Members’ Corner: Cassy Haber

1.Name, Title, Organization

Cassy Haber, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation)

2. Explain your background in economic development:

My background in economic development started with a community management role at the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. While there, I supported technology and life science startups at the Incubator in their early-stage development. I also facilitated networking and educational events, marketing and communications initiatives, and operations activities. In my current role at TEDCO, I collaborate with our fund/program managers to support the growth of Maryland’s technology and life science startups through storytelling and connecting companies to additional funding and business resources.

3. What are your key priorities within your current position?

As the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications at TEDCO, I work closely with the marketing and communications team to support TEDCO’s marketing and outreach initiatives. This includes creating internal and external messaging, developing marketing collateral, increasing brand awareness, and event management. At TEDCO, we provide funding, resources, and connections that early-stage technology and life science companies need to thrive in Maryland.

4. Does one particular project spark your excitement? If so, describe it below.

We have many exciting projects happening at TEDCO that support the growth of Maryland’s startup community. One project I’m particularly excited about is the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII). MII was created as a partnership between the state of Maryland and five Maryland academic research institutions: Johns Hopkins University; Morgan State University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; and University of Maryland, College Park. The program is designed to accelerate and support the transition of technologies with promising commercial value from partnering institutions into products and services that address relevant market needs. In the last 10 years, the program has created and supported over 140 startup companies, created nearly 300 jobs, and its portfolio companies have gone on to raise $693M in follow-on funding.

5. What attributes are unique to your community?

TEDCO’s community encompasses the entire State of Maryland. Because of the large scale of our community, we are thrilled to be a part of a diverse, innovation ecosystem—not many organizations can boast that their community encompasses such diversity and passion.

6. What are your locality’s top three “selling points” for future growth?

Collaboration, innovation, and a diverse ecosystem.

7. If you could wave a magic wand, what would you want to work with MEDA on to move Maryland forward?

I would love to work with MEDA to enhance our connections across the state’s entrepreneurial communities. Everyone is working on new and exciting projects in all regions of the state, and it’s so important for us to come together and support each other’s initiatives to better serve our communities.

8. Please include any personal background information that you’d like to share (Alma mater, Military Service, hobbies, etc.):

I grew up in Frederick County and graduated with my bachelor’s from Towson University. I love to travel and explore new areas whenever I can. In my free time, I’m always looking for ways to make a difference in the community by volunteering for various non-profits. I was a member of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s 2021 Next Up Cohort, a year-long leadership training, professional and personal development, and networking program. In addition, I am an active member of MEDA and MEDA’s Young Leaders Committee, where I strive to stay informed about new projects and initiatives statewide and connect with other economic development professionals.