Theme: The Meaning of Leadership

We will hear from community leaders who will challenge us to expand our thinking about the benefits of investing in people, in communities and in change.

The Soda House, Hagley Museum & Library
200 Hagley Creek Road
Wilmington, Delaware, 19807
United States

Christopher Buccini

Co-President, Buccini/Pollin Group

Chris Buccini is Co-President of The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc. ("BPG") a privately-held, full-service real estate acquisition, development and management company. BPG develops and acquires hotel, office, residential, retail, and parking properties, and sports and entertainment venues, throughout the United States. Chris is a director of PM Hotel Group, Inc, a hotel management company with over 9,000 rooms under management and development. In addition, Chris co-founded and is co-owner of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.

Michael Hankin

President and CEO, Brown Advisory Inc.

Mike Hankin is a partner of Brown Advisory Incorporated where he serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Brown Advisory is an independent investment firm committed to providing its clients with first-class investment performance, thoughtful strategic advice and the highest levels of client service. The firm was founded in 1993 as part of Alex. Brown & Sons, then one of the oldest and most-respected investment firms in the U.S. Mike has led the firm since 1998 when it became independent and largely employee-owned. Today, Brown Advisory has offices in Austin, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, Wilmington, DE, Chapel Hill, N.C. and London, and is privileged to work with clients in every state and 34 other countries. Prior to Brown Advisory, Mike worked extensively with clients as a tax and business law partner with Piper & Marbury.

Michelle DiFebo Freeman

Owner and CEO, Carl M. Freeman Companies

Michelle DiFebo Freeman is the owner and CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a Real Estate company established in 1947, that specializes in land acquisition, land planning, development and redevelopment, and the management of award-winning, amenity-rich residential communities, neighborhood shopping centers and commercial properties. Freeman Companies also owns and operates three golf courses including, Bayside, an 18-hole, award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Fenwick Island, DE. Michelle is a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns Capital One Arena, the Washington Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and Valor Football. In 2013 Elle Magazine named her as one of the 10 Most Influential Women in Washington, D.C., she has continued to work with Elle Magazine as part of their “#ELLEAGENDA” Forum to communicate current women’s issues and initiatives. She is an active member of the Young President Organization.