Board of Directors
We’re Proud To Present
The 2018-19 MEDA Board of Directors
Kimberly A. “Kim” Clark
Kim Clark is the Executive Vice President of the City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC). In her capacity as EVP she oversees neighborhood development, downtown development, capital budgeting, commercial revitalization, and urban design and planning.
Among her achievements at BDC, Kim helped structure public private partnership financing for several major redevelopment projects, including several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects; the redevelopment of Belvedere Square, all parcels at Inner Harbor East, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS) for several major developments, including the Westside and the several grocery store projects. She was instrumental in retaining several businesses of all sizes and assisted smaller businesses with expansions and in the development of the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore.
Kim is the Secretary of the Maryland Economic Development Association, Treasurer of the Urban Land Institute Baltimore Council, Board member and Committee Chair of the Star Spangled Flag House, Board member of the Emerging Technology Centers, Leadership Maryland and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts and is a member of the International Economic Development Council. Kim graduated Leadership MD in 2009 and is a Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Class of 2007 graduate.
Heather Gramm joined the Frederick County Office of Economic Development as Assistant Director in February 2017. In this role, she is responsible for OED’s business development efforts, including business attraction, retention and expansion. Her team is also responsible for development of small and minority business development strategies. Heather and her team work to enhance the economic vitality of the state through retention and expansion of business and industry across Maryland to facilitate the creation and retention of jobs and stimulate capital investment across the state.
Prior to joining OED, Heather worked at the Maryland Department of Commerce as Director of Regional Growth and Retention, and spent 11 years in municipal economic development in a variety of roles, including work in neighborhood development and downtown revitalization.
She earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Hood College and the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through IEDC. She serves on the board of directors for the Maryland Economic Development Association.
Sean Looney is Vice President, State Government Affairs for Comcast NBC Universal. He represents the nation’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services before the General Assembly, Governor’s Office and state agencies in Maryland and Delaware. Sean joined Comcast in December, 2003 after retiring from a 19-year career at Verizon, Bell Atlantic and New Jersey Bell. He is also the Treasurer of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maryland Leadership Workshops (MLW), and on the Board of Directors and Legislative Committee of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Sean has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, where he also was Chair of Maryland Hall’s Arts Alive Gala for several years He has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Maryland (LMD), and graduated from LMD’s Class of 1996. He has also served as President of the Maryland Government Relations Association (MGRA), on the Advisory Committee for Maryland Business for Responsive Government (MBRG), President of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), President of the Smithsonian Institution’s Young Benefactors, and on the Catholic Charities of Baltimore Development Committee. He has done volunteer work for various organizations in the area since moving to MD in 1990, including the Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter and St. Anne’s Infant and Maternity Home in Washington, DC. Sean was honored with the 2008 CASA Light for Children Award and was Leadership Maryland’s State Leader of the Year in 2003. He lives with his wife and two children in Annapolis. Sean received a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Keasha Haythe has been an Economic Development Professional for 15 years and served most recently as Dorchester County’s Economic Development Director from 2008-2016. In her role as Director, she developed a track record of initiating sound policies and innovative strategies to foster economic growth. Partnering with private and public stakeholders, she championed education, entrepreneurship and expansion of existing businesses as key economic drivers. She unveiled a countywide brand marketing campaign entitled “water moves us.” Ms. Haythe spearheaded the development of Dorchester County’s Technology Park and developed the Eastern Shore Innovation Center, the first business incubator on the Eastern Shore, which opened on February 4, 2016. She has secured more than $10M in funding for economic development projects, business expansions and start-ups.
Ms. Haythe is now the President of Zoe Economic Development Group, LLC., an economic development consulting firm she launched in March 2016. She provides business consulting and advisory services to individuals, businesses and local governments. Additionally, she is the founding executive director of The Foundation of HOPE, Inc., a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established to help women and young girls. The first program launched under the foundation will be the Economic Development and Empowerment Program for sixth grade girls attending Easton Middle School. The program will cover topics including: addressing low self-esteem, bullying, social media, workforce development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. The program will teach them to be community leaders and viable contributors to the future workforce.
Ms. Haythe is a Certified Economic Developer, a national recognition of professional skill mastery that denotes the highest levels of professional attainment and a commitment to continued growth. She is a member of many professional organizations and serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Foundation, and was appointed by Governor Hogan to serve on the Maryland Marketing Partnership Board under the Maryland Department of Commerce. Additionally, she also serves as President of the MEDA Board of Directors.
Awards Include:
2009-What’s Up Eastern Shore, Mover and Shaker under 40
2011-Delmarva African American Pride, Outstanding Achiever
2011-Dorchester NAACP, Day of Service Award
2012- Daily Record, Leading Women under 40
2014-Dorchester Ministers & Citizens for Change Honors Award
2015-Daily Record, Maryland’s Top 100 Women
2015-Talbot NAACP Harriet Tubman Medal
2016-Fireflies “100 Women of Elegance” Award
An Eastern Shore native, Ms. Haythe is a member of TriLife Christian Center in Easton where she serves on the finance committee, ministerial team as an Ordained Evangelist and oversees the usher’s ministry. She is married to Marcus L. Haythe Sr., and they have three children; Marcus Jr., Miniah and Isaiah.
Stephen Primosch
Vice President of Financial Services
In his current role as Vice President of Financial Services for the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Steve is responsible for managing the Arundel Business Loan Fund, Arundel Community Reinvestment Fund, Anne Arundel Incentive Fund, and the VOLT Fund. Steve is responsible for managing financial services staff and developing the protocols and processes used to manage the flow of applications for all of the corporation’s lending programs, from origination and underwriting to the closing and servicing of loans. Steve oversees a portfolio of over 75 small business loans totaling approximately $7 million. Steve He also serves as a liaison to the AAEDC’s Finance Committee and Board of Directors where he regularly prepares and presents financial reports and updates on the corporation’s portfolio of loans.
Steve has more than a decade of finance and lending experience. Prior to arriving at AAEDC, he served as Vice President of Private Business Banking for BankAnnapolis. Previous to that, he was at the Harbor Bank of Maryland for four years as Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer.
Steve holds an MBA and a bachelors degree in marketing, both from Frostburg State University.
As the Manager of Public-Private Partnerships, Ms. Webb provides leadership and insight to the P3 Program, assessing projects and policies across MDOT’s modal administrations. Leverages transportation funds by partnering with private sector for long-term performance based agreements. Guides and implements strategies for projects throughout the state. Coordinates MDOT’s participation in federal innovative infrastructure investment.
Ms. Webb has over 20 years professional experience in business development, strategic planning, impact analysis, resource planning and program management. Skilled in developing partnerships and collaborations to advance transportation, utilities, and development projects.
Ms. Webb holds an MBA, and earned her designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) in May 2007, is a graduate of the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and a member of several economic development organizations including the International Economic Development Council, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Economic Development Association.
Kiesha Haughton is currently the Managing Director of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) an SBA certified women’s business center that provides business training and counseling services to women-owned enterprises, enabling them to start, sustain, and achieve scalable growth. Prior to heading up the MWBC, Kiesha gained over 15 years of non-profit and entrepreneurship experience in providing economic development solutions to small businesses, NGOs, and government agencies. She is also the business owner of Abeja International, LLC which focuses on providing management consulting and training services that assist in improving economic development opportunities for small businesses overseas. As the Director for the Central Region of the Maryland Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Network, she was responsible for the business management and training services provided to small- and medium-sized companies in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties. Under her leadership, the Central Region succeeded in becoming one of the top performing regions in the State, which has led to national recognition and a number of awards.
Prior to her accepting the role of Regional Director, Kiesha’s range of services spanned every aspect of starting, operating, and expanding the companies of small business owners. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean and has done international development work with CARE Corps Peru.
Her educational background includes various business training certifications, an MBA from the University of Maryland with a concentration in international business, an MA in Global Finance, Trade and Economic Integration from the University of Denver, and a BA in Government & Politics and German from the University of Maryland. A Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) through the NASBITE International Certification Program and an active member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Kiesha is a member of a number of boards and currently lives in Montgomery County.
Jerry T. Sanford is a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in economic development, public policy, public private partnerships, real estate development, energy and corporate relations. Mr. Sanford currently serves Washington Gas a WGL Company as Economic Development Manager. WGL’s economic development initiative is focused on supporting regional growth and prosperity through the improvement of the region’s energy security, infrastructure, transportation, housing and economic resiliency. Jerry partners with the public and private sectors to develop effective techniques to achieve goals.
Prior to joining WGL, Jerry served the Maryland Department of Commerce as Director of Business Recruitment & Location Services. Mr. Sanford led a staff who marketed Maryland’s strategic advantages and provided confidential business location assistance. Innovative sales strategies were used to maximize the effectiveness. The location assistance provided included: Request for Proposal responses; site selection; resource identification; incentives coordination; economic data research and collaboration with government, utilities, businesses and academia. Mr. Sanford dealt with sensitive public policy issues such as taxes, transportation, infrastructure, MBE contracting, permitting/zoning and workforce.
Jerry also managed the Downtown Silver Spring Urban District in Montgomery County, Maryland. Jerry led this 360 acre special taxing district during a period of redevelopment and revitalization to become a vibrant center of the community. Jerry marketed the business district to real estate developers and businesses. Jerry managed the Optional Method Development (OMD) program that encouraged land assembly and mixed-use development. Under OMD, higher densities were allowed in exchange for significant public amenities and facilities to support the additional density. Mr. Sanford negotiated public-private-partnerships as part of the OMD program. Mr. Sanford was also responsible for intergovernmental affairs, Clean & Safe programs; public space management; business retention & expansion; community outreach; strategic planning; neighborhood revitalization and overseeing the daily downtown operations with a staff of 45.
While at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Jerry performed technical engineering work as an owner’s representative, overseeing complex multi-million dollar capital projects. Mr. Sanford also served the City of Takoma Park, Maryland (as Code Enforcement Director, Special Events Manager and Community Outreach Manager.
Mr. Sanford’s public service includes volunteering as a Firefighter-Emergency Medical Technician and First Aid/CPR Instructor in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1991. Jerry has received commendations for courage, valor and actions above the call of duty (1993, 1995, 2004 and 2005). Jerry also serves on the Dispute Resolving Board of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), College of Southern Maryland Foundation Board and the Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce Board. Previously Jerry served on the City of Bowie, Maryland Administrative Review Board and Board of Appeals.
Jerry is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in Economics. Mr. Sanford is a Fellow of the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC). Mr. Sanford also has received further economic development education through Pennsylvania State University, Virginia Tech, Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Mr. Griffin has served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, Maryland since 2002. An urban planner and economic developer with 25 years of experience, Richard has worked at the city, county, and regional level in Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina and Washington.
During his tenure in Frederick he has overseen several million in public and private revitalization including the design and development of award-winning Carroll Creek Park and million’s in renovations and new infill development delivering jobs tax base in downtown.
His previous assignments include serving as the executive director of the Downtown Frederick Partnership, Program Manager of Comprehensive Planning for Loudoun County, Virginia and Senior Regional Planner for the Appalachian Council of Governments , and on the district staff of US Representative James McClure Clarke (11th NC)..
Mr. Griffin holds degrees from Western Carolina University and Clemson University. He serves on the Board for the Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. and others.
Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
Maryland Technology Development Corporation
John M. Wasilisin has compiled an outstanding career in spanning business/government service over the last 37 years, 32 of which have been in the economic/workforce development field. This experience has included progressive positions at the state and local levels of government and has involved significant partnerships with the business community.
Mr. Wasilisin currently serves as Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). In this capacity, John is responsible for assisting the President in developing policy and directing programs to further advance the mission/role of the Corporation. TEDCO’s mission is to facilitate the creation of businesses and foster their growth in all regions of the State through the commercialization of technology, and to be Maryland’s leading source of funding for technology transfer and development programs and entrepreneurial business assistance.
Mr. Wasilisin previously served as Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Budget and Management. In this capacity, he oversaw the day-to-day administration of the department, which includes operating budget analysis, personnel services and benefits, information technology, procurement and capital budgeting.
Prior to this position, Mr. Wasilisin served as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. In this capacity, he oversaw the day-to-day administration of the department, which included workforce development, unemployment insurance, financial regulation, labor and industry, safety inspection programs, apprenticeship and training, occupational licensing, and Maryland’s horse racing industry.
Prior to returning to state government in 2003, Mr. Wasilisin served as the Chief Administrative Officer to the Baltimore County Executive, the highest appointed official in Baltimore County Government. He served in this position from January 1999 to February 2003. As Chief Administrative Officer, John was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of County government, coordinating the efficient and effective delivery of County services to over 750,000 residents by supervising each of the department and agency heads in their charge to carry out and implement the policies and initiatives of the County Executive and the County Council. Under his administration as Chief Administrative Officer, Baltimore County government was recognized by Governing magazine as one of the four best-managed large counties in the United States. For fiscal year 2003, Baltimore County had a total budget of approximately $1.9 billion and over 8,000 employees.
Prior to his appointment as the County Administrative Officer, Mr. Wasilisin was the Director of the Baltimore County Office of Employment and Training, the agency responsible for administering the federal and state workforce development programs in Baltimore County. Under his leadership, the Office of Employment and Training received two Presidential Awards for outstanding employment and training programs. The Presidential Awards are the most prestigious in this field and have given the Office of Employment and Training a national reputation. In August of 1994, the agency opened the Baltimore County Reemployment Assistance Center, the first of its kind in Maryland. This center assists laid-off individuals in their search for new employment opportunities.
Mr. Wasilisin has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration from the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. He is also a graduate of the 1999 GBC Leadership program and the 2005 Leadership Maryland program.
Brian Darmody is Associate Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of Maryland, and Special Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Development, University System of Maryland. He is responsible for developing overall university strategy for corporate and foundation relationships, and developing projects and policies to support these initiatives centrally and through the colleges and schools on campus. Previously, he was the University’s Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Director of State and Federal Relations in the President’s Office, and served in the university’s legal counsel’s office. He serves on national and state boards, including Fraunhofer USA, the Maryland Venture Authority, and the Technology Council of Maryland, and is past President of the Association of University Research Parks. He holds a Juris Doctor and a baccalaureate degree.
Robert C. Brennan has served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation since May 2004. Mr. Brennan directs a staff composed of nine administrative, finance and development specialists whose responsibilities are to assist with financing, project development, accounting and management of MEDCO’s projects. He has 20 years of experience in banking and finance.
Mr. Brennan previously served as Senior Vice President of the commercial lending business banking group of First Fidelity Bank (formerly Bank of Baltimore) and Vice President/Unit Head of Signet Bank. He serves on a number of advisory boards, including Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program, Emerging Technology Centers and MEDA. Additionally, he is an ex officio member of the Board of Directors for Bainbridge Development Corporation.
He is a graduate of the Leadership Maryland program, is a past president of MEDA and was inducted into the MEDA Hall of Fame in 2011.
Pamela J. Ruff has served as Executive Director of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) since 2000. MEDA is a statewide membership organization of nearly 500 public and private professionals dedicated to job growth and retention in Maryland. As Executive Director, Ms. Ruff is responsible for all aspects of management at MEDA and for their 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 a number of 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 Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Ms. Ruff has been responsible for the business operation of a statewide association providing programming, professional development and networking opportunities to nearly 500 public and private sector members throughout Maryland. She has built a portfolio of work that includes programs and partnerships bringing together regional, state, local, and private sector interests at all levels of economic development. Developing programs on topics as diverse as manufacturing, technology, community development, workforce development, environmental issues, and business development shows her proven understanding of the general and broad-based effort known as economic development. At MEDA, Ms. Ruff also oversees the delivery of economic development professional development courses that instruct knowledge and skills to the organization’s community of members.
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 was a member of the Maryland Board, an advisory board to Maryland Life magazine. She Chairs the Membership Committee and serves on the Program Committee at Leadership Maryland.
Ms. Ruff earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Mass Communications from Towson State University and her Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University. She is a 1998 graduate of Leadership Maryland and a 2006 graduate of the Harford Leadership Academy.
Ms. Ruff is a resident of Baltimore City.
