MEDA announces 2021-2022 Board of Directors

By Sandy Dubay | Jun 21, 2021

Caption (Top left to bottom right): Danny Thompson; Renee Winsky; Andrea Mansfield; Tammi Thomas; Lucas Cade; Kelly Robertson-Slagle; Richard Griffin; Ebony Stocks; Lori Valentine; Gordon Knox; Trish Heidenreich; Allison Akers; Denise Beaver; John Wasilisin; Steve Primosch; Jamie Williams; Pam Ruff; Heather Gramm. Missing: Fabian Walters, Jr.

BALTIMORE, Md. — On April 27, Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) members voted in a new board of directors for the 2021-2022 term during the 2021 MEDA Business Meeting and Spring Conference. MEDA members who attended this virtual meeting also voted to induct new and returning members into the Association.

Danny Thompson, former Vice President of the MEDA Board and Executive Director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission, was voted in as President. He brings over 17 years of economic development experience to the position. “I’m honored to serve as the next president of MEDA. As we continue to explore the next normal, I’m grateful for the assistance and support of my fellow board members and MEDA members. With them by my side, we can continue to transform lives through economic development,” said Danny Thompson, MEDA President. “I’m looking forward to a successful year!”

During the MEDA board retreat on May 13, the MEDA board voted to allow the MEDA Young Leaders chair to vote during meetings, removing its ex-officio status. The young leaders group connects young economic development professionals as they grow in their careers.

The 2021-2022 board of directors are:

  • Danny Thompson, Executive Director of Somerset County Economic Development Commission, MEDA President
  • Richard Griffin, AICP, CEcD, Director of the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, MEDA Vice President
  • Denise Beaver, CEcD, Deputy Director of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, MEDA Secretary
  • Steve Primosch, Vice President of Financial Services at Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, MEDA Treasurer
  • Heather Gramm, CEcD, Senior Director of Strategic Industries & Entrepreneurship at the Maryland Department of Commerce, MEDA Immediate Past President
  • Gordon Knox, Partner at Duane Morris LLP, Awards Co-Chair
  • John Wasilisin, CEO and Executive Director of Maryland$aves, Awards Co-Chair
  • Lucas Cade, Senior Economic Development Advisor at FirstEnergy Corporation, Business Development Co-Chair
  • Fabian Walters, Jr., Principal at Miles & Stockbridge, P.C., Business Development Co-Chair
  • Ebony Stocks, Executive Vice President of Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, Membership Co-Chair
  • Renée Winsky, President and CEO of Leadership Maryland, Membership Co-Chair
  • Trish Heidenreich, CEcD, Director of Economic Development at the Town of Bel Air, Professional Development Co-Chair
  • Jamie Williams, CEcD, Director of the Kent County Economic & Tourism Development, Professional Development Co-Chair
  • Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Director of the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Program Development Co-Chair
  • Tammi Thomas, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), Program Development Co-Chair
  • Andrea Mansfield, Lobbyist at Manis Canning & Associates, Public Policy Awareness Co-Chair
  • Lori Valentine, Vice President of Policy and Public Relations at Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, Public Policy Awareness Co-Chair
  • Allison Akers, Marketing and Outreach Manager at Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Young Leaders Chair

For more information about MEDA, visit www.MEDAmd.com or call 410-347-1246.

About MEDA

MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development.

MEDA’s membership includes economic development practitioners employed by government, businesses, and chamber of commerce and other professionals with interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs and projects, MEDA members address such diverse issues as local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism and finance.

MEDA members work diligently transforming lives by creating opportunities, inspiring innovation and enriching communities in Maryland. To learn more about MEDA, visit www.MEDAmd.com.

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