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Public and private sector leaders share their thoughts on economic development-related legislation that will be considered by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2022 session.
The health and safety of our community, staff, and event attendees is MEDA’s highest priority. MEDA has moved this conference to a virtual format.
Access the draft agenda by clicking on this link.
Click here to view the 2021 Fall MEDA Business Meeting minutes.
When
Thu, Jan 13, 2022 @ 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where
VIRTUAL
,
Conference Speakers
The 2022 MEDA Winter Conference Speakers
WELCOME TO ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Ben Birge is the President/CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation. Previously, he served as the Chief Administrative for Anne Arundel County.
Ben has spent his career in the public policy arena at all levels of government with particular focus on budgeting, program management and analysis. He managed Prince George’s CountyStat, a team responsible for providing analysis and oversight to ensure county services are operating in an efficient, productive and cost-effective manner.
He has spent time on Capitol Hill and in the Maryland State House as a higher education advocate. As an analyst for the Maryland Legislature, he created numerous databases and workflow improvements.
Ben’s civic activities have involved Anne Arundel County libraries and public schools as well as the Boy Scouts. Originally from Los Angeles, he has lived in Anne Arundel County since 1991.
Steuart Pittman, Jr. was elected Anne Arundel County Executive after his first campaign for public office in 2018.
Born and raised on his family farm in Davidsonville, Steuart graduated from the University of Chicago and then went on to work as a community organizer in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. In that role, he built neighborhood organizations, confronted environmental hazards, and attracted private investment to blighted communities.
Once back home, Steuart coordinated national programs for National Low Income Housing Coalition and Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) before starting his own business as a farmer and horse trainer. He is best known in the horse industry for creating Retired Racehorse Project, an award-winning national nonprofit that is responsible for transitioning thousands of racehorses into second careers.
Steuart’s philosophy of government is both conservative and progressive. As a farmer, he worked hard against onerous regulations that had no public benefit and promoted policies to make the industry commercially viable. As a Director of the Anne Arundel County Soil Conservation District, he pushed for compliance with erosion and sediment control standards to protect local waterways.
As County Executive, Steuart has pledged to make Anne Arundel County “The Best Place,” by “Putting Communities First.” His strategy is to engage communities from every sector and to practice transparency and data-driven policymaking.
Stephen Rice serves as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Annapolis, Maryland. In this role, Stephen leads the economic development division within the Department of Planning and Zoning. He manages economic development projects, facilitates revitalization efforts and helps to recruit and retain businesses in the city. Stephen also advocates for policies that ensure that Annapolis continues to be a great place to start, grow or expand a business.
Previously, Stephen worked for American Communities Trust in Baltimore as Director of Community Development. In this role he worked with New Markets Tax Credits to revitalize challenged communities across the country. Stephen also served as Vice President of Business Development for the Howard County Economic Development Authority after a long tenure at the Greater Baltimore Urban League where he led the economic development team.
Stephen is very active in his community and has served on several local boards and commissions. Currently he serves as a Commissioner for the Enterprise Road Corridor Development Review District Commission in Prince George’s County. He is also very active with the Urban Land Institute’s Washington, D.C. Chapter and the Lambda Alpha International (Land Economics Society) Baltimore Chapter.
Stephen was raised in Columbia, Maryland and is a proud graduate of Wilde Lake High School. He then completed his undergraduate education at Morehouse College where he studied Economics. Stephen later completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Vanderbilt University and his Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree at Harvard University.
Stephen enjoys reading, traveling and playing golf in his spare time. When not enjoying the wonders of Annapolis, Stephen can be found taking in the splendid views at National Harbour in Maryland.
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.
MEDA BUSINESS MEETING
Danny graduated from Crisfield High School, received an Associate Degree in Accounting from Wor-Wic Community College and Business Administration at Salisbury University.
Danny is the current Executive Director for the Somerset County Economic Development Commission for the past 12 years. His position entitles him to focus on the retention and expansion of existing employers and the recruitment of new businesses to assist in the economic growth of Somerset County. He was previously employed with the State of Maryland in the Department of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation Agency for 12 years and formerly worked at the Carvel Hall Plant in Crisfield as Human Resources Manager, Time & Motion Study Observer for 10 years until its closing. He also owned & operated the Circle Inn Restaurant in Crisfield for 10 years.
He was the Past-Chairman of the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Somerset County Economic Development Commission. Danny serves as a board member for the Maryland Economic Development Association, Lower Shore Workforce Alliance, and was formerly a councilperson for 8 years at the City of Crisfield. He is also active as a High School Sports official in soccer & basketball.
Danny was raised in Fruitland, Maryland until 1975 then later moved to Crisfield, Maryland. He moved to the Princess Anne area in 2008. He is married to his wife, Cheryl who is a private music teacher, has a son Keith who graduated from University of Maryland College Park majoring in Electrical Engineering, and has two grandchildren Daniel Ryon, and Kaiden Nickolas. He enjoys all types of sports, cooking, playing trumpet in church, & spending time with his family.
Ms. Beaver has served as the Carroll County Deputy Director of Economic Development since 2001. Prior to that Ms. Beaver held several Carroll County workforce development roles serving Carroll County businesses and citizens for a total of 27 years.
Selected as a Leadership Maryland Class of 2021 member and elected MEDA secretary in April 2021, Ms. Beaver also currently represents Carroll County at the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore Advisory Board, the Baltimore Gas & Electric Carroll County Advisory Council, the Carroll Transit Advisory Council, and the Mid-Maryland Workforce Development Board. Previously, Ms. Beaver was a founding member, board member, and Secretary of the Carroll Technology Council (now Carroll Technology & Innovation Council) for 16 years.
Ms. Beaver holds degrees from Kutztown University and Towson University and resides in Westminster.
Ebony Stocks
Executive Vice President
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
Biography
Ebony Stocks is the Executive Vice President with the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, an organization that provides business services that help attract, retain, and expand businesses in the County. She previously administered the County’s premier $50 million economic development tool, the Economic Development Incentive Fund which leveraged over $1 billion in capital investment and created over 13,000 jobs. Ms. Stocks is a Certified Economic Development Finance professional who has managed several financing and incentive programs. Ms. Stocks has worked in commercial lending providing non-traditional financing to rapidly growing small businesses. Ms. Stocks has a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Renée M. Winsky is the president and founder of Bay One Group, LLC. Formed in 2012, the firm assists clients with a variety of subject matters, including leadership development, economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and advocacy, technology transfer and commercialization, university collaborations and partnering, and small business start-ups.
From September 2013 to March 2022, Ms. Winsky served as President and Chief Executive Officer for Leadership Maryland, a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of the leaders throughout the state.
Prior to joining Leadership Maryland, Ms. Winsky served as the Executive Director of the Chesapeake Innovation Center, CEO of the Tech Council of Maryland, and as the President and Executive Director of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). She has held positions with the Information Technology Association of America (now TechAmerica), National League of Cities, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Maryland Municipal League, and City of Greenbelt, Maryland.
Ms. Winsky is a member of the Maryland Venture Fund Authority, a Governor Larry Hogan appointment. She serves on the Maryland Innovation Initiative and Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Funding Authorities as Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. appointments. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Economic Development Association, where she is Treasurer, and The Maryland School for the Blind, where she is Secretary. She has served in volunteer, leadership and governance roles with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, Chesapeake Innovation Center, Maryland Association of CPAs, Maryland Business Incubation Association, Maryland Health Care Product Development Corporation, State Science and Technology Institute, UMBC Research Park Corporation, West County Chamber Government Contractor’s Guild, Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Winsky is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a graduate of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2005, where she is also a Lifetime Member.
Andrea Mansfield joined Manis Canning & Associates, one the of the premier lobbying firms in Annapolis, as a lobbyist in December 2015. With more than 20 years of government relations, management, and administration expertise, Andrea successfully executes advocacy efforts and programs on behalf of multiple clients before state and local executives and elected officials. Her broad experience and involvement with the Maryland Legislature on policy, fiscal and budget matters; and her ability to work with diverse groups and build consensus on complex issues is an asset to the firm.
Andrea has extensive experience at the state and local level, having led and coordinated policy efforts for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and implemented the legislative agendas of state agencies. As MACo’s Legislative Director she advised, crafted, and implemented the common agendas and legislative goals of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.
In state government, she worked within three Administrations in positions of increasing responsibility, serving as legislative liaison to the Legislature for the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR); and Special Assistant, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Andrea is the current Chair of the Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee, serves on the board of directors for the Maryland Economic Development Association and as Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee, and is a member of Leadership Maryland’s Class of 2019. She has a Master of Policy Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Lori C. Valentine is the Vice President of Policy and Public Relations for the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), leading the organization’s business marketing and communications arm as well as its legislative teams. She is an experienced policy and public relations professional with years of experience in the public sector on the state and local levels serving as legislative directors for several state agencies, including the Maryland Department of Commerce (formerly DBED) and Prince George’s County government under former County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.
Prior to taking on her roles in Prince George’s County, Valentine gained valuable experience in legislative policy and negotiating after being tapped to serve as a legislative officer for Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich. On a mission to support Prince George’s County’s efforts to attract, retain and support the existing business community, she is focused on improving local entrepreneurs’ access to County programs and resources. Her team continuously creates stimulating communications and marketing collaterals that increase the visibility of the EDC programs and services, taking businesses to the next level of growth.
Lori can also be credited with contributions towards the passage of numerous pieces of legislation that support the business community’s ability to develop and expand in Maryland and Prince George’s County, supporting the County’s efforts to rebrand with its Experience, Expand, Explore campaign, coordinating County Executive Angela Alsobrooks record-breaking inaugural State of the Economy address, and creating diverse, interactive and informative programming to support the County’s business community.
Valentine is a proud native of Chicago, Illinois, a Juris Doctorate graduate of the Howard University School of Law, a MEDA Board Member, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
MARYLAND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP REPORT
Shelonda Stokes is a results-oriented executive named President of Downtown
Partnership of Baltimore and the Downtown Management Authority’s CEO in 2020. In
these roles, she leads these two non-profits with multi-million-dollar budgets and
programs that make the heart of Baltimore a more vibrant place where businesses,
people, and culture thrive. Shelonda is also an integral partner to the City’s COVID-19
recovery and future direction. She co-chaired former Mayor Young’s Small Business
Recovery Taskforce. She served as the Co-chair of Mayor Scott’s Business, Workforce,
and Neighborhood Development Transition Committee. Shelonda has recently been
tapped to Co-chair a taskforce to evaluate development incentives with Councilman
Costello.
Prior to her new role at Downtown Partnership, Shelonda spent the last twenty years as
President & CEO of greiBO, a full-service marketing and entertainment agency. Under
her leadership, greiBO earned a place in the world of communications with numerous
awards and services to industry leaders and global markets.
This sought-after thought leader and businesswoman is the recipient of over 85
community and professional awards. She’s on speed dial and serves as a critical
advisor for an elite list of Fortune 100 CEOs, elected officials, and other dignitaries.
greiBO’s growing impressive client list is the result of her management and greiBO’s
culture of engaging people to look, listen, and believe. Just ask State Farm, Hewlett
Packard, Under Armour, Smithsonian, and Coca Cola, to name a few.
Shelonda was recently recognized by The Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs and the
Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Most Influential People, The Daily Record recently
inducted her into the Circle of Excellence, for being recognized as a “Top 100 Woman”
three times. The Sun Newspaper recognized her as one of the 2021 Faces to Watch.
Shelonda was appointed by the President of the United States to serve on the National
Women’s Business Council, appointed to the Maryland Tourism Development Board by
Senate President Bill Ferguson and appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to serve on the
Morgan State University Board of Regents. She was the first African American Chair of
the Board for Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. She serves on the Center Club,
Central Maryland Transportation Alliance and My Brother’s Keeper Boards.
Donald C. Fry has been the president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), the central Maryland region’s most prominent organization of business and civic leaders, since November 2002.
The GBC serves as a knowledgeable and highly credible business voice in the Baltimore region, Annapolis and Washington, D.C., on policy issues and competitive challenges facing Maryland. Its mission is to apply private-sector leadership to strengthening the business climate and quality of life in the region and state.
Fry served as GBC executive vice president from 1999 to 2002. From 1980 to 1999 Fry was engaged in a private law practice in Harford County. During this time he also served in the Maryland General Assembly. He is one of only a handful of legislators to have served on each of the major budget committees of the General Assembly.
Serving in the Senate of Maryland from 1997 to 1998, Fry was a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee. As a member of the House of Delegates from 1991 to 1997 Fry served on the Ways and Means Committee and on the Appropriations Committee.
Fry is a 1979 graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law. He earned a B.S. in political science from Frostburg State College.
Mary D. Kane is a proven leader in state, federal and global organizations and joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as President & CEO in October 2021.
Kane has a rich professional history, most recently at the U.S. State Department as Director of the National Museum of American Diplomacy. An attorney, she also served as Secretary of State in Maryland from 2003-2007 and as Executive Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce from 2008-2011.
During her tenure leading the National Museum of American Diplomacy, Kane repositioned the organization by successfully reviving fundraising efforts and lobbying Congress to re-name and re-brand the museum to increase its public profile and interest in the history and significance of the U.S. State Department.
Kane also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Mount St. Mary’s University from 2016-2021, and as President and CEO of Sister Cities International from 2011-2017, the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties and states across the United States that promotes citizen diplomacy through partnerships in more than 140 countries.
“I am honored and excited to lead the Maryland Chamber of Commerce at this critical time,” said Kane. “The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of our community and the need for strategic thinking. With the support of the Chamber’s impressive Board, talented team of professionals and outstanding members, I look forward to strengthening the Chamber’s position as the leading voice for business in Maryland.”
Jack McDougle is a champion of innovation-friendly and collaborative cultures; working with business, government and nonprofit organizations for more than 20 years to develop and implement breakthrough ideas that create sustainable competitive advantage. He focuses teams to thrive in complex environments, think with a global perspective and flexibly adapt to change while generating creative, viable approaches to challenging situations.
Jack founded Blutre Strategies in 2009 as a personal initiative to drive innovation and improve quality of life through economic capacity building, both in the U.S. and globally. One of his projects included serving as Senior Vice President at the Council on Competitiveness where he engaged more than 150 CEO’s, university presidents and labor leaders to formulate and lead a National Manufacturing Initiative – convening key thought leaders across the U.S. to construct strategies and programs enhancing U.S. manufacturing, increasing exports and creating jobs. This bipartisan public policy agenda was shared with officials and business leaders throughout the country.
Prior to Blutre, Jack served as Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce where he successfully helped lead turn-around efforts for the $2 billion 2010 Census Automation Program. As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Industry Analysis, he worked collaboratively with government agencies and the private sector to minimize the negative impacts of proposed regulations to the aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and construction industries. Jack also led global strategy and communications planning to advance U.S. export programs; directed analyses leading to Congressional approval of various trade agreements and supported trade missions ranging from Azerbaijan and Kuwait to China and India. While at the U.S. Department of State, Jack helped build and lead components of the U.S. hosted G8 Summit at Sea Island, GA.
In the private sector, at People’s United Bank, Jack was chosen by the CEO to implement a strategic business process, integrated with human resources and financial planning, which resulted in increased sales, customer retention, and profitability. He formulated new organizational change and talent performance concepts to enrich corporate culture and broaden decision-making parameters.
Jack regularly discusses economic, business, manufacturing, and trade issues with senior government and industry officials as well as presenting at various meetings and events. He’s been featured on PBS NewsHour and in numerous print publications. Jack earned his M.B.A. in strategy and finance at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE OUTLOOK
With over 20 years of economic development experience, Laurie Boyer Babb, CEcD currently serves as the Director of Economic Development at Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. She is responsible for the management and oversight of the County’s economic development financial incentive programs and the administration of contracts with third party vendors providing economic development services on behalf of the County. Over the past year, she developed the policies and procedures and implemented over $40 million in emergency grant programs established to assist businesses locally during the global health pandemic. She and her team provide support and guidance to companies interested in doing business in Montgomery County. Babb serves as a strategic and technical advisor to other senior managers, the County Executive and the County Council in evaluating new programs, policies and incentives for supporting new and existing businesses. She partners strategically with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and the Maryland Department of Commerce on business attraction and retention efforts.
Previously, Laurie served as the Executive Director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), and as Executive Director for the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.
In May 2006, she earned her professional Economic Development Certification (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council.
Ms. Babb is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class of 2014 and Leadership Frederick County Class of 1997, serves as Secretary of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Foundation Board, and is on the MEDA Council of Past Presidents.
Ms. Babb has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA and a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.
Senator Ferguson, was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2010 to represent Maryland’s 46th Legislative District. He first served on the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee before moving to the Budget and Taxation Committee, where he became Vice-Chair of the committee and Chair of the Education, Business, and Administration Subcommittee. In January 2020, his colleagues unanimously elected him to serve as President of the Maryland Senate, making him the second youngest Senate President in Maryland history. As Senate President, Bill ensures that he looks out for the needs of all Marylanders and the critical issues facing our state.
Bill is serving his third term as State Senator for Maryland’s 46th Legislative District. The 46th Legislative District is located entirely within Baltimore City, including neighborhoods in south Baltimore, downtown near and around the Inner Harbor, and southeast Baltimore.
A lifelong Maryland resident, Bill made Baltimore City his home when he joined Teach for America after graduating from Davidson College with a double major in political science and economics. From 2005 to 2007, Bill taught U.S. history and U.S. government to ninth and tenth graders in a breakout academy of one of Baltimore’s most challenged high schools. Bill earned his Master’s degree in Teaching from the Johns Hopkins School of Education in 2007.
The inequities of the public education system in Baltimore City led Bill to engage more deeply within the community outside of the schoolhouse. After teaching, Bill worked as a community liaison for the Baltimore City Council President’s Office; earned a law degree from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law; and served as the Special Assistant to Dr. Andres Alonso, former CEO of the Baltimore City Public Schools. Through these pursuits, Bill continually drew from his classroom experiences to find ways to bring new resources and greater attention to the city’s educational achievement gap.
Senator Ferguson is married to fellow Teach for America alum Lea Ferguson (Baltimore City, ’05). The Ferguson live in Patterson Park with their son, Caleb, and daughter, Cora.
Speaker Adrienne A. Jones shattered two glass ceilings when she was unanimously elected by the full House of Delegates to serve as the first African-American and the first woman Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in history.
Prior to being Speaker, Speaker Jones also held the distinction of being the first African American woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tem in the Maryland House of Delegates, serving in that capacity under Speaker Mike Busch for 16 years. Speaker Jones served on the House Appropriations Committee, and was Chair of the Capital Budget and Education, and Economic Development Subcommittees. She has been a delegate since 1997.
Speaker Jones has long been known by her colleagues for her steadfast leadership and no-nonsense approach to legislating. She has focused on education policy and funding issues, most notably school construction, during her tenure in the legislature. She has also made significant advances in ensuring diversity and fair treatment of State employees.
In February, 2019, Speaker Jones received the Casper R. Taylor, Jr. Founder’s Award, the highest award given to a member of the House of Delegates, recognizing her steadfast service. She has three times been named to the “Top 100 Women in Maryland” by the Daily Record, and was inducted into the Circle of Excellence for Sustained Achievement. Most recently she was selected along with 25 female legislators for Governing Magazine’s Women in Government Leadership Program Class of 2016. As the first Executive Director of the Baltimore County Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs, she faithfully served the citizens of the County for over 37 years. She served as Deputy Director of the Baltimore County Office of Human Resources until her retirement from service in Baltimore County Government on June 30, 2014. During her civil service career, she worked with diverse populations of the County with dedication and sensitivity, providing a listening “ear” to individual citizens, business owners, religious leaders, and elected officials. She is the Founder of the Annual Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, now in its 21st year.
Speaker Jones was born in Cowdensville, Maryland, a historic African-American community located near Arbutus in Southwest Baltimore County. She attended Baltimore County Public Schools, graduating from Lansdowne High School and is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology . She attended The National Security Seminar, U.S. Army War College in 2007. In 2008, she received an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. She is the mother of two adult sons and proud grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren, Jalen and Janelle Jones.
Tenure
First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 2010. Member of the House 2011-2015. Resigned from the House of Delegates, February 2, 2015. Appointed to the Senate and sworn in on February 2, 2015.
Current Assignments
2021 Minority Whip
2021 Senate Finance Committee
2021 Legislative Policy Committee
2019 Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee
2015 Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 2, Carroll and Frederick Counties
Past Senate Service
Judicial Proceedings Committee, 2015-2021; Death with Dignity Workgroup, 2015; Workgroup to Study Shelter and Supportive Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Minors, 2019-2020.
Past House Service
Chief Deputy Minority Whip, 2013-2015; Estates & Trusts Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2015; Health and Government Operations Committee, 2011-2015; Government Operations & Long Term Care Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2011-2015; Government Operations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2011-2014; Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2011-2015; Rural Health-Care Workgroup, 2011-.
Public Service
Law Enforcement Body Camera Task Force, 2020-; Governmental Representative, Juvenile Grant Planning and Review Council, 2017-2020; Task Force to Study Restraint, Searches and Needs of Children in the Juvenile Justice System, 2016-2017; Chair, One Maryland Blue Ribbon Commission, 2015-2016.
Memberships
Associate Member, Carroll Women’s Republican Club; Volunteer, Alpha Pregnancy Centers; House of Bread Food Distribution; Liberty Church, Westminster, MD.
Biographical Information
Born, Mobile, Alabama, April 15, 1982; Carroll Community College, A.A., 2002; Salisbury University, B.A., Political Science, 2004; Field Director, E. J. Pipkin for U.S. Senate, 2004; Legislative Aide to Delegate J. B. Jennings, 2004-06; Chief of Staff, Senator Janet Greenip, 2006-08; Executive Director, Maryland Republican Party, 2008-09; National Sales and Marketing for Strategic CFM, 2016 -; Owner, Strategic CFM, (small business specializing in marketing, advertising and printing design), 2009-2016; Interim Executive Director, Maryland Republican Party, 2011; Maryland Co-Chair, Rick Perry Presidential Campaign, 2011; Married; two children.
Tenure
First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014. Member since 2015.
Current Assignments
2021 Minority Leader
2015 Ways and Means Committee
2020 Racing and Gaming Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee
2017 Revenues Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee
2021 Rules and Executive Nominations Committee
2021 Legislative Policy Committee
2021 Spending Affordability Committee
2019 Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)
2021 Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families
2021 House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup
2021 Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission
2021 Special Joint Legislative Committee to Select the State Treasurer
2016 Chair, Allegany House Delegation
Past House Service
Chief Deputy Minority Whip, 2017-2021; Election Law Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2015-2017; Finance Resources Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2015-2020; Work Group to Address Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland, 2020; Tax Credit Evaluation Committee, 2017-2021.
Public Service
Task Force to Study Maryland Orphans Court, 2021-; Co-Chair, Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland, 2020-; Task Force to Study Tax Sales in Maryland, 2017-2018; Maryland Redistricting Reform Commission, 2015-2018; Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, 2015-; Local (Video Lottery) Development Council, Allegany County, 2015-.
Memberships
Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, 2014-; Allegany County Republican Central Committee, 2006-2014; Maryland State Bar Association; LaVale Lions Club; Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge Number 40, Associate Member; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland, Maryland.
Biographical Information
Born Allegany County, November 3, 1971; Bishop Walsh High School; George Mason University, B.A. Political Science; University of Maryland School of Law, J.D.; Attorney, Managing Partner, Buckel, Lavasseur & Pillai, LLC.
KEYNOTE
Boyd Rutherford is the ninth lieutenant governor of the State of Maryland. He was elected to office with Governor Larry Hogan in 2014, and re-elected in 2018. He is the first Republican lieutenant governor to ever be re-elected in Maryland.
An accomplished attorney with a lifetime of experience in both the public and private sectors, Rutherford has served as Associate Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, as Assistant Secretary for Administration for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and as Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services. In addition to his public service, he has extensive legal and business experience, including service in business and government law, information technology sales, and small and minority business development.
As lieutenant governor, Rutherford has been a strong partner with Governor Hogan, leading the administration’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, reform burdensome regulations on job creators, and break the cycle of poverty between family generations. He has also led the state’s efforts to modernize procurement practices, improve the mental health delivery system, and make Maryland a national leader in the implementation of the federal Opportunity Zones program.
Lt. Governor Rutherford holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Howard University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Communications Management and a law degree, both from the University of Southern California.
Commerce Secretary R. Michael Gill brings a wealth of knowledge to the Department from his years of experience working in the government and in the private sector. He previously served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce from 2015-2019.
Conference Sponsors
The 2022 MEDA Winter Conference Sponsors
