Board Formed for Maryland Public-Private Marketing Organization

By Karen Glenn Hood | Apr 20, 2016

Members representing diverse industries, regions of state to guide new branding efforts

BALTIMORE, MD (April 20, 2016) – Fourteen professionals with diverse expertise in business, economic development and marketing have been named by Governor Larry Hogan to a new organization that will help drive Maryland’s branding and marketing efforts to attract businesses, create jobs and grow the state’s economy.

The Maryland Public-Private Partnership (P3) Marketing Corporation, working with the Maryland Department of Commerce, was created to develop a branding strategy for the state, market the state’s assets and encourage the location and growth of new businesses in the state. Governor Hogan included $1 million to initially fund the P3 in his FY2017 budget. Board members represent various regions of the state – from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore – in the areas of business, economic development, labor, non-profit organizations, marketing and advertising, and public relations and communications.

“Over the past 16 months, our administration has worked hard to boost Maryland’s economy, moving all the way up to first in the nation for job growth in the latest jobs report,” said Governor Hogan. “This group will play an important role in the promotion of our state as the ideal place to start a business, raise a family and enjoy an excellent quality of life.”

Governor Hogan’s 14 board appointees, all of whom have been confirmed by the Maryland Senate, are:

  • Henry Fawell, founder and president, Campfire Communications
  • Julie Garner, director of government affairs, AstraZeneca
  • Keasha Haythe, president and CEO, Zoe Economic Development Group, LLC
  • Joshua Martin, controller, Volvo Group
  • Ammanuel Moore, economic development manager, BGE
  • Captain Eric Nielsen, president, Association of Maryland Pilots
  • Paul Nolan, vice president of tax and government affairs, McCormick & Co., Inc.
  • Leonard Raley, president and CEO, University System of Maryland Foundation
  • David Rodich, executive director, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500
  • Tom Sadowski, president and CEO, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore
  • Marcus Stephens, executive creative director, Plank Industries
  • Angela Sweeney, vice president and chief marketing officer, Peterson Companies
  • Aaron Tomarchio, vice president of corporate affairs, Tradepoint Atlantic
  • Laura Van Eperen, CEO, Van Eperen

Additional members of the Board include Maryland Secretary of Commerce Mike Gill and one representative each from the state Senate and House of Delegates. Senator Cheryl Kagan (District 17) and Delegate Kris Valderrama (District 26) were appointed by the Senate President and Speaker of the House, respectively, and serve as nonvoting members.

The Maryland Public-Private Partnership (P3) Marketing Corporation was created through legislation reorganizing the Maryland Department of Commerce that was passed by the legislature during the 2015 session and was signed into law by Governor Hogan. This legislation was based upon recommendations of the Maryland Economic Development and Business Climate Commission, more commonly known as the Augustine Commission.

“The restructuring to the Department of Commerce is all about increasing our outreach and responsiveness and boosting Maryland’s profile in the marketplace,” said Secretary Gill. “Combined with our emphasis on customer service, enhancing the marketing of Maryland as a pro-business and asset-rich state will have a positive impact on our efforts to bring more business to Maryland.”

About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.

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