MEDA and PNC Rural Economic Development Session – Southern Maryland Edition

Chris Abell is the Workforce Development Director for the Patuxent Partnership, in this role he leads all workforce development programming for the organization including the Southern Maryland 2030 Initiative, the SPARK! Career Fair and related STEM initiatives.

Chris is a technology champion with a strong commitment to bridging the gap between innovation, employers, and practical workforce solutions. With extensive career, he brings a wealth of experience as a nonprofit leader, workforce board director, and the co-founder and technology lead of the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC). He holds a certification in Humane Technology and serves on the Maryland Nonprofits Accelerator Advisory Committee. He is involved with the Rural Maryland Council, Maryland Nonprofits, and the Maryland Tech Council.

A proud graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2002, which laid the foundation for his career dedicated to positive community impact and workforce development. He has a passion for developing career pathways in technology, engineering, and government roles, and his leadership skills in people management, training, and scaling operations at corporations and non-profits, including Western Maryland Workforce Board, Starbucks, and Best Buy.

Laural Brinkley serves as the Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Calvert Health Medical Center. With over two and a half years of dedicated service at Calvert, Laural has been instrumental in advancing clinical operations and enhancing patient care standards. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.

Before joining Calvert Health, Laural amassed extensive experience at Washington Hospital Center, where she held various pivotal roles within the burn, trauma, and critical care departments. Her tenure there honed her expertise in managing complex clinical situations and leading multidisciplinary teams, making her a respected figure in the healthcare community.

Laural has been a resident of Southern Maryland for 26 years, with the last nine years spent in Calvert County. Her deep-rooted connection to the region fuels her passion for improving healthcare services for her community. Outside of her professional life, Laural and her husband, who have been married for 24 years, enjoy exploring new destinations and cultures through their shared love of travel.

Laural’s journey in healthcare is marked by her unwavering dedication to patient care, her strategic vision for clinical services, and her ability to inspire and lead her teams towards achieving outstanding outcomes.

Daisha Jones is a rising senior, majoring in psychology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland focusing professionally on forensic psychology. Her interest in legal psychology began her freshman year of college, when she learned about how psychology could make a difference within the criminal justice system. Daisha’s exposure to courses highlighting issues within the justice system and the importance of including psychology has led her to become passionate about pursuing a career in psychology and law. Currently, she is in her second year as a program assistant-intern at The Patuxent Partnership. There, Daisha has taken part in the preparation and planning of programs and events, outreach to partnering companies and personnel and networking at outside events. Through these experiences, Daisha has been able to strengthen her skills in teamwork, critical thinking, communication and professional development.

Ellen Flowers-Fields serves as Associate Vice President for Continuing Education and
Workforce Development at the College of Southern Maryland. She is responsible for the
oversight of all areas of the non-credit economic and community development programming in
Southern Maryland, including the Center for Trades and Energy Training, MCET, the Workforce
Center, the SBDC, the Non-Profit Institute, the Transportation Center and adult basic education
at all CSM campuses.

Ellen has over 25 years of progressive professional experience in the field of workforce
development and human capital management. Her diverse background includes the acquisition,
project management and implementation of various federal, state and local programs that
address community economic development needs. Throughout her career she has acquired
and managed nearly $100 million dollars in support of various economic and community
development initiatives. Funding acquisition from USDOL, USDA, US Dept of Commerce,
Veterans Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and numerous state and local
agencies, in NY, GA and MD.

Prior to serving in her current role, Ellen served Regional Director of the Small Business
Development Center at CSM. Ellen served as Acting Assistant Secretary, and Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Division of Workforce Development & Adult Learning at the Maryland
Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation from 2011 – 2014; Regional Director of Economic
Development at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland from 2006 – 2011; and Executive
Director for Southern Maryland Works from 2000 – 2006. In this role, Ellen led the efforts to
establish the region’s first One Stop workforce service delivery system and Workforce
Investment Board under the Federal Workforce Investment Act.

Ellen holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from Pace University in New York;
Certification from the International Business Innovation Association in Business Incubation
Management; and is credentialed as a Global Career Development Facilitator from the Center
for Credentialing and Education. She is a 2009 graduate of the inaugural Class of Leadership
Southern Maryland, an entrepreneur, and a self-published author.

Affiliations include Executive Board member Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland;
Member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and the Maryland
Economic Development Association; Past Board Member Maryland Broadband Coordination
Board; Past board chair, Bethel House Inc.; Immediate past Board chair, Community
Foundation of Southern Maryland; Alumni of the Inaugural class of Leadership Southern
Maryland 2009.
Recognitions include recipient of 2017 Excellence Award from the National League for
Innovation in Community Colleges; 2018 recipient of CEO award from the Southern Maryland
Minority Chamber of Commerce; Calvert County Commissioner’s Business owner appreciation
recognition 2008 & 2014; Recipient of 2008 Woman of the Year award from Calvert County
Concerned Black Women; Recipient of 2005 Charles County Minority Business of the Year;
Nominations for the 2006 Leadership Maryland class and 2006 Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

With over 35 years of building strategic and effective partnerships in the community and across the region, Greb now serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at her alma mater, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

As one of only two public honors colleges in the country, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is dedicated to empowering students to take charge of their future. This is achieved through the LEAD initiative, which stands for Learning Through Experiential and Applied Discovery. LEAD is an integrative pathway designed to prepare students for their next steps, whether that be research, graduate school, or entering the workforce. It combines a thoughtful academic experience with professional skill development, integrating credit-bearing courses and hands-on opportunities into their chosen degree, all managed by the Career Development & Professional Pathways division.

In her role as Executive Director, Greb provides strategic leadership for these programs, which include career advisement, job search skills, internship opportunities, employer engagement, recruiting activities, and core curriculum development and implementation. This role involves active and innovative outreach to alumni, employers, and members of both the SMCM and external communities, engaging them in the center’s mission and work. Greb is responsible for deepening existing relationships and creating new ones with internal stakeholders across campus to enhance the office’s impact on students. This includes professional skills development as part of the general education curriculum and career services focused on employer relations, internships, externships, and graduate placement into skill-based work. Additionally, she plays a crucial external role by building alliances with a wide range of partners, including alumni, employers, foundations, and other organizations.

Before joining St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Greb’s career included roles as an environmental land planner and project manager for large-scale residential and commercial real estate projects, natural resource projects on military installations, and regional land conservation programs. Her academic background includes studies in Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University, a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, studies in Residential Development & Site Planning at Harvard Graduate School of Design, and a Master of Science in Strategic Communications from UMGC, where she graduated with honors and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Greb also holds certifications from the Maryland Department of the Environment and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Greb is deeply committed to giving back to the community and has volunteered and served on various boards throughout her career, including the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Historic Sotterley Plantation, St. Mary’s County Community Development Corporation, and Historic St. Mary’s City.

Richard Griffin, AICP, CEcD is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick.
In that role oversees four City Departments including the Department of Economic
Development, Downtown Parking Department, Frederick Municipal Airport, and Weinberg
Center for the Arts. Griffin is accredited economic developer and urban planner with over 30
years of experience.
During his 23-year tenure in Frederick he has overseen major City Projects including the design
and development of award-winning Carroll Creek Park, airport expansion, and parking garage
development along with coordinating complex development projects delivering jobs and tax
base in downtown and commercial corridors. He has worked with many businesses in Frederick
including AstraZeneca, Fort Detrick, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Stulz,
Wilcoxen, Precision For Medicine, and many small mom and pop shops, and minority and
women owned businesses.
Richard has experience working at the city, county, regional, and federal level in Maryland,
Virginia, North and South Carolina and Washington State. He served on the district staff of the
late US Representative James Clarke from the 11th District of NC. He is a US Army veteran
having served as a Cavalry border guard on the East German Border during the cold war and as
a commissioned Armor officer in the NC National Guard and Army Reserves.
Mr. Griffin holds degrees from Western Carolina University and Clemson University. He serves
on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), Fort
Detrick Alliance, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc, and others. He is Rotary Paul
Harris Fellow and volunteers as a scout leader and youth mountain bike race team coach. His
wife Lynne is a FCPS teacher and they live, work, and play in Downtown Frederick.

Michelle McGuffin serves as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Calvert County Public Schools, where she spearheads the apprenticeship program, teaches employability skills, and organizes key events such as National Apprenticeship Week Recognition, Career Fairs, and National Signing Day for SkillsUSA.

Her professional journey began in the field of social work as a foster care social worker before she transitioned into the business sector with Verizon Wireless. Starting as an 800-line customer service representative, she progressed to the role of marketing consultant.

In her current position, Michelle effectively utilizes her diverse experiences to enhance educational opportunities for students. She collaborates with high schools and community business partners to provide meaningful internships and apprenticeships. Michelle is particularly passionate about apprenticeships, as they play a crucial role in her work. She finds great fulfillment in witnessing students succeed as they acquire practical experience, develop new skills, and envision a bright future.

Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and has obtained teacher certification from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Franklin N. McNeil, Jr. is the Community Development Officer with PNC Bank’s Greater Maryland, Community Development Banking team and is a 1983 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy. Originally from Memphis, TN, upon graduation from the academy he served in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years as an artillery officer until 1991. He had many outstanding experiences in the Corps, including the honor of being chosen to be a White House Social Aide during the George H. W. Bush administration.

He then worked for the Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for 16 years where the majority of his career was spent in the Community Affairs Department working in the community economic development arena throughout Maryland, West Virginia and the metropolitan DC areas. In February of 2008, Frank became a charter member of PNC Bank’s Greater Maryland Community Development Banking team where his job includes outreach to the community; writing and presenting grants and sponsorships; providing and teaching financial education materials to the community; partnering with non-profit organizations, local municipalities and neighborhood associations to find creative financial solutions to community needs through services and resources; identifying lending and investing opportunities; and participating in strategic development and support of PNC’s low- to moderate-income (LMI) branches.

Frank completed additional banking education with the Maryland Banking School in 1995 and is also very active in his community. He either currently serves or has served in board leadership roles with several non-profit organizations that provide health and human or other related services to the LMI population including the Maryland Philanthropy Network, Chase-Brexton Health Services, Community Law Center, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Baltimore Station, Iron Crow Theater, The Maryland LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation, USNA Out, Three Oaks Housing Center, and he co-chairs the LGBTQ+ Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation. He is a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and in 2019, he was selected to be a member of the Governor’s Financial Education and Capability Commission. Lastly, he is also very active in his faith community at First and Franklin Presbyterian Church in Baltimore where he met his husband, Paul Fowler, MD in 1995.

Christina Mulhollan Miller started her career as educator in 2001 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Chris began her career teaching grade eight reading/language arts at Milton Somers Middle School, a school in Charles County Public Schools. Chris led instructional and assessment initiatives at the school and county level before accepting a position at Central Office in the Office of Accountability in 2009. Chris worked closely with the Office of Instruction and the Office of School Administration to facilitate relevant professional learning to teachers and administrators in the areas of formative assessment, school improvement, and local, state, and national assessments. Currently, Chris serves as the Coordinator of District Innovation in Charles County Public Schools. In this role, she serves as the Blueprint implementation coordinator for the county.

Chris Kaselemis, AICP, is the Director of Economic Development for St. Mary’s County, a position he has held since June 2015. Chris received his B.S. degree and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. He previously worked for the City of Tucson for 28 years, holding various positions including Assistant to the City Manager and Economic Initiatives Program Director. He has been certified by the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Since coming to St. Mary’s County, Chris has helped guide the completion of the County’s “Strategic Plan to Build an Innovation Economy,” has led the effort to stand up the County’s first business technology incubator, and has led a consultant review of the County’s development review process.

Julie Oberg, director, holds a B.A. degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. She was appointed director in January 2022. In this role, she directs all services and activities of the 11-person department including attracting increased capital investments, expanding and diversifying employment opportunities, marketing, tourism development and agriculture development. Oberg has more than 25 years of experience in planning, organizing and implementing communications and economic development functions in the government, private and non-profit sectors. She currently serves on boards of directors for the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland Board of Advisors, Southern Maryland Economic Development Association and Southern Maryland Regional Innovation Collaborative. She is a member of the Leadership Southern Maryland Class of 2023 and the Maryland Economic Development Association.

Martin Proulx is the Value-Added Agricultural Specialist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This role provides general support for value-added and agricultural processing sectors in the State, as well as collaborates to reduce barriers and strengthen regulatory framework to improve and expand capacities and opportunities for value-added agricultural products.

Martin comes to MDA from Charles County Government, where he served as the Agriculture Business Development Manager, and has previous experience supporting agricultural businesses and farmers markets. He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Frostburg State University

Ms. Robertson-Slagle was appointed Director of Economic Development for Charles County, Maryland, in November 2021, becoming the first female economic development director in the county. In this role, Ms. Robertson-Slagle directs all services and activities of the 10 person department including attracting increased capital investments and expanding and diversifying employment opportunities, agricultural development and marketing.

Ms. Robertson-Slagle is a results-oriented and strategic leader with over 25 years of extensive experience in planning, organizing and implementing economic development functions from conception to completion, including working with new and expanding businesses and cultivating relationships between the local business community, counties, and economic development agencies at the state, regional and federal level.

Prior to joining Charles County Government, Ms. Robertson-Slagle served fifteen years with the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development holding positions in both business retention and business development as well as serving as the Director of Economic Development from July 2017 – Oct 2021. Her previous economic development experience also includes serving as director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where she provided leadership in planning, coordinating and overseeing the development, delivery and reporting of all professional programs, activities and services for the Southern Maryland region and business development specialist with the Maryland Department of Commerce where she worked directly with local jurisdictions on business retention and expansion projects.

Ms. Robertson-Slagle currently serves on the Board and is the Co–Chair of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Program Committee, is a founding board member of Southern Maryland Innovates initiative and is the current Chair of the Southern Maryland Regional Innovation Collaborative. She is Vice Chair of the Southern Maryland Economic Development Association (SMEDA) and is a board member of the Cedar Point Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and the University Systems of Maryland at Southern Maryland Board of Advisors.

Ms. Robertson-Slagle earned her Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management Development from the College of Southern Maryland and Bachelors of Science Degree in Marketing from the Robert H. School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park. She is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Maryland and a 2010 graduate of Leadership Southern Maryland and a 2021 graduate of the National Association of Counties (NACO) High Performance Leadership Academy.

Ms. Robertson-Slagle is a lifelong resident of Charles County and the proud mom of two children. She and her husband Jeff reside in La Plata, Maryland.

Erin Roth serves as the Maryland Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. In this role, she leads efforts to support jobseekers and businesses through the public workforce system. Roth leads the division, which oversees an annual budget of approximately $230M and over 400 employees, spanning critical work in the American Job Centers, correctional education within the State’s prisons, and adult education to support English Language Learners and individuals who do not yet possess a high school diploma. In her role, she is also responsible for oversight of signature initiatives, such as EARN Maryland, Registered Apprenticeship, and Maryland Works for Wind.

Roth is deeply committed to delivering on workforce solutions that are responsive to the needs of both businesses and jobseekers. Throughout her 15+ year tenure with the Department, Roth has led major initiatives involving sector partnerships for in-demand and emerging industries, unemployment insurance, and supporting historically underrepresented populations in reaching their full potential. She has also spearheaded critical disaster response efforts, launching key resources to minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs in times of crisis, including the State’s COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund and the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Fund. Roth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from Loyola University Maryland, a Master’s in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and is a proud graduate of Leadership Maryland.

Pamela “Pam” J. Ruff has served as Executive Director of the Maryland Economic Development Association
(MEDA) since 2000. MEDA is a statewide professional membership organization of more than 500 public
and private professionals dedicated to bringing jobs and investment to Maryland. As Executive Director, Ms.
Ruff is responsible for all aspects of management at MEDA as well as the 501c3 entity The MEDA
Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Ruff has an extensive background in economic development marketing that began in 1981 when she
joined the Baltimore Briefing Center (BBC), where she served in several capacities. The BBC expanded
from a regional to a statewide focus and became the Maryland Communications Center (MCC), where Ms.
Ruff served as Deputy Director. Both centers operated as the primary marketing support service for
Maryland’s economic development professionals in both the public and private sectors.
As Executive Director of the MEDA, Ms. Ruff has been responsible for the operation of a statewide
association that provides programming, professional development, networking, and marketing opportunities
to members throughout Maryland. She has built a portfolio of work that includes programs and partnerships
that enhance regional, state, local, and private sector interests at all levels of economic development. Ms.
Ruff has honed unique talents in economic development, including program development, professional skills
training, creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and marketing the profession.
Ms. Ruff is a Past President of Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna and a former director of the Havre de
Grace Economic Development Advisory Board. She also served on the board of directors of the Homeless
Persons Representation Project. She is a graduate of Leadership Maryland.
Ms. Ruff earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Towson State University
(now Towson University) and her Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University.
Ms. Ruff is a resident of Baltimore City.

*Photo credit: Mary Gardella Photography

Kevin Switick is the Chief Executive Officer of AVIAN Holdings Inc., a US-based corporation with three subsidiaries: AVIAN LLC, a test & evaluation, engineering & training services company; Level Up LLC, a technical data analysis company, and Sapphire Solutions LLC, a technical, test and engineering consulting and training firm.

A graduate of Villanova University, the University of Tennessee Space Institute, the U.S. Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Switick served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, as a member of the Department of Defense’s Acquisition Professional Community, the U.S. Navy’s Space Cadre, and the U.S. Navy’s Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer Corp from 1986 to 2006.

Switick has supported the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland for more than 34 years and was a principal influencer for the creation of NAVAIR University being its first course developer and instructor. His professional experience at NAVAIR includes serving as a developmental and experimental test pilot, an instructor for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, a product team lead for a multi-billion-dollar MH-60R aircraft acquisition, and the chief operational test director for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE (VX-1) during the infancy of the U.S. Navy’s unmanned systems testing. As a member of the U.S. Navy’s Space Cadre, Switick lead a Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) government team overseeing the testing of space systems.

In 2006, Switick co-founded a defense aerospace services company that has consistently grown over the past 18 years and recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the top 5,000 fastest growing companies in the Nation for ten straight years, as well as one of the top 100 workplaces in the Nation three times.

Kevin is an all-around great guy, so says his mother.

Christina Taylor currently serves as Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University. In this role, she leads strategic recruitment initiatives, collaborates closely with prospective graduate students, and ensures seamless communication with academic and administrative teams. Previously, Taylor was a project manager at Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI), where she spearheaded health resilience projects, aligning objectives and deliverables across teams and acting as a cross-functional liaison to drive continuity for both internal and external stakeholders. Her earlier experience as a junior process analyst included roles at Cengage Learning and 2U, Inc., where she developed technical processes to improve productivity and streamline training operations.

With a diverse professional background in the nonprofit sector and in sales, marketing, communications, and higher education technology, Taylor has also earned certifications in project management, content marketing, social media marketing, and SEO Foundations.

Taylor serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Southern Maryland, where she first engaged with the organization as a participant in the LEAP program. Following her graduation in 2022, she joined the recruitment and LEAP committees, remaining an active contributor on both. Currently, as chair of the LEAP committee, she also holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Taylor also volunteers as a core team lead with Black Girls Code, where she supports STEAM education for African American girls and students, providing them with valuable skills and resources.

A proud alumna of Spelman College, Taylor is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in business administration and higher education administration at George Washington University. She is inspired by the words of the late Chadwick Boseman: “Take your time, but do not waste your time.”

Wayne Taylor has served as President/CEO of J.F. Taylor since 2011. J.F. Taylor, Inc. is an engineering and fabrication company that specializes in delivering high-tech products and solutions to keep our military strong and our warfighters safe. J.F Taylor currently has revenue of over $200M/yr. and 600 employees, with over 500 in the southern MD area. Prior to becoming President, Wayne served as Vice President of Business Operations for 20 years. Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Towson University in 1986. Wayne started part-time at J.F, Taylor, while still in college, and has been involved with J.F. Taylor since the company’s founding in 1983. Wayne has managed all aspects of business operations, including human resources, accounting, contracts, proposals, procurement, and facilities. Wayne has been very active in the Southern Maryland through multiple volunteer efforts with youth sports, Meals on Wheels, Literacy Council, Big Brothers and serving on Recs and Parks boa

The foundation of my holistic practice begins with developing a personal relationship based on a deep understanding of your unique financial needs and what’s most important to you. Using my established process, I build personalized strategies to help you work towards achieving your goals and continue to partner together to help keep you on track. My goal is to ensure you feel understood, in control, informed, and secure about your life and finances.

I was born and raised in Calvert County with very humble beginnings. I genuinely believe that everyone has the right to financial education and growth. I take great pride and deep responsibility in the opportunity to help others reach their financial goals.

I discovered my passion for helping people early in life but found my purpose by educating others on the world of finance and helping guide them to financial freedom. Making sure my clients have the wisdom and knowledge they need to feel confident and comfortable in decision making for their future is a torch I carry with me every day.

My family and laughter are the most important things to me. I’m very fortunate to have a family with a great sense of humor who live locally in Southern Maryland. My husband and partner, Sean McGuire, CRPC™, is also a devoted financial advisor. We are proud parents of a spoiled toy poodle, Charlie, and 87 houseplants. We are huge Marvel fans and can often be found having heated discussions about the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In addition to my wealth management practice, I am also the founder of Sarahtonin LLC. Sarahtonin exists to help people step out of their comfort zones, reach their highest potential, and embrace the power of genuine connections. Through insights, starting with my upcoming book, Friendworking, we’re on a mission to inspire everyone to forge deeper relationships and make real, positive change in the world. And the best part? We’re committed to giving back – 25% of all profits will be donated to local nonprofit organizations, with dreams of increasing as we go.

I love travel, adventure, and enjoy the many activities that our community has to offer, like paddle boarding, hiking, gardening and picking crabs. I enjoy spending time on Solomons Island and am a member of The Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center and The Calvert Marine Museum.

I enjoy volunteering and supporting organizations that are close to my heart. I am a member of both the Calvert and St. Mary’s Chambers of Commerce, and I serve as Chair for the Calvert Young Professionals Network. I am proud to support the Annmarie Gardens Fundraising Committee, SoMD Pride, PFLAG of Southern Maryland, the Calvert Humane Society, and more.

Dr. Yolanda Wilson became president of the College of Southern Maryland in January 2023. Prior to her presidential appointment, Wilson worked in the North Carolina and South Carolina Community College Systems for more than 22 years, beginning her career as an adjunct faculty member before moving into more progressive leadership roles in both academic affairs, student services, and campus operations. Her work in higher education has centered on creating a student-ready college culture, mitigating institutional barriers to access, retention, and completion, and strategically focusing on programming and policies that support all students to success.

Wilson has received the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator’s Awards – both internationally and within the Carolinas, was recognized as the South Carolina Technical Education Association Administrator of the Year at York Technical College and was appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on College and Career Readiness. She also serves on many local and national boards including the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, the USM at Southern Maryland Board of Advisors, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Calvert Health Board of Directors, and the Southern Maryland Workforce Development Board. Most of all, she loves serving as President of CSM – in this wonderful state she calls home.

Wilson earned her B.A. in English Education and her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, College Park, her Developmental Education Specialist Certification from the Kellogg Institute at Appalachian State University, and her Ed.D. in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. She is blessed to be married to her best friend, Dale, and they have three sons: Bryan, Brandon, and Braxton.

Hello! I’m Laura Wright, and I proudly serve as a Maryland Apprenticeship Navigator. With over six years of experience in workforce development, I am deeply committed to supporting both businesses and job seekers in the beautiful regions of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. My work revolves around fostering growth and opportunity within our community, and I am passionate about helping individuals find their place in the workforce through apprenticeship programs.

In my role, I engage with local businesses to understand their unique needs and help them navigate the complexities of apprenticeship models. By connecting them with qualified candidates, I aim to create pathways for success that not only benefit the employers but also empower job seekers with valuable skills and hands-on experience. I take pride in building strong relationships with both employers and job seekers, understanding that collaboration is the key to effective workforce development.

Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of apprenticeships. These programs can provide a bridge for individuals seeking to gain relevant work experience while also earning a wage. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the growth and confidence of those I work with as they embark on their professional journeys. I firmly believe that apprenticeships serve as a vital tool for economic development, helping to meet the evolving demands of our local industries while also equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive job market.