2020 MEDA Winter Conference

Kelly M. Schulz brings a wealth of knowledge to the Maryland Department of Commerce from her years of experience working in the government, in the private sector and as a small business owner. She had previously served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) since her confirmation in February 2015 and is also a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

At DLLR, she was responsible for managing an agency with nearly 2,000 employees and an operating budget of more than $375 million. Under her leadership, Maryland’s apprenticeship program grew to its highest level since 2008, with more than 10,000 apprentices statewide. DLLR’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland program received national recognition for both innovation and effectiveness and was named one of the Top 25 programs in the 2018 Innovations in American Government Award competition.

A former member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Frederick County, she served on the Economic Matters Committee from 2011- 2015. In addition to local issues, then Delegate Schulz took special interest in legislation relating to banks and other financial institutions, business, occupations and professions, economic development, labor and employment, unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.

Prior to embarking on a career of public service, Secretary Schulz sold real estate, worked as a program manager for a defense contractor and was a part-owner of a cyber security firm. She has received several awards including the Outstanding Recent Alumna Award from Hood College in 2011, and is proud to participate as a member in many local community organizations including the Libertytown-Unionville Lions Club and the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company. Kelly is also a past Board member of the Frederick County Habitat for Humanity.

Secretary Schulz obtained her Associates degree from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York and later obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.

A native of Warren, Michigan, Kelly currently lives in Frederick County, Maryland with her husband John Nowell and has two sons, Brandon and Bradley.

Speaker Adrienne A. Jones shattered two glass ceilings when she was unanimously elected by the full House of Delegates to serve as the first African-American and the first woman Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in history.

Prior to being Speaker, Speaker Jones also held the distinction of being the first African American woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tem in the Maryland House of Delegates, serving in that capacity under Speaker Mike Busch for 16 years. Speaker Jones served on the House Appropriations Committee, and was Chair of the Capital Budget and Education, and Economic Development Subcommittees. She has been a delegate since 1997.

Speaker Jones has long been known by her colleagues for her steadfast leadership and no-nonsense approach to legislating. She has focused on education policy and funding issues, most notably school construction, during her tenure in the legislature. She has also made significant advances in ensuring diversity and fair treatment of State employees.

In February, 2019, Speaker Jones received the Casper R. Taylor, Jr. Founder’s Award, the highest award given to a member of the House of Delegates, recognizing her steadfast service. She has three times been named to the “Top 100 Women in Maryland” by the Daily Record, and was inducted into the Circle of Excellence for Sustained Achievement. Most recently she was selected along with 25 female legislators for Governing Magazine’s Women in Government Leadership Program Class of 2016. As the first Executive Director of the Baltimore County Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs, she faithfully served the citizens of the County for over 37 years. She served as Deputy Director of the Baltimore County Office of Human Resources until her retirement from service in Baltimore County Government on June 30, 2014. During her civil service career, she worked with diverse populations of the County with dedication and sensitivity, providing a listening “ear” to individual citizens, business owners, religious leaders, and elected officials. She is the Founder of the Annual Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, now in its 21st year.

Speaker Jones was born in Cowdensville, Maryland, a historic African-American community located near Arbutus in Southwest Baltimore County. She attended Baltimore County Public Schools, graduating from Lansdowne High School and is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology . She attended The National Security Seminar, U.S. Army War College in 2007. In 2008, she received an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. She is the mother of two adult sons and proud grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren, Jalen and Janelle Jones.

Senator Bill Ferguson is the Democratic nominee to be the next President of the Maryland Senate. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Budget and Taxation Committee and Chair of the Education, Business, and Administration Subcommittee. Bill was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2010, then becoming the youngest ever-elected State Senator in Maryland’s history. He serves as the State Senator for Maryland’s 46th Legislative District, located entirely within Baltimore City, including neighborhoods in south Baltimore, downtown near and around the Inner Harbor, and southeast Baltimore.

A lifelong Maryland resident, Bill made Baltimore City his home when he joined Teach for America after graduating from Davidson College with a double major in political science and economics. From 2005 to 2007, Bill taught U.S. history and U.S. government to ninth and tenth graders in a breakout academy of one of Baltimore’s most challenged high schools. Senator Ferguson is married to fellow Teach for America alum Lea Ferguson (Baltimore City, ’05). They live in Patterson Park with their son Caleb and daughter Cora.

Tenure
First elected to the Senate in 2010. Member of the Senate since 2011. Member of the House of Delegates, 2003-2011
Current Assignments
2014 Minority Leader
2015 Finance Committee
2019 Health and Long-Term Care Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee
2015 Rules Committee
2015 Executive Nominations Committee
2015 Legislative Policy Committee
2015 Spending Affordability Committee
2015 Joint Committee on Legislative Information Technology & Open Government
2017 Joint Committee on Federal Relations
2017 Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology
2019 Joint Committee on Children, Youth and Families
2015 Maryland Veterans Caucus
Past Senate Service
Transportation Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2015-2019; Property and Casualty Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2015-2017; Paycheck Recovery Commission, 2016-2017; Public Safety and Policing Workgroup, 2015-2016; Commission to Study Campaign Finance Law, 2011-2012; Health Occupations Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Joint Committee on Transparency and Open Government, 2011-2014; Joint Advisory Committee on Legislative Data Systems, 2011-2014; Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014.
Past House Service 2003-2011
Judiciary Committee, 2009-2011; Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 3, Harford County Delegation, 2015-2017; Chair, Select Committee No. 3, Harford County Delegation, 2009-2011; Civil Law and Procedure Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, 2009-2011; Ways and Means Committee, 2007-2009; Finance Resources Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2007-2009; Deputy Minority Whip, 2003-2006; Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2006; Environment Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2006; Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2006; Agriculture, Agriculture Preservation and Open Space Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2006; Motor Vehicle and Transportation Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2006; Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2006; Chair, Natural Resources Workgroup of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2004; Wetlands and Waterways Funding Workgroup of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2004.
Public Service
Maryland Dairy Industry Oversight and Advisory Council, 2017-; Maryland Pesticide Reporting and Information Workgroup, 2013-2015; Pesticide Advisory Committee, 2011-; Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, 2011-; Task Force on the Membership and Operation of the Baltimore County Board of Education, 2011; Agricultural Stewardship Commission, 2005-2006; Environmental Noise Advisory Council, 2003-2005.
Memberships
Maryland Fire, Rescue and EMS Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Rural Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, 2003-; Taxpayers Protection Caucus, 2003-.
Biographical Information
Born, Baltimore, Maryland, March 27, 1974; Essex Community College, A.A., 1995; University of Baltimore, B.S., Business Administration, 1997; Staff Assistant, Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., 1997-98; Beef Cattle Farmer, Castle Rock Farm, 1992-2008; Dairy Farmer, Owner, Cedar Side Farm, 1992-; Co-Owner and President, The Mill of Hereford, Inc., Feed Store, 1998-; Maryland Air National Guard, 2008-; Volunteer Firefighter; Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company, Station 47, 1990- (Certified Firefighter I, II, & III, Emergency Medical Technician, Rescue Technician, Hazardous Materials Operations, Instructor I); Western Firefighter, Interagency Wildfire Crew, Maryland Forest Service, 1992-96; Married; two children.

Tenure
First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 2006. Member of the House January 10, 2007 to January 14 2015, representing District 31, Anne Arundel County. Representing District 31B, Anne Arundel County, beginning January 14, 2015.
Current Assignments
2013- Minority Leader
2013 Legislative Policy Committee
2014 House Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations
2007- Health and Government Operations Committee
2019 Insurance and Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee
2019 Health Occupations and Long Term Care Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee
2013 Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families
2013- Spending Affordability Committee
2019 Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics
2019 Marijuana Legalization Work Group
2013 Maryland Veterans Caucus
Past House Service
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Workgroup, 2018; Opioid Workgroup, 2018; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2015; Joint Committee on Base Realignment and Closure, 2011-2012; Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2007-2011; Government Operations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2011-2014; Estates and Trusts Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2015-2017; Health Facilities and Occupations Subcommittee, 2017; Insurance Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2007-2019; Health Facilities and Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2017-2019; Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 2010-2015; Chair, Anne Arundel County House Delegation, 2013.
Public Service
Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council, 2011-2015; Maryland Communities for a Lifetime Commission, 2010-2011; Maryland Council for New Americans, 2009-2010; Workgroup on Clean and Healthy Waterways, Anne Arundel County Delegation, 2009-2010; Statewide Empowerment Zones for Seniors Commission, 2008-2009; Chair, Workgroup on Correctional Facilities Residential Drug Treatment, 2008-2009; Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council, Anne Arundel County, 2005-2007.
Memberships
Autism Awareness Advocate, 2003-2012; Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, 2005-2008; Vice Chair, Maryland Interfaith Recover Coalition, 2005-2006; Boulevard Park Improvement Association; North County Republican Club; Life Member, National Rifle Association; Public Policy Dispute Resolution Fellow.
Awards
The Casper R. Taylor, Jr. Founder’s Award, House of Delegates, 2018; Very Important Professional Successful by 40, The Daily Record, 2017.
Biographical Information
Born, Baltimore, Maryland, January 26, 1979; Chesapeake High School; Anne Arundel Community College; Restaurant Manager, FriendCo Restaurants, 1995-2000; Manufacturer Representative, REPS & Associates, Inc., 2000-Present; Chair, Church Council, Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church, 2001-02; Married; three children.

Born on February 8, 1963 in Boksburg, South Africa, Gavin was raised in Perth, Australia by his single mother, Pauline. He attended Belmont City College located in Australia’s southwest coastal area near the Indian Ocean. Gavin worked his way across the world after departing Perth in 1984 after he dropped anchor in Spa Creek in 1992 with only $200 in his pocket, fell in love with Annapolis for its unique blend of history, maritime culture, and small-town friendliness, and fell in love again when he met future wife, Annapolis local Julie Williams. They married in 1997 and together they are now raising two children, Dash & Miles.

From his first job as a server at Middleton Tavern, Gavin showed the vision and entrepreneurial spirit for which he is so well known. He quickly learned the basics of business, raised capital, and navigated bureaucracy to open Annapolis’ first coffee shop, The Moon, in 1993.

In time, Gavin began to see potential in West Street – then considered the “wrong part of town,” where drug deals and prostitution were common. He opened pan-Asian restaurant, Tsunami, in 2000. A diverse group of residents, passionate about their community, responded to his vision and Tsunami soon became “the place” to be. Tsunami’s success encouraged Gavin to establish new restaurants, including Lemongrass and Metropolitan in 2005 and Sailor Oyster Bar in 2016. All of his business ventures are located on West Street in Annapolis.

But becoming a successful businessman was just the beginning for Gavin. His dedication to West Street and its communities inspired Gavin to help create the Sunday Arts Festivals, followed by the Annapolis Fringe Festival, the Chocolate Binge Festival, the Annapolis Color Run, West Street Holiday Light Canopy, and the wildly popular Dining Under the Stars.

Gavin is committed to preserving the historic character of Annapolis with leadership and vision to ensure it remains a dynamic, living city. This is why he challenged and defeated the City’s plan to demolish 100-year-old homes on West Street to make way for an 800-car garage. This area is now the West Village Precinct – a flourishing hub for local businesses, residents, and visitors.

Gavin knows that community connections are at the heart of West Street’s transformation. He has served on the boards of Friends of St. Johns College, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s Citizens Advisory Board, and the West Street Business Association. Gavin also is a member of the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the NAACP and a founder of the Annapolis Arts District. He is longtime champion of public art and supporter of local musicians.

Elected Mayor of Annapolis in November 2017, Gavin is committed to bringing together business owners, community leaders, and residents to develop innovative ideas and economic opportunities for Main Street, Maryland Ave, West Annapolis and all parts of the city. These include 21st century transit solutions, a more transparent development process, strong community policing, and greater focus on the needs of the local community.

Gavin imagines an inclusive city, full of opportunities for all citizens as part of his One Annapolis vision. He is committed to our shared community and our shared future. His vision is for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive Annapolis with infrastructure, services, and events that make it a wonderful place to work and live for all.

Christine A. Ross joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as President/CEO in July 2016. Ms. Ross previously served as CEO of the Greater Bonita Springs Chamber transforming the 1,000-member organization through difficult times and winning the coveted five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for effectiveness and impact. She advocated for regulatory changes to improve the region’s competitive business climate, and worked to ensure quality workforce and education reform, progressive infrastructure planning for transportation, and technology.
Ross also led a wide range of economic development activities such as long range broadband planning for a five county area of 1.2 million residents as well as a a state-wide strategic update for the Enterprise Florida 2014-17 economic development plan.
She was voted Chamber Executive of the Year by the Florida Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives and her Chamber was recognized as Florida’s Chamber of the Year in 2014. That same year she earned her Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) status, only 500 chamber executives in the US have earned this designation.
Prior to her service at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber, Ross served in similar positions at the Falmouth, MA and Williamstown, MA chambers for a total of nine years. She also worked as the Program Director of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau and as Marketing Director at the Pittsfield, MA Tourism Council prior to her Chamber experience.
Ross has several Maryland connections including earning an MBA and a Master’s in Marketing from the University of Maryland University College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Ross is married and has three grown children, two of whom are in graduate school in the Washington, D.C. area.

Jack McDougle is a champion of innovation-friendly and collaborative cultures; working with business, government and nonprofit organizations for more than 20 years to develop and implement breakthrough ideas that create sustainable competitive advantage. He focuses teams to thrive in complex environments, think with a global perspective and flexibly adapt to change while generating creative, viable approaches to challenging situations.
Jack founded Blutre Strategies in 2009 as a personal initiative to drive innovation and improve quality of life through economic capacity building, both in the U.S. and globally. One of his projects included serving as Senior Vice President at the Council on Competitiveness where he engaged more than 150 CEO’s, university presidents and labor leaders to formulate and lead a National Manufacturing Initiative – convening key thought leaders across the U.S. to construct strategies and programs enhancing U.S. manufacturing, increasing exports and creating jobs. This bipartisan public policy agenda was shared with officials and business leaders throughout the country.
Prior to Blutre, Jack served as Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce where he successfully helped lead turn-around efforts for the $2 billion 2010 Census Automation Program. As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Industry Analysis, he worked collaboratively with government agencies and the private sector to minimize the negative impacts of proposed regulations to the aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and construction industries. Jack also led global strategy and communications planning to advance U.S. export programs; directed analyses leading to Congressional approval of various trade agreements and supported trade missions ranging from Azerbaijan and Kuwait to China and India. While at the U.S. Department of State, Jack helped build and lead components of the U.S. hosted G8 Summit at Sea Island, GA.
In the private sector, at People’s United Bank, Jack was chosen by the CEO to implement a strategic business process, integrated with human resources and financial planning, which resulted in increased sales, customer retention, and profitability. He formulated new organizational change and talent performance concepts to enrich corporate culture and broaden decision-making parameters.
Jack regularly discusses economic, business, manufacturing, and trade issues with senior government and industry officials as well as presenting at various meetings and events. He’s been featured on PBS NewsHour and in numerous print publications. Jack earned his M.B.A. in strategy and finance at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Steuart Pittman, Jr. was elected Anne Arundel County Executive after his first campaign for public office in 2018.

Born and raised on his family farm in Davidsonville, Steuart graduated from the University of Chicago and then went on to work as a community organizer in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. In that role, he built neighborhood organizations, confronted environmental hazards, and attracted private investment to blighted communities.

Once back home, Steuart coordinated national programs for National Low Income Housing Coalition and Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) before starting his own business as a farmer and horse trainer. He is best known in the horse industry for creating Retired Racehorse Project, an award-winning national nonprofit that is responsible for transitioning thousands of racehorses into second careers.

Steuart’s philosophy of government is both conservative and progressive. As a farmer, he worked hard against onerous regulations that had no public benefit and promoted policies to make the industry commercially viable. As a Director of the Anne Arundel County Soil Conservation District, he pushed for compliance with erosion and sediment control standards to protect local waterways.

As County Executive, Steuart has pledged to make Anne Arundel County “The Best Place,” by “Putting Communities First.” His strategy is to engage communities from every sector and to practice transparency and data-driven policymaking.

Donald C. Fry has been the president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), the central Maryland region’s most prominent organization of business and civic leaders, since November 2002.

The GBC serves as a knowledgeable and highly credible business voice in the Baltimore region, Annapolis and Washington, D.C., on policy issues and competitive challenges facing Maryland. Its mission is to apply private-sector leadership to strengthening the business climate and quality of life in the region and state.

Fry served as GBC executive vice president from 1999 to 2002. From 1980 to 1999 Fry was engaged in a private law practice in Harford County. During this time he also served in the Maryland General Assembly. He is one of only a handful of legislators to have served on each of the major budget committees of the General Assembly.

Serving in the Senate of Maryland from 1997 to 1998, Fry was a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee. As a member of the House of Delegates from 1991 to 1997 Fry served on the Ways and Means Committee and on the Appropriations Committee.

Fry is a 1979 graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law. He earned a B.S. in political science from Frostburg State College.

Martin is an Executive Advisor to the Board of Directors for the Technology Council of Maryland, and he is the Founder and CEO of Selnova, LLC an advisory firm founded to help entrepreneurs accelerate the development of great ideas. He utilizes his leadership experience, knowledge, and access to a large network of technical and corporate professionals to support companies through critical transitions.

With over 30 years of experience developing and commercializing therapeutic products and devices, Martin has led several successful businesses in various market sectors including medical biologics, drugs, medical devices, and plastics. He has launched, branded, acquired or commercialized more than 10 products and companies. He has raised equity-based capital for public and private companies and non-dilutive capital through strategic partnerships. Martin has also provided technical support or corporate advice to companies in the biotechnology and food preparation market sectors.

Martin has presented in public forums to numerous audiences on a variety of topics including, corporate investment, medical products, healthcare reimbursement, and infectious disease. He has been a Board member for Nuo Therapeutics, the Transplant Recipients International Organization and the American Red Cross, San Jose Region. He also served on the Health Advisory Committee for past California State Senator Diane Watson.

Sean Looney is Vice President, State Government Affairs for Comcast NBCUniversal. 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 has served as 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 Travis Manion Foundation, 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, MD and Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ. Sean received a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.

With over 20 years of economic development experience, Laurie Boyer Babb, CEcD currently serves as the Director of Economic Development at Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. She is responsible for the management and oversight of the County’s economic development financial incentive programs and the administration of contracts with third party vendors providing economic development services on behalf of the County. Over the past year, she developed the policies and procedures and implemented over $40 million in emergency grant programs established to assist businesses locally during the global health pandemic. She and her team provide support and guidance to companies interested in doing business in Montgomery County. Babb serves as a strategic and technical advisor to other senior managers, the County Executive and the County Council in evaluating new programs, policies and incentives for supporting new and existing businesses. She partners strategically with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and the Maryland Department of Commerce on business attraction and retention efforts.

Previously, Laurie served as the Executive Director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), and as Executive Director for the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.

In May 2006, she earned her professional Economic Development Certification (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council.

Ms. Babb is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class of 2014 and Leadership Frederick County Class of 1997, serves as Secretary of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Foundation Board, and is on the MEDA Council of Past Presidents.

Ms. Babb has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA and a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

Heather Gramm joined the Maryland Department of Commerce as Senior Director of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship in June 2019. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of the state’s efforts to grow the strategic industries of biohealth and life sciences, cybersecurity and aerospace, manufacturing, energy and agriculture. In addition, she oversees Commerce’s strategic initiatives for entrepreneurship, small business, and workforce development.

Prior to this role, she served as Deputy Director for the Frederick County Office of Economic Development overseeing the county’s business development efforts, including business attraction, retention and expansion, small and minority business development strategies, as well as industry-sector development in the county’s targeted sectors.

Heather has more than 17 years of experience in municipal, county and state economic development in a variety of roles including business development, community 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 as President of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Board of Directors.

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.

Renée M. Winsky is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Leadership Maryland, a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of the leaders throughout the state’s local businesses and communities. Each year, Leadership Maryland brings together a class of 52 local leaders selected from all sectors, industries, and geographic regions of Maryland to engage on the vital issues affecting the state and work to build solutions for real, actionable change. In this role she manages the day-to-day operations of the organization and facilitates the work of the Board of Directors. In accordance with the Corporation’s mission she plans and administers programs to develop leadership throughout the State. Prior to joining Leadership Maryland, Ms. Winsky served as the Executive Director of the Chesapeake Innovation Center, CEO of the Tech Council of Maryland, and as the President and Executive Director of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). She has held positions with the Information Technology Association of America (now TechAmerica), National League of Cities, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Maryland Municipal League, and City of Greenbelt, Maryland. Ms. Winsky is also the president and founder of Bay One Group, LLC, a consulting firm that assists clients with a variety of subject matters, including economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and advocacy, technology transfer and commercialization, university collaborations and partnering, and small business start-ups. Ms. Winsky is a member of the Maryland Commission on Service and Volunteerism, a Governor Larry Hogan appointment. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Economic Development Association and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee. She has served the Chesapeake Innovation Center, Maryland Association of CPAs, Maryland Business Incubation Association, Maryland Health Care Product Development Corporation, State Science and Technology Institute, UMBC Research Park Corporation, West County Chamber Government Contractor’s Guild, Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Winsky is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a graduate of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2005.

Rhonda Ray currently serves as the Managing Director, Office of Policy, Research and Government Affairs with the Maryland Department of Commerce. In this role she oversees and directs a team responsible for research, government affairs, policy and program development, and performance measurement. She has an in-depth knowledge of State government and extensive experience in public policy, advocacy and organizational development.

Rhonda began her career at the Maryland Department of Commerce in 1996. After working as a Legislative Liaison Assistant for a little more than a year, Rhonda was appointed Director of the Office of Legislative Liaison in 1997 and has led various iterations of the unit for more than 20 years. She has been a key member of the Department’s leadership team for two decades and has provided organizational development and strategic planning advice for a number of Secretaries.

Prior to joining Commerce, Rhonda was the Director of Public Policy for the Maryland Food Committee. She led the policy and political strategy team for a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating food insecurity and welfare dependence. Rhonda also served for two years as a Governor’s Policy Fellow, appointed by Governor William Donald Schaefer, and worked with the State’s Minority Business Enterprise Program at the Maryland Department of Transportation and at Commerce’s predecessor agency, the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment Development. Her academic research has focused on job creation and economic development.

Past volunteer experience includes serving on the boards of Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore and Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity. She is a proud member of Leadership Maryland, class of 2014. Rhonda currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the Maryland Economic Development Association and co-chairs the Public Policy Committee.

A strong and enthusiastic supporter of public administration and public service, Rhonda continues to mentor undergraduate and graduate students who, like her, have accepted the calling of public service and wish to pursue a career in public policy and government. She has had a lifelong commitment to education and teaching and spent several years as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in the political science department leading an upper level course in Public Administration and Policy.

Outside of work, Rhonda has an intense love for the performing and visual arts and spends her free time traveling, cooking and reading.

Jerry Walker is President and CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, a 501c3 charged with assisting businesses and enabling them to increase job opportunities, expand the tax base and improve the quality of life in Anne Arundel County.

Previously, Mr. Walker served on the Anne Arundel County Council representing the Seventh District, where he served for two terms. As councilman, he also served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and finished the last year of his elected office as President of the organization.

Mr. Walker spent 22 years in the private sector serving as a Vice President at DCA Imaging Systems, a local office technology company headquartered in Lanham, Maryland. During his time at DCA. Mr. Walker contributed to a team that expanded the company from four to 60 employees and increased annual revenue from $400,000 to over $10 million.

A native of New York City, Mr. Walker graduated summa cum laude from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in Economics. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from American University in Washington, D.C. Mr. Walker also graduated from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy’s Academy for Excellence in Local Government.

Stephen Rice serves as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Annapolis, Maryland. In this role, Stephen leads the economic development division within the Department of Planning and Zoning. He manages economic development projects, facilitates revitalization efforts and helps to recruit and retain businesses in the city. Stephen also advocates for policies that ensure that Annapolis continues to be a great place to start, grow or expand a business.

Previously, Stephen worked for American Communities Trust in Baltimore as Director of Community Development. In this role he worked with New Markets Tax Credits to revitalize challenged communities across the country. Stephen also served as Vice President of Business Development for the Howard County Economic Development Authority after a long tenure at the Greater Baltimore Urban League where he led the economic development team.

Stephen is very active in his community and has served on several local boards and commissions. Currently he serves as a Commissioner for the Enterprise Road Corridor Development Review District Commission in Prince George’s County. He is also very active with the Urban Land Institute’s Washington, D.C. Chapter and the Lambda Alpha International (Land Economics Society) Baltimore Chapter.

Stephen was raised in Columbia, Maryland and is a proud graduate of Wilde Lake High School. He then completed his undergraduate education at Morehouse College where he studied Economics. Stephen later completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Vanderbilt University and his Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree at Harvard University.

Stephen enjoys reading, traveling and playing golf in his spare time. When not enjoying the wonders of Annapolis, Stephen can be found taking in the splendid views at National Harbour in Maryland.