2026 Chesapeake Regional Workforce Summit & Career Fair

Join leaders from academia, government, and industry at AACC to explore how Maryland’s talent pool is our greatest driver of economic growth

Workforce as a Competitive Advantage.

As Maryland advances its position as a global leader in technology and innovation, the 2026 Chesapeake Regional Workforce Summit & Career Fair convenes the ecosystem’s most influential voices. From academic leaders shaping tomorrow’s talent to entrepreneurs scaling high-growth ventures, this event is designed to bridge the gap between classroom, community, and commerce – and align strategy with opportunity.

Why Attend?

• Strategic Insights: Learn how our workforce helps Maryland Department of Commerce (MDOC) and Regional Economic Development Organizations attract businesses.
• Direct Connections: Engage with recruiters and talent at the Career Fair, running all afternoon.
• Niche Expertise: Hear from CEO’s, HR Professionals, and the Startup Community during our Micro-sessions tailored to your specific role in the workforce pipeline.

The Schedule

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Keynote: Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary, MDoC Maryland’s Competitive Advantage – Attracting and Retaining Workforce (CADE 219)

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Panel: Work-Based Learning (CADE 219)

Moderator: Shamara Bownes, Senior Director CTE, Goverors Workforce Development Board

• Erin Roth, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor
• Tasha Cornish, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Association of Maryland
• Tim O’Ferrall, General Mnager, Fort Meade Alliance
• Carl Kushinsky, Apprenticeship Manager, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
• Bronwyn E. A. Bates, Workforce Program Manager, HCC
• Tom Dickinson, AACPS Work Based Learning Career & Technical Education

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Networking (CALT)

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM Micro Session: HR/CEO Perspective – What Employers are Looking for in Candidates (CADE 219)

Moderator: Emily Chanell, Owner/Principle Tidewater HR Advisory

• Carolina Seldes, CEO, ITNova
• Conner Barnes, Director, Talent Management, Vision Technologies

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM Micro Session: Startup Community Workforce Needs (CADE 219)

Moderator: Chris Barber, Founder, CEO and Chief Nerd, Cheaper Than A Geek

• Jason Michael Perry, Principle/Fractional Chief AI Officer, Perry Labs
• Jesse Alton, CEO, Virgent AI, Inc.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Career Fair (CALT Building)

Organized in Collaboration With:

This summit is a joint initiative bringing together the leaders of Maryland’s economic and workforce development ecosystem:

• AACC: Anne Arundel Community College
• AAEDC: Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
• AAWDC: Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
• MDOC: Maryland Department of Commerce
• MTC-CRC: Maryland Tech Council’s Chesapeake Regional Chapter
• Cybersecurity Association