Awards Committee

With over 20 years of experience in public and private funding at the federal, state and local levels, President & CEO of FSC First, Dawn R. Medley is a recognized thought leader who has developed, implemented and managed operations in sectors like CDFIs, CDCs, commercial banking, economic development and small business finance. She specializes in U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan programs and economic development financing programs, managing a $60 million portfolio that enhances local economies and supports job creation. Driven by a passion for expanding access to business financing, Mrs. Medley has championed business education and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. FSC First has been instrumental in removing barriers to capital that has resulted in $162.5 million in financial assistance that was the catalyst for another $1.5 billion in private capital community investment.

Mrs. Medley has been a Task Force member for gubernatorial business forward initiatives, provided testimony to the Maryland General Assembly, and drafted legislation that has become law to provide access to capital for emerging small businesses.

She holds a B.S. in Business Administration, focusing on Business Law and Public Policy, from the University of Maryland University College.

Autumn Becker is the Director of the Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence at Allegany College of Maryland, which links regional Information Technology industry leaders with economic development leaders to encourage business retention, expansion, and the attraction of new business within the IT sector in rural Western Maryland. With the support of the competitive grant initiative Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland, a skills-training and economic-development initiative of the Maryland Department of Labor, the IT Center’s main focus is to prepare a strong workforce through multiple innovative pathways. The 22-member partnership representing IT business, education, government, and economic development creates and delivers a workforce training program responsive to industry workforce needs and includes internship delivery. To date, the partnership has been awarded over $1.5 million in funding to support their workforce training plan and has funded approximately 650 seats of training since 2014. The Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence was presented with the 2019 Innovation Award presented by the Community Colleges of Appalachia.
Autumn presented at the Community College of Appalachia’s 2019 Conference, “Community Colleges: Catalysts for Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, and Empowerment.”

The Center also focuses on workforce pipeline development through programs like Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), Girls Who Code clubs, and Robotics & Engineering in Allegany County-Together: REACT (a county wide youth robotics and engineering initiative). Autumn is passionate about youth STEM education and serves as a Board Member for REACT and a volunteer for Allegany County’s 4-H Tech Club. She is active in the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and serves as the Vice Chair of the Education Committee and Chair of the Leadership Allegany Rising program, which is a leadership development program for high school Juniors. Autumn is a graduate of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Allegany Program and holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s in Communication from Frostburg State University.

As a Business Development and Retention Specialist for Worcester County, I am committed to helping local businesses thrive and expand along Maryland’s Coast. With over 35 years of experience living near Ocean City and a diverse background in the private sector—from flight attendant to retail manager and clothing/accessory buyer—I’ve gained the tools to support others. My passion is making Worcester County a fantastic place to live, work, and play. Attended AACC, WOR-WIC Community Colleges. When I’m not collaborating with local partners and business owners, you’ll find me with my toes in the sand, hiking scenic trails, or camping. I’m also proud to serve on the MEDA Awards, MTC Membership, and UMES Extension Advisory Committees.

Delterese George, Senior Business Development Representative, Maryland Department of Commerce

Delterese George was selected Senior Business Development Representative for Prince George’s County in November 2022. She has more than 20 years of state service and experience in state policy, compliance, and business development. Prior to joining Commerce’s Division of Business & Industry Sector Development’s Office of Business Development – Business Retention, Delterese served as Portfolio Specialist within the Office of Finance Programs, Program Specialist for the Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship and the Office of Small Business. Early in her tenure with the Department, she also served as Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Secretary and Administrative Specialist in the Office of Administration.
A native of Baltimore City, Ms. George models her life by “Love thy neighbor” and “It takes a village” and is humbled to serve the community and non-profit organizations she has been called to. Credentialed in Administrative Services, Delterese went on to study Business Administration at Argosy University. She currently holds a Life Producer License in the state issued by the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Heather Tinelli has served as the Director of Economic & Tourism Development for Queen Anne’s County since 2019. Heather is a lifelong resident of Queen Anne’s County with 30 years of business and economic development experience. Her background includes several years in commercial lending, consulting for the Small Business Development Center, owner of a local accounting practice for over 15 years, managing a local Main Street program and working in other economic development agencies in the state of Maryland.

Mrs. Tinelli has a B.A. in Business Administration and Economics from Washington College and furthered her education in accounting, taxation and business law. She has served on numerous boards and committees including the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center and Queen Anne’s County Spending Affordability Committee.