He still recalls a powerful lesson from one of the sessions: “People desire our leadership, and we have an obligation to answer the call to lead.” For Thomas, that message perfectly aligned with his belief in servant leadership, a reminder that strong leadership is both a gift and a responsibility.
Giving Back to the Next Generation of Leaders
After graduating, Thomas chose to stay involved by serving on the Leadership Advisory Committee, helping to shape the same impactful experience for new participants. “I’d been through several leadership programs before, but nothing like LF,” he said. “When the opportunity came to help future leaders, I happily accepted.”
For him, the most rewarding part of this role is seeing the diversity of experiences that each new class brings. “Despite our different perspectives, there’s so much that unites us as leaders,” Thomas shared. “Every year, that community grows.”
Looking Ahead
Thomas believes Leadership Fredericksburg will continue to play a vital role as the region grows and evolves. “Developing leaders from local businesses, nonprofits, charities, and public services is critical,” he said. “Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties need a strong network of local leaders to guide growth in a way that’s responsible and beneficial to our community. Leadership Fredericksburg is the glue that holds that network together.”
His advice for anyone considering applying?
“Take the leap, you won’t regret it. You get out what you put in.”