AFCEAN of the Month, January 2026

The AFCEA Central Maryland Emerging Leaders program, led by Kathryn Reitenbach and her dedicated team, has truly gone above and beyond this year, setting a new benchmark for excellence. Their results speak volumes: the program has grown by an impressive 67%, with overall Emerging Leaders membership increasing by 15%. Through consistent engagement, creative events and a welcoming community spirit, the Central Maryland Chapter continues to attract and inspire professionals across the AFCEA network. 

The Central Maryland Emerging Leaders team’s commitment to connecting the four pillars of AFCEA—military, government, industry and academia—is evident in every initiative. In 2025, event participation and community involvement reached record levels. The annual Bull & Oyster Roast sold out sponsorships within 24 hours and delivered record-breaking fundraising results, while the popular Tech on Tap series sustained momentum throughout the year by fostering meaningful networking and collaboration. The Central Maryland Emerging Leaders also started a new partnership with UMBC Training Centers. This effort expanded access to free artificial intelligence-focused workshops, empowering members with valuable education and career development opportunities. 

In addition, the chapter reintroduced mentorship nights, offering both large panel discussions and small group breakouts that connect young professionals directly with senior leaders across sectors. The Central Maryland Emerging Leaders also strengthened interchapter collaboration by co-hosting a multichapter networking event at TechNet Cyber, bringing together professionals for a fun and engaging Top Golf social to kick off the conference. 

Through innovation, structure and consistency, Reitenbach and her team have positioned AFCEA Central Maryland as a model Emerging Leaders chapter. They are a shining example of what dedication, creativity and teamwork can achieve within the AFCEA community.