This profile is part of a series that highlights Chesapeake College graduates serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more in this series, visit our Alumni page.

Name: Larry C. Porter

Year that you graduated from Chesapeake College: 1973

Degree or Certification that you received from Chesapeake College: Associate of Arts

Current Employer/Position: Retired Real Estate Professional/Vice President of Business Development/Asset Management; President – Caroline County Commissioners, 2010-Present

What impact did your experience at Chesapeake College have on your life? My experience at Chesapeake allowed me to develop the ability to collaborate with others in reaching a consensus on difficult subjects. Coming from a small town, I was able to meet and interact with people from all areas and walks of life. Some of the relationships developed at the college remain intact today.

How are you serving your community in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic? As President of the Caroline County Commissioners, I have been on the front line in dealing with the Pandemic. I have provided direction to all county departments during the crisis. from declaring various states of emergency, participating in daily updates from all levels of government, to appearing in videos that provide information to the public, it has been a busy period of time. I am extremely proud of our entire county operational staff as we continue to move through these uncharted waters.

How did your experience at Chesapeake College prepare you for your current career? My time at Chesapeake taught me to be a good listener and afforded me the opportunity to hear different sides to different subjects. My participation in college athletics enhanced my ability to be a good teammate and understand the values of working together toward a common goal.

What has been your most rewarding professional achievement/experience since graduating from Chesapeake College? I think the ability and opportunity to serve the people in the county where I was born, raised, and have lived my entire life. I have been elected to serve 3 terms, each time, getting more votes than than the term before. We have been successful in improving health care access in the county, improving public facilities, and providing fair and equitable services to our taxpayers, while maintaining a reasonable tax rate. It has been an honor and privilege to serve my constituents. #CAROLINESTRONG

What advice would you like to give to current or prospective Chesapeake College Students? GIVE BACK to your community! You are being afforded so many privileges in this great country and this incredible area where we are fortunate to live. Find a way to be part of the solution to problems, never just sit back and complain.