2020 Primer for Economic Development in Maryland (ONLINE)
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Course Dates: 9am on June 4, 11 and 18, 2020
Join MEDA for a virtual training that has been created to provide participants an introduction and overview of how Maryland practices economic development. Course attendees will quickly develop a network of resources and link people and faces, all while building camaraderie among participants to further Maryland’s economic development team.
This course is designed for those who are new to economic development in Maryland, in addition to strategic partners in collaborative industries. Find out how economic development transforms lives by creating opportunities, inspiring innovation, and enriching communities. Together we can work to make a brighter, more prosperous future for the state of Maryland!
When
Thu, Jun 4, 2020 @ 9:00 am - Thu, Jun 18, 2020 @ 10:45 am
Conference Speakers
The 2020 Primer for Economic Development in Maryland (ONLINE) Speakers
June 4
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.
President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Jeff Finkle is a recognized leader and authority on economic development. With the formation of IEDC in 2001 following the merger of the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED) – where he was president for 15 years – and the American Economic Development Council (AEDC), Jeff set the course for a more effective and influential organization. Today IEDC is the world’s largest economic development membership organization and is a $5 million annual operation that is renowned for its leadership in professionalizing and diversifying the field of economic development.
Jeff previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and has received numerous awards over the years for his commitment to making sustainable economic development a priority in communities of all sizes. Significantly, in 2011 he was lauded by the U.S. Department of Commerce for his 25 years of stewardship over CUED and IEDC. Moreover, as a longtime leader in community service and philanthropy, in 2005 Jeff organized 250 economic development volunteers to work in Gulf Coast communities endeavoring to recover from Hurricane Katrina. In 1989 he also founded the Bollinger Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to children who have lost a parent who worked in the field of economic development.
A frequent lecturer and author of numerous articles, Jeff has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, Fox television and the Journal Report on PBS. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in communications in 1976 from Ohio University in Athens and pursued graduate studies in business administration at Ohio State University. He maintains a strong connection with Ohio University’s Voinovich School for Leadership and Public Affairs.
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.
Ms. Beaver has served as the Carroll County Deputy Director of Economic Development since 2001. Prior to that Ms. Beaver held several Carroll County workforce development roles serving Carroll County businesses and citizens for a total of 27 years.
Selected as a Leadership Maryland Class of 2021 member and elected MEDA secretary in April 2021, Ms. Beaver also currently represents Carroll County at the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore Advisory Board, the Baltimore Gas & Electric Carroll County Advisory Council, the Carroll Transit Advisory Council, and the Mid-Maryland Workforce Development Board. Previously, Ms. Beaver was a founding member, board member, and Secretary of the Carroll Technology Council (now Carroll Technology & Innovation Council) for 16 years.
Ms. Beaver holds degrees from Kutztown University and Towson University and resides in Westminster.
June 11
Roger Venezia has been an economic developer for 40 years. He serves as Director of Operations & Special Projects for the Division of Business and Industry Sector Development at the Maryland Department of Commerce. In this capacity he serves as chief administrative officer of the agency’s largest division. He has been with Commerce since 2000.
Mr. Venezia has held marketing, research, and managerial positions for three different county economic development offices in Maryland. He served as Director of the Cecil County Office of Economic Development during which time he led the effort to develop the county’s first economic development strategic plan. He also served as Research Manager for PECO Energy Company of Philadelphia, one of the country’s largest electric utilities.
Mr. Venezia earned his Certified Economic Developer designation in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a second major in Economics from the University of Delaware.
Helga Weschke is a professional economic developer for over 30 years. She is the Director of Federal Business Relations with the Office of Military and Federal Affairs for the Maryland Department of Commerce. Her role is to support federal agencies in Maryland by advocating for, partnering with, and leveraging their presence to benefit Maryland’s economy and business community.
Helga’s extensive economic and business development experience has been both at the state and local level. She led business development and retention, foreign direct investment and workforce teams. She is an innovator of programs such as Contract Connections and Team Maryland connecting small businesses to contracting opportunities through partnerships with federal agencies and prime contractors. She has also created programs to assist at risk businesses and displaced workers. In her current role, she created and manages a one-stop Business to Government website and resources that introduces small businesses to government contracting and facilitates firms that want to diversify their market.
She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and holds a Masters of International Business Studies from University of South Carolina and a Bachelors of Business Administration from Virginia Tech.
Thomas Sadowski is MEDCO’s fourth executive director, beginning his tenure in August 2021. Appointed by the MEDCO Board of Directors and approved by the Governor, Mr. Sadowski directs a staff composed of ten administrative, finance and development specialists whose responsibilities are to assist with financing, project development, accounting, and management of MEDCO’s projects. In his role as Executive Director, Tom is dedicated to furthering MEDCO’s important mission to help advance Maryland’s economic development interests and facilitate economic growth that benefits citizens and communities across Maryland. Tom brings to MEDCO a depth and breadth of experience, a passion for the economic well-being of Maryland, and enthusiasm for a vibrant economy that is sustainable and competitive.
Tom came to MEDCO with more than thirty years of economic development experience and has held leadership positions at local, regional, and state levels. He has worked across all industry sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, quantum computing, robotics, bio-health, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and education-technology.
Prior to working at MEDCO, Tom spent 5 years as vice chancellor for economic development at the University System of Maryland (USM), a major player in the success of Maryland’s economy. As the USM’s first vice chancellor for economic development, Tom focused on leveraging the talent, resources, and programming at USM’s twelve institutions and three regional centers to support the state’s economic development efforts and help grow strategic industries. He served as the USM’s senior representative on university-industry-government collaborations statewide. Tom was the system’s primary liaison to the state in support of recruiting companies and retaining and growing existing companies. Within the USM, his role focused on venture creation, tech commercialization, industry and government research partnerships, and workforce development. He also launched the USM’s $10 million venture Maryland Momentum Fund.
Prior to joining USM, Tom served as president and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, where he focused on growing and attracting companies to the region and used federal and state grant dollars to create programs supporting innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. He also served as director of the Harford County Office of Economic Development and as business development director for the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development.
Tom is very active in the community, serving as the chair of the board for Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, on the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland Technology Institute (MTech), and on the boards of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Cyber Association of Maryland, Maryland Information Security Institute (MISI), Maryland Marketing Partnership, Maryland Technology Council, UMBC Training Centers, the University of Maryland Medical System/Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, and the UMB Baltimore Fund Advisory Board.
He has received several honors, including the 2016 “Alumni of the Year, Distinguished Service” award from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the 2014 “William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year” award from the Baltimore Museum of Industry. He was also recognized by The Daily Record as a “Most Admired CEO” in 2015 and 2013 and an “Influential Marylander” in 2011.
A lifelong resident of Maryland, Sadowski earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, with a certificate in public administration and policy, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 1989. He is married with five children.
Randy Baynes Sr. Economic Development Specialist Economic Development, BGE
Randy Baynes is a Sr. Economic Development Specialist in Governmental and External Affairs at BGE. He is responsible for ensuring a positive customer experience for our State and Local Economic Development Officials. Randy works closely with the administration of BGE’s Smart Energy Economic Development Incentive. The SEED incentive provides relief to construction and distribution expenses to qualifying new and expanding businesses in Central Maryland. Through this initiative Randy works with BGE’s New Business Design and Engineering teams to ensure a seamless customer experience. Additionally, Randy works with our state and local partners on the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in BGE’s service territory. Randy is an active member of the Utility Economic Development Association (UEDA), a national organization of utility professionals that work to advance economic growth. Randy has been with BGE over 17 years and formerly held roles in Commercial and Industrial Engineering and Large Customer Services.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT // For over ten years Randy was a coach and director of Loch Raven Recreational boys’ and girls’ soccer and lacrosse programs. Randy was formerly the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach for the Institute of Notre Dame, an all-girls high school in downtown Baltimore. Randy is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Archbishop Curley Alumni Association.
EDUCATION // Randy holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Geography from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and has taken additional coursework in Environmental Studies from Johns Hopkins University.
FAMILY // Randy is a lifelong Baltimorean, now resides in Baltimore County. He lives in Parkville with his wife Stephanie and three children, Jack 22, Ella 20 and Carter 17.
Tammi Thomas serves as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). In this role, she is responsible for the development of TEDCO’s marketing, public relations and communications strategy and will contribute to TEDCO’s organizational strategic operations.
Ms. Thomas, a seasoned administrator, has extensive managerial experience in the higher education sector and possesses a record of success in jump-starting initiatives and helping them flourish. With more than 25 years of experience in the marketing and public relations fields, she has served as advisor and consultant to senior-level executives in industry, government and academia; developed and executed comprehensive strategic, marketing and communications plans; coordinated and managed internal and external partnerships and initiatives; and facilitated large scale panels, workshops, and discussions involving a variety of executive and managerial-level individuals in the technology, government, and higher education communities.
Previously, Ms. Thomas served as chief of staff to the president at Bowie State University. She provided strategic leadership and support for the president’s initiatives and priorities. Prior to this position, she served as vice president of strategic management for Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST). The company, headquartered in Lanham, Md., provides a full spectrum of professional services in information technology, logistics and operations, management, and scientific and technology support. Before DST, Ms. Thomas served as the director of University Relations and Marketing at Bowie State University for more than three years. She was also director of Business Development and Marketing at the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Research Park and Business Incubator, where she served for eight years. She has taught marketing and communications courses at Bowie State and the University of Baltimore as an adjunct professor.
Ms. Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Alabama State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in International Marketing from the University of Baltimore. She is a contributor to A Practical Guide to Business Incubator Marketing (NBIA Publications, 2007) and a guest editor of Bowie State University’s Undergraduate Journal of Research and Writing Across the Curriculum (Bowie State University, 2013).
Stephen McHenry has served as MARBIDCO’s Executive Director since December 2006. The majority of his career has been devoted in one way or another to serving the rural citizens of Maryland. He previously served as Executive Director of the Rural Maryland Council and Director of Government Affairs for the Maryland Municipal League.
As MARBIDCO’s Executive Director, Steve has overall management responsibility for the staff, budget, and day-to-day operations. Steve supports MARBIDCO’s Board of Directors, providing strategic visioning and implementation of policy while reporting on the performance of the organization. He develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, such as federal and State agencies, commercial banking institutions, farm and rural industry groups, agricultural land preservation organizations, and regional and local economic development agencies.
Steve also develops relationships with other providers of capital and credit, advises rural business owners on financing options, and ensures that MARBIDCO’s financing programs are meeting established credit underwriting and programmatic objectives.
Steve is a founding member and past chair of the Microenterprise Council of Maryland and Partners of Rural America. He serves on the boards of LEAD Maryland Foundation, the Maryland Forests Association, and the Keystone (Cooperative) Development Center. He also served for six years on the administrative council of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NESARE). Steve has also served in the past as chair of the Maryland Working Waterfront Commission and as a member of the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture. Earlier in his career, Steve served on the Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board and as chair for both the Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fun Board (RMC). He also served on the advisory boards of the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center (UME), Institute for Governmental Services (UMCP), and the Northeast Regional Centerfor Rural Development.
Steve earned a bachelor of arts degree in social science (political science) from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a master of general administration degree from the University of Maryland’s Graduate School of management and Technology. He is a member of several trade and professional organizations, including the Maryland Farm Bureau and the Maryland Economic Development Association. Steve was a member of the 2000 Class of LEAD Maryland and the 2002 Class of Leadership Maryland. A lifelong Maryland resident, Steve and his wife reside in Anne Arundel County. They have three daughters.
Michele L. Whelley, President & CEO, is an economic development professional who is well-known throughout the region’s business community. Whelley brings new energy and focus to marketing the region, ensuring that EAGB will continue to strengthen its marketing platform as a critical component of fostering and supporting a vibrant and growing economy throughout the Greater Baltimore region.
Whelley’s diverse career as an economic development leader includes serving as the CEO of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, as the founding CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven, CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and executive vice-president of the Baltimore Development Corporation. Additionally, she has provided consulting services for Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, several private sector development companies and staffed an economic development practice at Colliers Pinkard, a real estate brokerage company. More recently, Whelley has provided a full range of economic development consulting services to organizations including Howard Hughes Corporation, Baltimore Integration Partnership, Southern Management Corporation, Network Rail Consulting, Inc., and Betamore.
Whelley received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Maryland. She then attended the University of Maryland School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor. She sits on the board of directors for The Hippodrome Foundation, Baltimore Design School and Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.
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.
David Ryan is a veteran economic development professional and the Executive Director of the
Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Corporation, a public – private partnership charged
with strengthening the economy of Salisbury, Wicomico County and region.
Ryan shares a passion for promoting his hometown of Salisbury and he continues to implement innovative programs to succeed in the economy of today and tomorrow. During his tenure, he has created a cluster of wireless component manufacturers, promoted a growing life science sector, facilitated a regional revolving loan fund, established the county’s first small business incubator, planned with the private sector a new industrial park and formed the county’s first business expansion fund for startup, existing and new businesses. He’s brokered more than $26 million accounting for more than 5,000 jobs and more than $90 million in capital investment.
Ryan consistently serves on statewide task forces and committees, is a Past President of the Maryland Economic Development Association and is active on local advisory boards associated
with Salisbury University, Wor-Wic Community College, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In addition, he is a member of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the
Greater Salisbury Committee, the Delmarva Water Transport Committee and the Wicomico County Airport Commission.
From a community perspective, Ryan is active in Asbury United Methodist Church, serving as its current Treasurer and as an Executive Committee member to the Asbury Child Development Center, a pre-
school ministry of the Church. He is a past board member of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, the Salisbury YMCA and a Past President of Lower Shore Enterprises, a non-profit corporation
connecting people with disabilities to job opportunities.
Ryan received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Marketing and Economics from Old Dominion University and his MBA from Salisbury University. He is a former tennis professional, is the longest actively serving Economic Development Director for a major jurisdiction in the State of Maryland and hails from Salisbury, Maryland.
Lawrence (Larry) Twele is CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA).
Before joining the Authority, he was the Director of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, where he spent over six years guiding business development, business retention, workforce development and tourism. Before that, Larry spent almost seven years with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, where he held several positions including managing the statewide regional office system.
Major accomplishments include launching a regional business retention program and playing a key role in coordinating and facilitating major expansion projects in the Baltimore Region. Larry also spent seven years in management in a Fortune Global 500 manufacturing firm and three years as a manager of a small business. From 2013 to 2015, Larry served as the President of Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA). Currently he serves on the MEDA Board of Directors and is President of the MEDA Foundation.
Larry holds a Master’s Degree of Business Administration from Loyola University, Maryland and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland. He earned Certified Economic Developer credentials in 2009.
Darrell Brown is the director of the Charles County Economic Development Department and is responsible for leading activities involving economic development in Charles County, including representing the county to new and expanding businesses and cultivating relationships between the county and the business community, economic development agencies, and state and regional agencies.
Mr. Brown brings to the county strong economic development and government experience at many levels, and has demonstrated exemplary performance in public service and education through interfacing directly with major governmental figures and negotiating with senior executives, investors, and small business owners. From 2011-2015, Mr. Brown served as executive director for the District of Columbia Small Business Development Center at Howard University. Prior to that, he was counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee; director of State and Local Relations for Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island; director of Economic Development for the City of Cranston, Rhode Island; policy advisor for business and economic development for the governor of Rhode Island; chief of staff for the Office of the Attorney General of Rhode Island; and director of Urban Policy and Development for Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. He began his legal career as a legislative aide in Washington DC and served a year as assistant attorney general in the Virgin Islands.
Mr. Brown holds a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts degree from The American University, and is a graduate of St. John’s College High School in the District of Columbia.
In his free time, Mr. Brown enjoys being with family and friends. He is a fan of jazz music and enjoys the game of chess.
Jayson Knott is Senior Director of the Office of Business Development at the Maryland Department of Commerce. He leads teams responsible for attracting new businesses to Maryland, growing existing Maryland businesses, and providing assistance to Maryland small businesses. Knott began his tenure with the Department in 1998, first working in publications and advertising, and then moving into business development in 2000. Prior to the Maryland Department of Commerce, he spent nine years coordinating publications for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Knott received his BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1987, and has completed numerous continuing education courses with IEDC. A Westminster native, Knott lives in Towson with his wife and two sons.
Amy Seitz has nearly twenty years of professional experience in both private and public sector enterprises. She was formerly the Director of Community Access & Partnership for the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization within the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Ms. Seitz was responsible for maintaining and cultivating relationships statewide with key stakeholders in community and economic development. In her role, she was responsible for strengthening and expanding the marketplace for the Division’s programmatic services and technical assistance including oversight of tax credit and grant programs totaling $5 million. Additionally, Ms. Seitz also served as the Statewide Coordinator for the Main Street Maryland program and State Leader for Keep Maryland Beautiful.
Prior to joining DHCD, Ms. Seitz worked as the Director of Development and Communications for Preservation Maryland and worked as the Executive Director for Hampden Village Main Street in Baltimore City. Ms. Seitz’s wide-ranging knowledge in strategic planning, public relations, marketing and economic development also includes work at the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
Ms. Seitz received her Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Her professional development includes the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Leadership certification and the Maryland Association of Nonprofits Standards of Excellence certification for nonprofit management.
June 18
Since its reorganization in 2015, Ms. Woepke has served as the Executive Director of the 25 voting and four (4) non-voting member Maryland Economic Development Commission. The Commission establishes economic development policy in the State and oversees the Department of Commerce’s efforts to support the creation, attraction and retention of businesses and jobs. Ms. Woepke coordinated the development of a Strategic Plan and works with the Department to oversee implementation, performance evaluation and tracking of the plan. She also coordinates the work of Subcommittees.
From its inception in 2015, Ms. Woepke has coordinated the Commerce Subcabinet, an 11 member State Agency Subcabinet with six (6) Workgroups – Customer Service; Job Creators; Small Business; Workforce Development; Regional Resources; and Sustainable Materials Management Maryland (SM3). The Subcabinet advises the Governor on proposals to enhance the State’s business climate, gathers information necessary to promotes its goals, collaborates to facilitate and expedite critical economic development projects; and provides additional assistance that may further the goals of the state and enhance business climate.
As part of senior leadership within the Department, she coordinates all Boards, Commissions, Councils and Authorities.
Prior to 2015, Ms. Woepke served as an Assistant Director in the Office of Military and Federal Affairs serving as the liaison to Fort George G. Meade, Walter Reed Military Medical Center, Joint Base Andrews, Naval Support Activity Annapolis and Army Research Lab Adelphia. Ms. Woepke was instrumental in the successful execution of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision, which resulted in over 19,000 direct jobs and nearly 20,000 indirect and induced jobs to the State.
Ms. Woepke also served in the Department as a Business Development Representative in the Capital Region assisting businesses of all industry sectors and size – from start-ups to large corporations.
Prior to joining the State of Maryland, Julie held Economic Development positions for El Cerrito, CA, Belmont, CA, Bowie, MD, Cape Coral, FL and Deerfield, IL.
Native of Chicago, Julie and her husband live in Annapolis and have two adult children.
John Genakos, Director of Development, Maryland Economic Development Corp (MEDCO)
MS. MAGRUDER is the Executive Director of the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), a corporate instrumentality of the state created to advance the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies. In addition to administrative and budget management for MCEC she in engaged in government and industry stakeholder relations, event production and innovation advancement.
Magruder led efforts to launch programs designed to provide access to capital for energy projects including the Maryland Home Energy Loan Program, Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program and MDPACE; a statewide initiative enabling commercial property assessed clean energy lending to occur in Maryland.
In her prior position Ms. Magruder served as Chief of Staff at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute; known for performing cutting edge research and transfer of newly discovered technologies to commercial applications; when it existed as part of the University System of Maryland.
As Director of Resource Based Industries, for the Maryland Department of Commerce, she initiated and managed a program focused on sustaining agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries and maritime industry sectors. Working in collaboration with multiple agencies and in partnership with the Maryland Energy Administration, she helped develop a statewide approach to implement evolving energy policies and technologies.
Ms. Magruder previously served at the regional and county level in tourism, community and economic development as Director of the Department of Economic Development & Tourism for Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Emphasizing sustainability In that capacity, she led numerous agribusiness and ecotourism initiatives focused on environment, economy, and cultural character. Related efforts include creation of an interactive exhibit for visitors at the Chesapeake Heritage Center, state designation of the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, and national designation for the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway.
Kathy holds a professional Certificate in Destination Marketing & Management from George Washington University School of Business & Public Management, and is recognized as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council. She earned her BFA in Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1982, and looks forward to every opportunity to use her creative skills.
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.
Robert S. McCord has been Secretary of Planning since September 21, 2017. Deputy Secretary of Planning since September 21, 2017. Assistant Secretary of Operations, 2015-17.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland. Loyola College, B.A. (business administration & philosophy), 1983, M.B.A. (marketing), 1985; University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1989 (heuisler honor society, law review, international law moot court team). Law clerk to Judge Cypert O. Whitfill, Harford County Circuit Court, 1989-90. Admitted to Maryland Bar, 1989; U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1990; U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, 1998; U.S. Supreme Court, 2000. Attorney, Leaf & Mahoney, P.A., 1990-98. Adjunct professor, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1990-. Member, American Bar Association, Maryland State Bar Association; Harford County Bar Association. Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association; Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys (president, 2008-14). Married; two children.
James E. Rzepkowski is the Assistant Secretary for the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at the Maryland Department of Labor. Within the Division are five Offices that implement the mission of the Division: Workforce Development, Adult Education & Literacy Services, Correctional Education, Fiscal Administration, and Workforce Information & Performance. From January 2019 to August 2019, he served as Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor.
Prior to his appointment by the Hogan-Rutherford Administration in February 2015, he served 8 years as the Corporate Director of Workforce Development at Constellation Energy Nuclear Group, LLC (CENG), headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. He developed and implemented the company’s mission critical workforce development initiative leveraging strategic partnerships with educational institutions in multiple states to provide a pipeline of skilled and qualified workers to meet the growing needs of the energy industry. Mr. Rzepkowski represented CENG on numerous national industry association boards focused on adult learning and technical training as well as state and local workforce development organizations.
Concurrent to his employment at CENG, Mr. Rzepkowski was appointed to the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals in January 2007 to a four-year term by unanimous vote of the Anne Arundel County Council. The quasi-judicial Board that renders final decisions on appeals related to zoning, variances, licenses, permits, personnel, and executive, administrative, and judicatory orders in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Prior to joining CENG in February of 2007, he served 12 years in Maryland State Government in both Executive and Legislative capacities – three years as an Assistant Secretary within Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development and nine years as an elected member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 32nd Legislative District in Anne Arundel County.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Politics, with Phi Beta Kappa Honors, from the University of Maryland – College Park.
R. Earl Lewis, Jr., was appointed by Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn on January 20, 2016, to serve as Deputy Secretary of Policy, Planning, and Enterprise Services for the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), which is comprised of The Secretary’s Office, State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA), Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), Maryland Aviation Administration (MDOT MAA) and the Maryland Transportation Authority.
As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Lewis oversees the administration of eleven offices: Diversity and Equity; Environment; Fleet, Facilities, and Administrative Services; Government Affairs; Human Resources; Minority Business Enterprise; Small and Minority Business Policy; Planning and Capital Programming; Policy and Regulations; Real Estate and Economic Development; and Transportation Technology Services. He has a role in MDOT’s Agile Human Resources Initiative, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s talent management. He also chairs MDOT’s Public Private Partnerships Steering Committee, reporting directly to the Secretary on the oversight of P3 initiatives by MDOT’s transportation business units. In 2017, he was certified as a P3 Foundations Professional by APMG International, a global accreditation agency. Mr. Lewis represents the Secretary as Chair of the State of Maryland’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council and represents the Secretary on several other groups such as the Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) and the Commerce, International Affairs, and Smart Growth Sub-Cabinets.
Mr. Lewis first joined MDOT in 2003 as a Communications and Technology Officer, after nearly 20 years in various technical, analyst and management posts with utility companies, including Baltimore Gas and Electric. Early on at MDOT, he led efforts to improve public safety communications systems at the county and state levels. Mr. Lewis also was Assistant Secretary for Administration at MDOT from 2004 to 2006. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Lewis served from 2006 to 2015 at the MDOT MTA, where he filled several roles, including Deputy Administrator for Operations and Deputy Chief of Emergency Preparedness. A veteran of state transportation senior management, he describes himself as a professional, results-oriented leader with strong people skills who strives to get things done.
In 2018, Mr. Lewis received the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials National Corporate Executive of the Year Award, as well as the Baltimore Chapter of WTS Honorable Ray LaHood Man of the Year Award for being supportive of careers of women in transportation.
Mr. Lewis has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA and a second Master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business.
Mr. Lewis is a Baltimore native, as is his wife Charlene. They have four adult children, Vaughn, Wesley, Christopher and Kimberly, and they reside in Bel Air, where Mr. Lewis attends Mountain Christian Church. His interests include gardening, travel, jazz music and NFL football.
Al Delia, Vice President of Regional Development & Engagement, Frostburg State University
Ms. Vaughn is responsible for managing the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Office of Community Outreach. In that role, she develops and facilitates the implementation of the department’s community relations outreach activities. She also serves as the agency’s advocate in its service to communities, including providing close coordination and communication with key industry stakeholders. Through her work with representatives of various communities, organizations, and neighborhoods, Ms. Vaughn strengthens and forges new and existing relationships to maximize the department’s partnership opportunities and awareness building efforts statewide.
Previously, she worked at Fannie Mae, where she was responsible for managing the development and implementation of new business strategies that expanded Fannie Mae’s minority low and moderate-income book of business, with a focus on national partnerships serving these communities.
Ms. Vaughn has been in the finance and mortgage banking industry for over thirty years. She attended the College of San Mateo, in Northern, CA and Howard University, in Washington, DC. She is an alumnus of Leadership Prince George’s and has received several awards and recognition for her work in the housing industry.
Sandy Jones is the Assistant Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Programs at AACC. Her areas of responsibility include oversight of open-enrollment, licensure and certification programs, apprenticeship, English as a Second Language, adult basic education, credit correctional programs, transition initiatives, contract training, and avocational programs. Prior to that Sandy served as the Director, Continuing Professional Education and the Assistant Director, English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Skills. Sandy holds a Master’s degree in in International Business Management from UMGC and a graduate level certificate in Instructional Design from UMBC.
As Assistant Secretary at Maryland Department of Commerce, Signe Pringle leads a team of economic development professionals focusing on business attraction, expansion and retention efforts. Ms. Pringle oversees the offices of business development; finance programs; international investment and trade; and military and federal affairs.
Ms. Pringle previously served as Managing Director of the Office of International Investment and Trade responsible for the State’s global operations, including foreign direct investment attraction and export promotion. Prior to that, Ms. Pringle served as a Regional Manager for Europe, assisting Maryland companies with developing export markets for their products and services, and attracting investment from Europe. Prior to joining state government, Ms. Pringle worked as a global supply chain manager at an international marketing and distribution company in Estonia.
Ms. Pringle holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from University of Baltimore, and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Banking and Accounting, from Estonian Business School and a certificate from the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. She currently serves as president of State International Development Organizations (SIDO), the leading U.S. organization dedicated to supporting state international trade agencies, and serves on the boards of the DC/MD District Export Council, Governor’s Subcabinet on International Affairs, and the Center for Global Business at Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.
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.
