LEADERSHIP YORK ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS

LEADERSHIP YORK ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS  
 
YORK, PA – June 2026 – 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 Crispus Attucks History & Culture Center, bringing together alumni, partners, and community leaders to celebrate those who exemplify Leadership York’s mission to train, connect, and inspire individuals to serve the York County community.
 
The 2026 awards presented were: Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Alumni in Action, and Outstanding Partner of the Year.
 
Natalee Gunderson (LTP 15, MY 20) was honored as Leadership York’s 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for her exceptional commitment to community leadership and service. Since graduating from Leadership York programs, Gunderson has dedicated countless hours to strengthening York County through volunteerism, mentorship, and board leadership. Her service has included leadership roles with Logos Academy, United Way of York County, the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, York College of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the York County Community Foundation. Currently serving as President and CEO of the York County Community Foundation, Gunderson continues to champion philanthropy, community investment, and leadership development throughout the region.
 
Laura O’Grady (LTP 12, MY 22) received the Alumni in Action Award for her outstanding leadership and immediate impact in the community following her Leadership York experience. As Vice President of Impact and Strategy at United Way of York County, O’Grady leads issue-focused initiatives that center community voice, lived experience, and data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes for working households. She also serves as Chair of the York City Parks Conservancy and is the founder of The Matriarchy Project, a creative initiative that empowers women through shared artistic experiences and meaningful connection. Through her professional and volunteer leadership, O’Grady continues to advance collaboration, equity, and community engagement across York County.
 
Shadowfax Corporation was named Outstanding Partner of the Year in recognition of its longstanding commitment to leadership development and community impact. A private nonprofit organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, Shadowfax has been a valued partner to Leadership York for many years. In addition to hosting Leadership York programs such as All on Board and CONNECT, Shadowfax consistently invests in the professional growth of its employees through participation in multiple Leadership York programs. The award was accepted by President and CEO Amy Brillinger, a graduate of All on Board, Executive Connections, and Nonprofit Leadership Academy, whose leadership reflects the organization's commitment to developing leaders and creating a more inclusive community.
 
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 2027 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and the 2027 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 under 4,800 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.