2018 MEDA Annual Conference

Ron Kitchens wakes up every morning driven by his passion that the greatest force for change is a job.

Ron serves as the president and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, a privately-funded economic development consulting firm. In addition, Ron serves as managing partner of Consultant Connect, publisher of 269 MAGAZINE™, general partner of the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund and is a board member of Impact Athletic.

Ron is the founder of Catalyst University, a leadership “un-conference,” and the co-founder of Engage, an invitation-only leadership symposium for global economic development leaders.

The best-selling author of Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo, his Always Forward blogs and podcasts can be found at RonKitchens.com. He is a nationally sought-after speaker to business and professional groups on the topics of leadership, economic development, talent, wellness and team engagement.

Under his leadership, Southwest Michigan First has been named to the list of the National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For five years running and, in 2012, was recognized as the Best Small Business to Work For in America by the National Association of Business Resources. In addition, Outside Magazine and The Wall Street Journal have lifted up Ron and his team on their lists of “Best Places to Work.” Southwest Michigan First has been recognized by the American Business Awards with a Gold Stevie Award, International Asset Management Council with their Annual Global Innovators Award and by Fast Company as one of its Fast 50.

Ron and his teams have been extensively featured in national and international media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, CBS, NBC, Fox, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, The Economist and National Public Radio.

Ron is a graduate of Missouri State University, a Certified Economic Developer, has completed both the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and Harvard’s Negotiation Program and is accredited by UCLA’s Corporate Governance Program.

He is passionate about upland bird hunting, exploring new restaurants, boating and Truman, the world’s greatest Labrador Retriever. At home, Ron’s priorities are his wife Lyn and daughter Kelsey.

Anirban Basu is Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic and policy consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland with an office in Indonesia. The firm provides strategic analytical services to energy suppliers, law firms, medical systems, government agencies, and real estate developers among others.

In 2014, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed him Chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission (2014-2021). He also serves as chairman of the Baltimore County Economic Advisory Committee. He is also the Chief Economist to Associated Builders and Contractors and Chief Economic Advisor to the Construction Financial Management Association. He serves or has served similar functions for Visit Baltimore, Maryland Realtors, and Marcum, LLP.

He has lectured at Johns Hopkins University, most recently in Global Strategy, and has also taught international economics, urban economics, micro- and macroeconomics at Hopkins. His radio show can be heard weekdays on 88.1FM, WYPR, Baltimore.

In both 2007 and 2016, the Daily Record newspaper selected Mr. Basu as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. The Baltimore Business Journal named him one of the region’s 20 most powerful business leaders in 2010.

Mr. Basu has been on many boards over time, including First Mariner Bank, the Baltimore City Public School System, Port Discovery, the Baltimore School for the Arts, and Union Memorial Hospital. He is currently on the boards of the University of Maryland School of Law, St. Mary’s College, the University System of Maryland Foundation, the Center for Emerging Media, the Lyric Opera House and the Archdiocese of Baltimore School System.

Mr. Basu earned his B.S. in Foreign Service at Georgetown University in 1990. He earned his Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and his Master’s in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park. His Juris Doctor was earned at the University of Maryland School of Law. His doctoral work was completed at UMBC with a concentration in health economics.

Melanie Spring is one of those people who can walk into a room and light it up. She’ll make you want to be her best friend, yet when she gets to know enough of your story, she’ll find the perfect way to push you outside of your box. Her brand is Approachable Badass and it fits her perfectly. She even got out of her own box when she went on a 7,000-mile road trip collecting stories on how companies lived their brand. The Live Your Brand Tour was published in Entrepreneur Magazine, where she earned her title as a veteran brand strategist.

With entrepreneurship in her blood, she ran Sisarina for 8 years building websites and brands only to rebrand as herself through Branded Confidence by Melanie Spring. Speaking and facilitating workshops all over the world, she becomes a part of your team as she builds your brand from the inside out – with humans first. But you have to be a kickass human in order to work with her (She even has a club for that – www.kickasshumansclub.com).

Branding is what Melanie does best. Confidence is what every brand needs to stand in its purpose. Branded Confidence is the platform that gives you the tools to define your brand, find your voice, and create your message. When your brand is confident, you walk into every room with poise, tenacity and a fearless grit. You know who you are, what you stand for, and how to talk about it – personally and professionally.

Branded Confidence was built to give brands – the personal ones AND the business ones – the courage to be what they were made to be. To find their purpose, understand the core of who they are, and make sure they attract the humans and clients they deserve.

Find out more at www.brandedconfidence.com.

Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford is an accomplished attorney with a lifetime of experience in both the public and private sectors. He served as Associate Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, where he was responsible for increasing utilization of small businesses in government procurement, as well as continually improving the efficiency of the agency.

In addition, Lt. Governor Rutherford served as Assistant Secretary for Administration for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). He was nominated for the position by President George W. Bush, and confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate. As Assistant Secretary, Lt. Governor Rutherford led efforts that saved millions of taxpayer dollars.

Prior to serving in the USDA, Lt. Governor Rutherford served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) under Governor Bob Ehrlich. In that capacity, Lt. Governor Rutherford was responsible for more than $900 million in annual contract administration and 10 million square feet of State owned and leased facilities. As Secretary of DGS, Lt. Governor Rutherford continued to find creative ways to save Maryland taxpayers millions of dollars, while also initiating and completing the expansion and renovation of numerous State buildings.

In addition to his public service, Lt. Governor Rutherford has extensive legal and business experience, including service in business and government law, information technology sales, and small and minority business development.

Lt. Governor Rutherford holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Howard University. Additionally, he has a Master’s Degree in Communications Management and a law degree, both from the University of Southern California.

Lt. Governor Rutherford resides in Columbia, Maryland with his wife Monica. They have three adult children.

N. Gordon Knox is a principal and co-chair of Miles & Stockbridge, P.C.’s Real Estate and Transaction Finance practice group, with more than 50 lawyers. He is an experienced lawyer, focusing on public finance, commercial and real estate transactions in the firm’s Baltimore and Washington, D.C., offices. He handles all aspects of tax-exempt financings, commercial financings and affordable housing development financings. In the public finance area, he has extensive experience serving as bond counsel and counsel to issuers, borrowers, bond purchasers and trustees. Mr. Knox represents national, regional and community banks, and other financial institutions in structuring, negotiating and documenting transactions involving New Markets Tax Credits, construction loans, letters of credit, equipment leases and commercial loans secured by real estate and/or personal property. Mr. Knox advises lenders in connection with troubled credits and has extensive experience in documenting and negotiating forbearance agreements and restructuring credit facilities. He also serves as outside general counsel to business owners and real estate developers.

Robert C. Brennan has served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation since May 2004. Mr. Brennan directs a staff composed of nine administrative, finance and development specialists whose responsibilities are to assist with financing, project development, accounting and management of MEDCO’s projects. He has 20 years of experience in banking and finance. Mr. Brennan previously served as Senior Vice President of the commercial lending business banking group of First Fidelity Bank (formerly Bank of Baltimore) and Vice President/Unit Head of Signet Bank. He serves on a number of advisory boards, including Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program, Emerging Technology Centers and MEDA. Additionally, he is an ex officio member of the Board of Directors for Bainbridge Development Corporation. He is a graduate of the Leadership Maryland program, is a past president of MEDA and was inducted into the MEDA Hall of Fame in 2011.

Delegate Johnny Mautz attended elementary, middle and high school in St. Michaels and Easton before graduating from Brewster Academy in 1989. He received a Bachelors degree from the University of Dayton in 1994 and a Juris Doctorate degree from Ohio Northern University in 1997.

When he was a child, his parents purchased Carpenter Street Saloon in St. Michaels. Since that time, Mautz has worked in or around the saloon in almost every capacity – truth be told he is not a very good cook. In addition to working in the saloon, he has also worked on a variety of construction sites and commercial clamming and crabbing boats.

Mautz is an avid outdoorsman, and has played in various sports leagues in the area, including the 1982 Easton Little League team, which made it all the way to the Little League World Series.

After being admitted to the Maryland Bar, he worked as a legislative lawyer for the House Judiciary committee and as an advisor to Gov. Ehrlich in Annapolis.

He married his loving wife Rebecca in 2005. They reside in St. Michaels and are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Johnny, aged 6, and Evelyn, 3. The final member of their family is a trusted yellow Labrador retriever, Roxy.

Mautz is the son of Easton dentist Dr. John Mautz and community leader Diana Mautz. His brother is Dan Mautz, a volunteer firefighter and Red Cross emergency responder.

Currently, Mautz operates his family’s restaurant in St. Michaels while also representing Legislative District 37B in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Al Hutchinson joined Visit Baltimore as president and CEO in November 2016. As the chief executive of the city’s official destination sales and marketing organization, he is responsible for overseeing the promotion of the Baltimore region as a destination for conventions, meetings, leisure visits, day-trips, group tours and family reunions, in addition to serving as the hospitality industry’s liaison to the business, civic and local community, and demonstrating the impact of tourism on the City and the State.

Hutchinson brings more than 24 years of experience in the hospitality and destination marketing industry to Baltimore. He most recently served as president and CEO of Visit Mobile, where he was recognized as the 2016 Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance’s ‘Tourism Promoter of the Year,’ and in 2014 was the recipient of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners ‘Pioneer Award’.

Prior to joining Visit Mobile, Hutchinson served as the Vice President of Convention Sales and Services at the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, where, for more than 11 years, he led the convention sales and services team, directed the advertising agency and worked closely with community leaders, industry decision makers, elected officials and tourism partners.

Hutchinson has also held previous leadership positions with the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Charlotte Convention Center, the Park Hotel in Charlotte and the Richmond Metropolitan CVB.

Hutchinson is a graduate of the University of Alabama and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Destination International’s Foundation; United States Travel Association (USTA); and is also a member of Religious Conference Management Association’s (RCMA) Executive Supplier Council. In the local community, Hutchinson serves on the Baltimore Hotel Corporation Board, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s Board, and the Visit Baltimore Education & Training Foundation Board, in addition to leading the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board, which oversees both Visit Baltimore and the Baltimore Convention Center’s seamless and effective sales process.

Hutchinson is married to wife, Unae Hutchinson and has two children, Asia and Jalen.

Sandy Sponaugle is a marketing expert, speaker, trainer, and coach for Economic Development Organizations looking to empower their staff with high-impact tactics in social media, Internet marketing, and traditional media.

She helps Economic Development Organizations update their communications efforts and stay relevant to their audiences amidst an ever-evolving communications landscape. She’s passionate about staying up to date with the latest trends in marketing and social media — and shows EDOs how to take the most important and most effective steps to get better results.

Sandy is the CEO/Founder of Platinum PR, an economic development marketing and public relations firm supporting economic development professionals across the east coast. Founded in 2002, Platinum PR employs Sandy’s passion of helping communities grow and diversify their economies and job opportunities for residents. She brings her expertise in communications, social media, marketing, economic development, and tourism to help clients create and implement customized communications plans.

Sandy is a graduate of Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Science in economics and business administration. She previously served as a Research Specialist at the Jefferson County Development Authority in Charles Town, WV and most recently as a Business Development Specialist in the Frederick County Office of Economic Development in Frederick, MD.

Sandy is also a member of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and has instructed the “Marketing & Business Attraction” course as part of the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course for the past five years.

To learn more about Platinum PR and our free resources for economic developers – visit PlatinumPR.com

After studying marketing in France at the École Supérieur de Commerce à Clermont, Katie began renovating the brand for her family’s small business, Stover Hearth & Patio. She joined HighRock in 2013, and has led marketing strategy with DC-based national nonprofits, Forbes-ranked corporations, and our Maryland small businesses. For MEDA, she speaks on reinvigorating the investment process with 3D/VR environments.

Dan Schepleng is the Founder and Creative Director of Kapowza, an award-winning creative agency in Baltimore, Maryland. Kapowza specializes in design, digital, and video creative for a wide variety of B2B and B2C clients. Dan has been working in the entrepreneurial and advertising community for the past 14 years, having started as a video editor at 15.

Liz has been a destination marketing professional for more than 20 years where she has effectively communicated to consumers through a variety of marketing platforms, to encourage visitation for the economic benefit of retail entities, Main Streets, and assets state-wide.  Liz earned her Bachelor of Science in Radio and TV/Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University. She joined the Maryland Office of Tourism in 1999 as a Public Relations Coordinator, and in 2011 was named Maryland Tourism Person of the Year at the Maryland Travel and Tourism Summit. Liz was raised on Long Island, and lived in Austin, Texas before choosing Maryland as her home, where she and her husband raise their son. Liz previously served as Executive Director of the Office of Tourism Development where she led a team of advertising, communications, tourism development, sales, and interactive services professionals to grow Maryland as a competitive, desirable and successful travel destination. Liz currently serves as Managing Director of the Division of Tourism, Film & the Arts.

Matt helps business leaders clarify their data through the lens of a map, to enable more informed strategic and tactical business decisions. As the President of Datastory Consulting, Matt is a creative story-revealer and story-teller who uses geographic information systems (or “GIS”) technology in new and meaningful ways.

Matt has been working in the GIS field for more than 22 years, with a specific focus on commercial real estate and business decisions since 2008. From 1995-2008, Matt was a leading contributor to the growth and success of Towson University’s Center for GIS, which has become a premier GIS consultancy in the Mid-Atlantic region and helped to establish Maryland’s statewide geospatial infrastructure, known as MD iMap. In that role, he serviced nearly every major state agency in Maryland and a few of its neighbors. Between 2008 2012, Matt laid the groundwork for Datastory Consulting by creating an award winning GIS and Research team for MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services in Maryland. The focus of his work during this time was helping MacKenzie brokers and their clients make well informed real estate decisions using the power of maps. Over time, more and more clients began asking for the team’s services outside of specific lease and sale transactions and in 2013 MacKenzie and Matt together launched Datastory Consulting.

Matt is an active presenter and contributor to industry publications, and has been recognized nationally by Esri (the world leader in GIS) with a Special Achievement in GIS Award (2011) for his creative application of GIS to commercial real estate, and as Esri Business Partner Conference Award nominee (2013 and 2014) for his team’s practical and innovative use of ArcGIS Online cloud-based technology.

Matt is a Certified GIS Professional (GISP) with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Economics from Towson University (1996) and a Master’s degree in Information and Telecommunications Systems from Johns Hopkins University (2003).

Suzanne Fischer-Huettner is group publisher for BridgeTower Media, one of the country’s leading business-to-business media companies. In this role, she provides leadership, mentoring, vision and innovation to three news operations, The Daily Record, which covers the state of Maryland, and two publications in Rochester, N.Y.–The New York Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal.

In her role as group publisher, Huettner manages more than 60 employees to create successful digital and print products.

Prior to serving as group publisher in 2017, Huettner was named the first female publisher of The Daily Record in Baltimore in 2010. The Daily Record was founded as a newspaper in 1888 and has grown into a multimedia news and information source, particularly for the business and law communities in Maryland.

Huettner has led numerous redesigns of The Daily Record’s print and digital products, launched various niche print products, e-newsletters, blogs, social media and marketing efforts while navigating a constantly changing industry. The Daily Record has created and sustained a successful model for paid online and print subscriptions.

Under her leadership as publisher, The Daily Record has received numerous awards for excellence from the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association, National Newspaper Association and The Alliance of Area Business Publications.

Huettner began her newspaper career at The Daily Record in 1996 when she was hired as a classified salesperson. She was promoted to associate publisher in 2000 and then associate publisher and vice president of sales in 2002. In this role, she managed the day-to-day operations for advertising, circulation, graphic design and marketing.

In addition to her work at The Daily Record in Maryland, Huettner is publisher of two other BridgeTower Media publications–The New York Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal.

Huettner is committed to making a difference and giving back to the community. She is co-chair of the advisory board for GBC’s The LEADERship; board member for the Economic Alliance of Baltimore and St. James Academy; advisory board member of the Chimes Foundation and Downtown Partnership; and chair of the awards committee for the Washington College Alumni Board.

Huettner holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Washington College. She also is a graduate of GBC’s The LEADERship and is a member of Network 2000. Huettner lives in Baltimore County, is married and has a teenage daughter.

Sam Shoge serves as the Economic Development Coordinator for Talbot County, Maryland. In this role, Shoge coordinates outreach and communications to the local business community. Since starting with Talbot County, Shoge has overseen the development and launch of a new brand, website, and communication tools—all in an effort to better communicate Talbot’s economic development success stories with the county’s residents and workers. With this goal in mind, Shoge created a comprehensive communications plan to identify stories that capture what makes doing business in Talbot County so special and articulated how those stories would be communicated to the public. This process includes leveraging both traditional and contemporary communication platforms and launching new programs. This led to Shoge launching Talbot County’s first drone program to leverage drone technology to assist in Talbot County’s story telling efforts.

Prior to working with Talbot County Government, Shoge served as Assistant Director of Admissions at Washington College where he recruited graduating high school seniors from the D.C. metro area. Shoge recently completed a 4-year term on the Chestertown Town Council.

Michael White joined the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in January 2016 as Director of the Office of Public Information, and was appointed as the agency’s Chief of Staff in March 2017.

Before joining the state, Mr. White worked for an international software and consulting firm where he created, developed and managed web marketing projects for hundreds of small and large organizations throughout the country. With more than 15 years of consulting experience, along with five years consulting for multi-million dollar accounts for international companies, Mr. White has managed all sizes of budgets to ensure his companies get the results they need.

Mr. White has been a member of the American Marketing Association for five years and is a member of the Customer Experience Professionals Association. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Towson University with a focus on Small Business Management and Marketing.

Tracy Gosson is a marketing professional with over 25 years of experience developing innovative marketing strategies for businesses, public-sector agencies, and urban communities.

She is president of Baltimore-based Sagesse, Inc., a full-service marketing firm founded in 2007. With strong expertise in economic development marketing she has developed branding solutions for geographic regions, cities and neighborhoods throughout the country.

As the founding executive director of Live Baltimore Home Center, under her leadership the organization became nationally recognized and has been heralded as having a significant role in the resurgence of Baltimore neighborhoods and attracting residents back to the city.

Born on February 8, 1963 in Boksburg, South Africa, Gavin was raised in Perth, Australia by his single mother, Pauline. He attended Belmont City College located in Australia’s southwest coastal area near the Indian Ocean. Gavin worked his way across the world after departing Perth in 1984 after he dropped anchor in Spa Creek in 1992 with only $200 in his pocket, fell in love with Annapolis for its unique blend of history, maritime culture, and small-town friendliness, and fell in love again when he met future wife, Annapolis local Julie Williams. They married in 1997 and together they are now raising two children, Dash & Miles.

From his first job as a server at Middleton Tavern, Gavin showed the vision and entrepreneurial spirit for which he is so well known. He quickly learned the basics of business, raised capital, and navigated bureaucracy to open Annapolis’ first coffee shop, The Moon, in 1993.

In time, Gavin began to see potential in West Street – then considered the “wrong part of town,” where drug deals and prostitution were common. He opened pan-Asian restaurant, Tsunami, in 2000. A diverse group of residents, passionate about their community, responded to his vision and Tsunami soon became “the place” to be. Tsunami’s success encouraged Gavin to establish new restaurants, including Lemongrass and Metropolitan in 2005 and Sailor Oyster Bar in 2016. All of his business ventures are located on West Street in Annapolis.

But becoming a successful businessman was just the beginning for Gavin. His dedication to West Street and its communities inspired Gavin to help create the Sunday Arts Festivals, followed by the Annapolis Fringe Festival, the Chocolate Binge Festival, the Annapolis Color Run, West Street Holiday Light Canopy, and the wildly popular Dining Under the Stars.

Gavin is committed to preserving the historic character of Annapolis with leadership and vision to ensure it remains a dynamic, living city. This is why he challenged and defeated the City’s plan to demolish 100-year-old homes on West Street to make way for an 800-car garage. This area is now the West Village Precinct – a flourishing hub for local businesses, residents, and visitors.

Gavin knows that community connections are at the heart of West Street’s transformation. He has served on the boards of Friends of St. Johns College, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s Citizens Advisory Board, and the West Street Business Association. Gavin also is a member of the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the NAACP and a founder of the Annapolis Arts District. He is longtime champion of public art and supporter of local musicians.

Elected Mayor of Annapolis in November 2017, Gavin is committed to bringing together business owners, community leaders, and residents to develop innovative ideas and economic opportunities for Main Street, Maryland Ave, West Annapolis and all parts of the city. These include 21st century transit solutions, a more transparent development process, strong community policing, and greater focus on the needs of the local community.

Gavin imagines an inclusive city, full of opportunities for all citizens as part of his One Annapolis vision. He is committed to our shared community and our shared future. His vision is for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive Annapolis with infrastructure, services, and events that make it a wonderful place to work and live for all.

Jake Day is the Mayor of Salisbury. Born and raised in Salisbury, he was elected to the City Council at the age of 30 and unanimously elected President. The Mayor’s budget was recently passed, opening a new era of investment in our youth, our neighborhoods, our downtown and our economy. Previously, Jake served as founding Director of the Center for Towns – a community design and engagement program serving the towns of the Eastern Shore. Jake has served as national President of the American Institute of Architecture Students and Editor-in-Chief of CRIT, a journal of architecture.

Jake earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland and master’s degrees in Urban Design and Environmental Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and Oxford University. Jake is a Captain in the US Army National Guard, currently serving as the Senior TAC Officer at the Officer Candidate School. Jake is a member of the Next American Vanguard, Leadership Maryland, and the Smart Growth America Local Leaders Council Advisory Board. A Richard Upjohn Fellow, he previously served as a director on the American Institute of Architects national Board of Directors.

Jake and his wife Liz are the proud parents of Lily and Olivia.

Amy Seitz has nearly twenty years of professional experience in both private and public sector enterprises. She was formerly the Director of Community Access & Partnership for the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization within the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Ms. Seitz was responsible for maintaining and cultivating relationships statewide with key stakeholders in community and economic development. In her role, she was responsible for strengthening and expanding the marketplace for the Division’s programmatic services and technical assistance including oversight of tax credit and grant programs totaling $5 million. Additionally, Ms. Seitz also served as the Statewide Coordinator for the Main Street Maryland program and State Leader for Keep Maryland Beautiful.
Prior to joining DHCD, Ms. Seitz worked as the Director of Development and Communications for Preservation Maryland and worked as the Executive Director for Hampden Village Main Street in Baltimore City. Ms. Seitz’s wide-ranging knowledge in strategic planning, public relations, marketing and economic development also includes work at the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
Ms. Seitz received her Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Her professional development includes the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Leadership certification and the Maryland Association of Nonprofits Standards of Excellence certification for nonprofit management.

Helen Propheter, Director of Frederick County Economic Development, was appointed to the position in 2012. Helen began her career with Frederick County Government 25 years ago. She has over twenty years of experience managing programs, staff and projects. The economic development team has created numerous new initiatives for business attraction and retention to include Frederick’s Top 50 (our most influential businesses), The FRED (Frederick Real Estate Dealmakers) Awards. Homegrown Frederick (sustaining our Agriculture heritage) and ROOT (our downtown innovation center that aliens private & public partnerships with the focus of strengthening businesses roots in our county). In 2017 this team welcomed Navistar Direct Marketing (200 jobs), Daly Computers (200 jobs) Emmes Corporation (100 jobs) Asbury Communities headquarters (120 jobs) and Rainforest Distribution (22 jobs) to Frederick County. We also assisted 7 larger expansions of businesses currently located in Frederick, it was a very busy year! Helen serves on the following Boards: Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Frederick County Workforce Development, the Frederick County Higher Education Board, the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center Taskforce, the Frederick Chamber Board of Directors and is a member of the noon Rotary Club of Frederick. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College. She lives with her family in Lake Linganore in New Market, Maryland.

Lawrence (Larry) Twele is CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA).

Before joining the Authority, he was the Director of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, where he spent over six years guiding business development, business retention, workforce development and tourism. Before that, Larry spent almost seven years with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, where he held several positions including managing the statewide regional office system.

Major accomplishments include launching a regional business retention program and playing a key role in coordinating and facilitating major expansion projects in the Baltimore Region. Larry also spent seven years in management in a Fortune Global 500 manufacturing firm and three years as a manager of a small business. From 2013 to 2015, Larry served as the President of Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA). Currently he serves on the MEDA Board of Directors and is President of the MEDA Foundation.

Larry holds a Master’s Degree of Business Administration from Loyola University, Maryland and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland. He earned Certified Economic Developer credentials in 2009.

Sean Looney is Vice President, State Government Affairs for Comcast NBCUniversal. He represents the nation’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services before the General Assembly, Governor’s Office and state agencies in Maryland and Delaware. Sean joined Comcast in December, 2003 after retiring from a 19-year career at Verizon, Bell Atlantic and New Jersey Bell. He has served as the Treasurer of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maryland Leadership Workshops (MLW), and on the Board of Directors and Legislative Committee of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Sean has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, where he also was Chair of Maryland Hall’s Arts Alive Gala for several years He has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Maryland (LMD), and graduated from LMD’s Class of 1996. He has also served as President of the Maryland Government Relations Association (MGRA), on the Advisory Committee for Maryland Business for Responsive Government (MBRG), President of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), President of the Smithsonian Institution’s Young Benefactors, and on the Catholic Charities of Baltimore Development Committee. He has done volunteer work for various organizations in the area since moving to MD in 1990, including the Travis Manion Foundation, Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter and St. Anne’s Infant and Maternity Home in Washington, DC. Sean was honored with the 2008 CASA Light for Children Award and was Leadership Maryland’s State Leader of the Year in 2003. He lives with his wife and two children in Annapolis, MD and Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ. Sean received a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.

Shannon Landwehr is the President & CEO of the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, a regional economic development organization, supporting Baltimore City and the six surrounding counties. Shannon was previously the Executive Vice President and led the EAGB’s location strategy efforts, the primary focus of which is corporate and small-to-medium business education in the Baltimore region, particularly as it pertains to location and workforce strategy decisions. Shannon also focuses on regional talent, workforce recruitment, understanding the needs of Baltimore’s regional businesses, and working with them in partnership to identify areas of opportunity. She is also Executive Director of the EAGB Foundation. Prior to joining the Economic Alliance Shannon was an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley and served as the Baltimore General Manager, and a Global Client Relationship Manager in Morgan Stanley’s Workforce Strategy Division. As General Manager, she advanced the Firm’s workforce and outsourcing strategy, and led the operational infrastructure for 1,100 employees in Operations, Finance, Legal & Compliance, Human Resources, Corporate Services and Technology & Data. As a Client Relationship Manager, Shannon was responsible for providing advisory services to internal business units regarding their global workforce strategy and outsourcing regulatory requirements, and overseeing the execution of their transition plans. She managed several clients, including Research, Sales & Trading, Bank Resource Management and Legal & Compliance. In her tenure at Morgan Stanley Shannon also served as the Baltimore Chief Operating Officer. Shannon has over 15 years of experience in finance, non-profits, marketing and consulting. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Shannon was the Chief Operating Officer at the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, where she also served as the Director of Marketing and Research. She has held other positions with TischlerBise, Mercer (Marsh & McLennan) Consulting, WorldCom and Commercial Real Estate firms. Shannon earned her Master of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Finance from the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management. Shannon serves on the boards of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, and Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) of Maryland. She has been selected to participate in Leadership Maryland’s Class of 2017. Shannon is also actively involved in various community initiatives throughout the Greater Baltimore and Mid-Atlantic regions with a focus on programs impacting children and animals. She currently resides in Baltimore City, Maryland.

Dr. Daraius Irani serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research at Towson University. In this role, he fosters the development of partnerships between business, government, and education that contribute to the economic vitality of the greater Baltimore region.

For over twenty years, Irani has served in several senior leadership roles at Towson University. As vice president, Irani provides leadership and management to over 70 highly-skilled professionals who work on campus and in state agencies across the state. Collectively, his teams work to open the doors of the university to solve pressing problems, further community collaboration, expand learning opportunities, and generate economic development.

Irani is committed to Towson University and has set priorities that reflect that commitment. These include working to better integrate the Division into the University; advancing Towson University’s reputation as a leader in applied research, education, and EdTech; and making positive impacts through university-community partnerships.

Additionally, Irani serves as chief economist for the Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) at Towson University, a policy group providing economic, fiscal impact, and policy analysis to state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector firms. During his tenure at RESI, Irani has managed and served as lead economist on well over 250 research and analysis projects. He also has produced over 100 economic and fiscal impact statements for a diverse portfolio of clients.

Irani is often called upon to provide economic presentations to organizations across Maryland. He has appeared on CNN, the Marc Steiner show, WYPR’s Midday, and Maryland Public Television’s Business Connection. He is often quoted in articles published by Maryland Daily Record, Baltimore Business Journal, The Baltimore Sun, and Washington Post.

EDUCATION
Dr. Irani holds a Ph.D. in economics from University of California, Santa Barbara; a M.A. in business economics from University of California, Santa Barbara; and a B.A. in economics from University of California, San Diego.

Lucas Cade is responsible for FirstEnergy’s economic development activities in Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and south central Pennsylvania. Along with promoting the area for business development, he works closely with county, regional and state level officials in a variety of roles to facilitate business growth and job creation.

Lucas has more than 25 years in economic development and related experience. He has worked in the private and public sectors, and he understands the often complex issues related to site location and analysis.

Lucas has a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State University in Secondary Education and a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Economic Development. He is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute in Norman, Oklahoma.

As the son of Ted Levine, founder of Development Counsellors International, Andy was introduced to the world of economic development and travel marketing at birth. Since joining the firm in 1991, Andy has helped launch the company into a new era, advancing the quality of client work performed, growing the number of staff and adding to the range of client services offered.

Andy currently serves as the organization’s Chairman. Under his leadership, the agency has grown to 50+ full-time individuals, the largest assembly of place-marketing professionals in the world. Andy is a frequent speaker on the topics of investment attraction and economic development marketing. He also authors a column on marketing places for Forbes.com, directs DCI’s “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing,” a survey of corporate executives with site selection responsibilities and is co-host of the podcast, “The Project: Inside Corporate Location Decisions.”

Scott is an entrepreneurial and dynamic commercial real estate investment and finance professional with 17 years of experience successfully executing complex purchase and sale transactions, implementing and managing real estate business units, and raising capital for national real estate operators and developers. He has had direct and integral involvement in transactions with a total capitalized value of over $1 billion. Scott’s diverse experience is across a variety of investment strategies and property types, including: office, retail, multi-family, industrial, mixed-use and large-scale land development. Throughout his career, Scott has been fortunate to work with many of the country’s top developers, operators, private equity funds, pensions, REIT’s, and high net worth real estate investors. Scott currently serves as Senior Vice President of Juniper Solutions; a Cleveland, Ohio based Economic Development & Real Estate Advisory firm.

Prior to Juniper Solutions, Scott was a Director of Real Estate at Candlewood Partners where he was responsible for sourcing and structuring private equity capital for clients looking to make single or portfolio acquisitions, recapitalize an asset, or undertake new ground-up development. Scott was integral in establishing the new real estate practice at Candlewood and led business development and marketing efforts for the real estate group. Before this, Scott co-led CBRE’s Northeast Ohio Private Client Group managing a team of three investment property professionals. Scott and his team were involved in the sale of more than $400 million worth of investment property, representing 3 million square feet of office buildings, shopping centers, industrial facilities, medical office buildings, and apartments. Scott currently holds an active real estate license in addition to his Series 79 & 63 licensing.

Scott is currently a member of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and NAIOP, Commercial Real Estate Development Association. He is also a current CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) candidate and pursuing his CCIM designation.

Anne Balduzzi is currently the Director of Advisory Services for TEDCO. In this role, she manages the Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBI2) program and related investments as well as TEDCO’s mentoring programs.

As an early Internet pioneer, Anne’s background includes product and marketing development roles at Apple, AOL (when it was a start-up), and Viewtron, the first consumer online service in North America. At Viewtron, she spoke nationwide to think tanks, computer groups, and universities on the future of online services. At AOL, she worked on the launch of Instant Messaging (IM) and Habitat, the first interactive online computer game developed via a joint venture with Lucasfilm’s gaming division. And, at Apple, she was responsible for directing the development and launch of AppleLink—Personal Edition, Apple’s first online service.

After working in Silicon Valley, Anne returned to the East Coast and founded Accelerate Partners, where she advised a wide range of start-up entrepreneurs and international technology companies. Prior to joining TEDCO, she founded SameGrain, an award winning app and vertical AI platform that uses machine learning algorithms for in depth matching and predictive analytics.

Anne, who is also a member of Mindshare, has been recognized as one of the region’s Top Women in Tech. She holds a patent on data match analysis and is a frequent speaker and author on entrepreneurship topics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Rob began his career in economic and community development with a specific goal in mind: developing realistic and implementable strategies that promote a community’s economic vitality. This goal was first realized for Rob in Saranac Lake, NY, where he served as Director of Community and Economic Development. In that role, he facilitated the community’s first economic development strategic planning process that led to significant public and private investment in the village and was credited with the revitalization of the community’s downtown. Within a four year period, Rob secured significant federal funding for downtown improvements. The community’s revitalization success was recognized by author Norm Crampton where it was ranked second in his book, “Best Small Towns in America” in 1996 and contributed to a subsequent “All-America City” award in 1999.

This desire to support communities as they create economic development strategies inspired Rob to start Camoin Associates in 1999. Since the company’s inception, Camoin Associates’ work has spanned across the country to help communities, large and small, develop data-driven strategies that support regional economic growth and community vitality. Rob recognizes the importance of high-quality economic and industry data to build a strong foundation for effective economic development efforts, and continuously seeks out new data sources to support Camoin’s ever expanding service lines. Rob is also a leader in the field economic development organizational and capacity planning, facilitating productive conversations between economic development partners across geographic boundaries.

Rob’s area of expertise includes commercial market analysis and feasibility studies, comprehensive economic development planning, workforce analysis, establishing performance metric systems, and economic development organizational management and capacity building. Rob has researched, written and presented on the subjects of the future role of economic development organizations, establishing economic development performance metric systems and real estate market analysis and redevelopment. Rob is a current instructor on behalf of IEDC on the topics of Economic Development Strategic Planning and Real Estate Redevelopment.

Rob is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through IEDC, past Chair of IEDC’s Membership Development Advisory Committee, past Vice-Chair of its Awards in Excellence Task Force, and currently serves on the IEDC Board of Directors. Rob is a recent past New York State Board representative of the Northeast Economic Developers Association (NEDA).

Outside of work, Rob is active in the economic development community and was recently appointed to the Bollinger Foundation Board and currently serves on the Saratoga Bridges Foundation Board, an organization that provides funding for programs and services to developmentally disabled individuals and their families. He also serves on the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Board of Governors.

Christine A. Ross joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as President/CEO in July 2016. Ms. Ross previously served as CEO of the Greater Bonita Springs Chamber transforming the 1,000-member organization through difficult times and winning the coveted five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for effectiveness and impact. She advocated for regulatory changes to improve the region’s competitive business climate, and worked to ensure quality workforce and education reform, progressive infrastructure planning for transportation, and technology.
Ross also led a wide range of economic development activities such as long range broadband planning for a five county area of 1.2 million residents as well as a a state-wide strategic update for the Enterprise Florida 2014-17 economic development plan.
She was voted Chamber Executive of the Year by the Florida Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives and her Chamber was recognized as Florida’s Chamber of the Year in 2014. That same year she earned her Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) status, only 500 chamber executives in the US have earned this designation.
Prior to her service at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber, Ross served in similar positions at the Falmouth, MA and Williamstown, MA chambers for a total of nine years. She also worked as the Program Director of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau and as Marketing Director at the Pittsfield, MA Tourism Council prior to her Chamber experience.
Ross has several Maryland connections including earning an MBA and a Master’s in Marketing from the University of Maryland University College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Ross is married and has three grown children, two of whom are in graduate school in the Washington, D.C. area.

Secretary Mike Gill is a business leader with four decades of experience as an entrepreneur, a technology executive, an investment banker, and a public servant.

​He was tapped by Governor Larry Hogan to lead the Maryland Department of Commerce (formerly the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development)​ in January 2015. Prior to his appointment, Mike Gill led Evergreen Advisors, an investment bank, as chairman and principal. Previously, Gill founded Hoyt Capital, an investment and advisory firm serving start​ups and growth companies. Mr. Gill was also a founder of First Page, which was acquired by Metrocall; served as chairman of Curtis Engine, a Baltimore power generator company; and was chairman of Bluefire Security Technologies, a mobile cybersecurity developer, from 2006 to 2008. In 1984, Gill founded AMERICOM, a Baltimore-based provider of cellular products and services to businesses in the area. Under Gill’s leadership, AMERICOM expanded nationwide with more than 1,200 team members. In 2000, it was acquired by Solectron. He started his career with IBM and held a number of positions in sales and marketing. He then became Director of Data Systems in the mid-Atlantic region for Ernst & Young.

Gill served on the University System of Maryland Board of Regents from 2004 to 2009, heading the audit committee and technology transfer and commercialization workgroup. His past and present board memberships also include the Calvert Hall Board of Trustees, Baltimore County
Economic Development Commission, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Bay National Bank, and Towson University of Board of Visitors. He is also a member of the President’s Advisory Board at Clemson University.

Gill earned his B.S. in business administration from Towson University in 1974 after first attending Clemson University on a baseball scholarship. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Towson University in 1996.

Secretary of the Environment since January 21, 2015. Member, Governor’s Executive Council, 2015-; BayStat Subcabinet, 2015-; Governor’s Council on the Chesapeake Bay (Governor’s Chesapeake Bay Cabinet), 2015 Governor’s Subcabinet for International Affairs, 2015-; Smart Growth Subcabinet, 2015-. Chair, Asbestos Oversight Committee, 2015-. Vice-Chair, State Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council, 2015-. Member, Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture, 2015-; Animal Waste Technology Fund Advisory Committee, 2015-; Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, 2015-; Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, 2015-; Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, 2015-; Climate Change Commission, 2015-; Chesapeake Bay Trust, 2015-; Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, 2015-; Coast Smart Council, 2015-; Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, 2015-; Executive Committee for Dredged Material Management Plans, 2015-; Maryland Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council, 2015-; Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, 2015-; Maryland Green Building Council, 2015-; Maryland Green Purchasing Committee, 2015-; Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness, 2015-; Maryland Integrated Map Executive Committee, 2015-; Maryland Military Installation Council, 2015-; Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs, 2015-; Task Force to Study the Impact of Ocean Acidification on State Waters, 2015-; Council on Open Data, 2015-; Ozone Transport Commission, 2015-; Pesticide Advisory Committee, 2015-; Maryland Pesticide Reporting and Information Work Group, 2015-; Renewable Fuels Incentive Board, 2015-; Scenic and Wild Rivers Review Board, 2015-; State Soil Conservation Committee, 2015-; Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 2015-; Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, 2015-; Invasive Plants Advisory Committee, 2015-. Counsel, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, U.S. House of Representatives, 2000-02 (environmental counsel & staff director to committees of U.S. House of Representatives, including science committee, 1985-2000). Assistant Administrator for Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2004-08 (deputy assistant administrator, 2002-04). Director, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 2009-10. Born in Kentucky. Wake Forest University, B.A. (english); Emory University Law School, J.D.; George Washington University School of Law, LL.M. (environmental law). President, U.S. Water Alliance, 2010-15.

Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development Kenneth C. Holt was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development on March 11, 2015. Mr. Holt’s distinguished career makes him well-qualified to direct one of the most successful and innovative state housing finance agencies in the country.

As a past member of the Baltimore County Master Plan Advisory Committee and a past president of his neighborhood civic association, he gained on-the-ground experience with neighborhood revitalization, development and housing issues. His experience as a past member of the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission gives him a strong foundation in issues of fairness and housing equity. And his 25 years high level experience in the financial market gives him a thorough understanding of bond markets and how they work.

Mr. Holt comes to DHCD after serving as chairman and chief financial officer of Traitify, a software development firm that was recognized by Maryland’s Technology Development Corp. as the “most innovative” start-up company of 2013. Before that, he enjoyed a 25-year career at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Baltimore, where he has served as Branch Manager, Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President.

As a member of the Maryland General Assembly (1995-1999), Mr. Holt served on the House Appropriations Committee and on the subcommittee on education and economic development.

Mr. Holt received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park. He and his wife Mary E. Holt operate a family farm in Kingsville, Md. The couple have two children.

Robert S. McCord has been Secretary of Planning since September 21, 2017. Deputy Secretary of Planning since September 21, 2017. Assistant Secretary of Operations, 2015-17.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland. Loyola College, B.A. (business administration & philosophy), 1983, M.B.A. (marketing), 1985; University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1989 (heuisler honor society, law review, international law moot court team). Law clerk to Judge Cypert O. Whitfill, Harford County Circuit Court, 1989-90. Admitted to Maryland Bar, 1989; U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1990; U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, 1998; U.S. Supreme Court, 2000. Attorney, Leaf & Mahoney, P.A., 1990-98. Adjunct professor, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1990-. Member, American Bar Association, Maryland State Bar Association; Harford County Bar Association. Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association; Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys (president, 2008-14). Married; two children.

Roy McGrath was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan in December 2016 to lead the Maryland Environmental Service – an independent, self-supporting state agency that protects and enhances Maryland’s environment by providing innovative operational and technical services. Mr. McGrath was confirmed to the position unanimously by the Maryland Senate in February 2017. He serves as Director and Chief Executive Officer of the 850 employee, $160M agency, and as Chairman of the nine-member Board of Directors. MES is a unique, not-for-profit public corporation that combines the public sector’s commitment to environmental protection with the private sector’s flexibility and responsiveness.

Previously, Mr. McGrath was a member of Governor-elect Hogan’s Transition Team and then served as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff from 2014-2016, focusing on state business and economic issues. Prior to this role, he spent 18 years with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, a leading retail trade group, most recently as Vice President of Business Development. He also worked for the U.S. Government, including on the staff of former Maryland Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest.

Mr. McGrath serves in the Governor’s Cabinet, is an ex-officio member of the Chesapeake Bay Cabinet, the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, is a member of the State’s Housing Finance Review Committee, and is an incoming member of the University of Maryland, College Park, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences Board of Visitors. He is a graduate of the University with a B.A. in Government & Politics and Economics, and is a lifelong Marylander.

Special Secretary of Maryland Smart Growth

James F. Ports, Jr., was named Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in January 2022, the culmination of a career in public service spanning more than 30 years, including transportation posts at the local, state and federal levels and service as an elected representative in the Maryland General Assembly.

As Secretary, Mr. Ports oversees MDOT’s six transportation agencies – the State Highway Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority – and leads operations and maintenance of state highways and bridges, tollways, transit systems, motor vehicle licensing, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. Secretary Ports also serves as Chair of the Maryland Transportation Authority Board, the Maryland Port Commission and the Maryland Aviation Commission, and is a member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors.

Secretary Ports previously served as Executive Director of the Maryland Transportation Authority, responsible for constructing, managing, operating and improving the state’s toll facilities, as well as financing new revenue producing transportation projects. The agency operates two turnpikes, two tunnels and four bridges, and is funded through tolls paid by the customers. Mr. Ports’ tenure at the MDTA was highlighted by advancement of critical infrastructure and completion of projects on budget and often ahead of schedule. Projects completed early include the new Interstate-895 bridge in Baltimore, statewide conversion to All-Electronic Tolling and replacement of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge westbound right lane deck, which was accomplished in one construction season instead of two seasons as initially projected. Under Mr. Ports’ leadership, the MDTA completed planning and began construction of the I-95 Express Toll Lane Extension in Harford County, launched construction of the new Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge in Charles County, began a project to install a new gating system on the Bay Bridge to improve safety and traffic flow and advanced the Bay Crossing Study in its Tier 1 National Environmental Policy Act review.

Prior to the MDTA, Mr. Ports served as MDOT Deputy Secretary of Operations, working closely with all six department agencies. It was his second stint as a Deputy Secretary, having served in that capacity from 2004 to 2007 during the administration of Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Mr. Ports’ extensive experience in multi-modal transportation and highway safety includes service as administrator and chief executive officer for Harford County Transit from mid-2009 to 2015. In this capacity, he was responsible for safe, effective and efficient operation and regulatory oversight of Harford County’s transit service including fixed bus routes and demand response service for the elderly and persons with special needs.

Prior to Harford County Transit, Mr. Ports served the U.S. Department of Transportation as deputy administrator (chief operating officer) for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2007 to 2009. He was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation with confirmation by President George W. Bush. As deputy administrator, he managed the day-to-day operations of the agency and oversaw its 10 Regional Offices across the nation. As the second highest ranking highway safety official in the nation, he was recognized as a national and international leader in vehicle, behavioral and roadway safety.

From 1991 to 2002, Mr. Ports served in the Maryland General Assembly as a member of the House of Delegates. He was ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee and served on numerous House-Senate joint committees and subcommittees, including the House Subcommittees on Transportation, Education and Taxes. He was elected by his peers to serve as the Minority Whip.

While in the House of Delegates and prior to his first appointment to MDOT, Mr. Ports was employed by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. During his 21-year career, he rose through the ranks and held various positions including supervisor of the Industrial and Commercial Gas Field Operations.

Mr. Ports grew up in Baltimore County, graduated from Perry Hall Senior High School and earned an Associate of Arts in Business Management and Administration from Essex Community College. He also attended the Program for Emerging Political and Business Leaders at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 1993, as well as a program at the Flemming Fellows Leadership Institute in 1997 and Executive Leadership Training at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2006.

Mr. Ports served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant (E5) and was a Crew Chief on a CH-46 Helicopter. He is a life member of the VFW and the Marine Corps League and is a Disabled American Veteran. Throughout his life, he has served in many capacities for the benefit of his nation, state and community. Mr. Ports is an avid soccer fan. He and his wife Linda have enjoyed coaching and watching their three children, Chris, Jon and Kelsey, play various sports.

Jimmy Rhee was appointed Special Secretary of Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women’s Business Affairs by Governor Larry Hogan and began service to the State of Maryland in January, 2015. He is responsible for policy and oversight of the State’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Reserve (SBR) programs.

Mr. Rhee coordinates compliance activities with 70 participating procurement agencies while simultaneously working with Maryland’s business community to expand opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned firms seeking to perform as prime contractors and/or subcontractors on state-funded procurements.
In 2014, Mr. Rhee was a Strategic Advisor with The Livingston Group and a Partner with EIGC Holdings.

From 2010 through 2014 he served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia where he presided over international trade and investment activities with direct nexus to job creation. In that role he facilitated Virginia’s “Year of the Entrepreneur” program (in conjunction with the White House initiative Startup America) enabling small businesses to gain access to capital, information and technology. In addition, he advocated for minority business participation on various state procurement offerings and infrastructure projects such as the I95 express. He also worked with various governor-appointed advisory boards to recognize the importance of contributions from minority communities. He was the COO/CEO of Global Technology Systems Consortium, Inc. from 2003 through 2009.

With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in enterprise creation, growth and change management, Mr. Rhee has an extensive record of directing turn-around situations ranging from manufacturing to software companies. He has mentored various small business entities, helping them secure capital and illuminate their competitive edge.

Active in the community, Mr. Rhee serves as a board member for various organizations including Asians in Energy, Environment and Commerce, the George Mason University Diversity Advisory Committee and the Asian Information Technology Business CEO Organization.

Mr. Rhee is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University where he earned a Master’s in Science and a Master’s in Business Administration. He earned a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Maryland and holds a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Energy Conversion & Storage from the Stanford University Professional Development Center and an Electronic Systems Design Certificate from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is also a member and certified performance coach with the International Coach Federation. He lives in Clarksville, Maryland with his wife.

Kelly M. Schulz brings a wealth of knowledge to the Maryland Department of Commerce from her years of experience working in the government, in the private sector and as a small business owner. She had previously served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) since her confirmation in February 2015 and is also a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

At DLLR, she was responsible for managing an agency with nearly 2,000 employees and an operating budget of more than $375 million. Under her leadership, Maryland’s apprenticeship program grew to its highest level since 2008, with more than 10,000 apprentices statewide. DLLR’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland program received national recognition for both innovation and effectiveness and was named one of the Top 25 programs in the 2018 Innovations in American Government Award competition.

A former member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Frederick County, she served on the Economic Matters Committee from 2011- 2015. In addition to local issues, then Delegate Schulz took special interest in legislation relating to banks and other financial institutions, business, occupations and professions, economic development, labor and employment, unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.

Prior to embarking on a career of public service, Secretary Schulz sold real estate, worked as a program manager for a defense contractor and was a part-owner of a cyber security firm. She has received several awards including the Outstanding Recent Alumna Award from Hood College in 2011, and is proud to participate as a member in many local community organizations including the Libertytown-Unionville Lions Club and the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company. Kelly is also a past Board member of the Frederick County Habitat for Humanity.

Secretary Schulz obtained her Associates degree from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York and later obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.

A native of Warren, Michigan, Kelly currently lives in Frederick County, Maryland with her husband John Nowell and has two sons, Brandon and Bradley.

Chick Hamm is a life-long community banker with strong ties to Harford and Cecil Counties. He was CEO and President of Mercantile County Bank until the time of its acquisition by PNC Bank in 2006. Today, Mr. Hamm is an Executive Vice President for PNC Bank with leadership responsibilities for commercial and institutional banking activity throughout the Greater Maryland Market.

With 40 years of experience in the field, Mr. Hamm has held bank leadership positions with final levels of responsibility for financial performance, strategic plan development, operating and capital budgets, regulatory compliance, asset quality assurance and special project management.

Mr. Hamm completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Loyola College of Maryland, receiving a Masters Degree in Business Administration in 1983. As an active community volunteer he has served on numerous boards supporting the economic, health care and educational needs of the community. Currently, Mr. Hamm is a board member of the Susquehanna Workforce Network, the Bainbridge Development Corporation and he serves as a Trustee for Cecil College. He is also the Chairman of Affinity Health Alliance/Union Hospital and has been elected to the board of the Maryland Bankers Association.

A native of Harford County, Mr. Hamm, age 57, and his wife, Anne, reside in the Elk Neck Area of Cecil County.

Chris Rockey began his career with PNC bank in 1999. Today, he serves as the Greater Maryland Market Manager, Community Development Banking for PNC Bank. Community Development Banking is committed to changing lives and transforming communities through economic development, affordable housing, community services and revitalization. He is responsible for leading a team that provides lending, investing, tax credits, technical assistance and financial literacy outreach for low to moderate income individuals and/or projects serving this demographic. In addition, Chris has educated thousands of people as well as facilitated train the trainer workshops through PNC Bank’s financial literacy curriculum.

Chris is committed to giving back to the community and has served(s) on the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Community Lending, Volunteers of America Chesapeake (Treasurer), Associated Black Charities (Treasurer), Center For Urban Families, Neighborhood Housing Services, Tri-County Housing Development Corporation (Past President), Tri County Community Action Commission (Past President), PA Downtown Center (Past Chairman of the Board), PA Community Development Bank (2008-2012 Gubernatorial appointment) , Community First Fund (Past Board & Senior Loan Committee 2008-2012), PA State Volunteers of America (Past), United Way of Pennsylvania (Past), Eureka Masonic Lodge (32nd Degree Master Mason), Lodge Council, Chapter, Consistory, Valley of Harrisburg and the Zembo Shriners of Harrisburg.

He is a twice decorated US Navy Veteran and has been married for 28 years to his wife Christine. Chris and Christine have 3 children and twin grandchildren. Christian and Collin (US Navy) both grown, and a daughter Cassidy (6th grade).