MEDA ELECTS 2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

By MEDA Admin | May 7, 2025

Baltimore, MD (May 7, 2025) – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) announces the election of Tammi Thomas, chief development and marketing officer of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), as president of its board of directors. The announcement was made during MEDA’s 2025 Annual Conference, held April 27–29 in Cambridge, Maryland.

“I am truly honored to have been elected as President of the Board of Directors for an organization that has had a profound impact on my career,” expressed Thomas. “Economic development goes beyond just boosting the economy; it’s about changing lives. In my new role, I pledge to foster enhanced collaboration, promote inclusive growth, and uphold the unity that propels our efforts – One Maryland. One Love.”

Also named to MEDA’s Board of Directors for 2025 and 2026 are:

  • Denise Beaver, CEcD, director, Carroll County Department of Economic Development, vice president; 
  • Allison Akers, senior director of marketing and communications, Vision Technologies, secretary; 
  • Renée Winsky, president and founder, Bay One Group, LLC, reelected treasurer;
  • Richard Griffin, CEcD, director of Economic Development, City of Frederick, immediate past president; 
  • Dawn Medley, president and CEO, FSC First, reappointed as awards co-chair;
  • Lorin Hinton, economic development manager, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), awards co-chair;
  • Jerry T. Sanford, managing director of economic development, The Harbor Bank of Maryland, reappointed business development co-chair;
  • John Stalfort, managing principal of the Washington, D.C. office, Miles & Stockbridge P.C., reappointed business development co-chair;
  • Matt Miller, executive director and president, Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, membership co-chair; 
  • Ebony Stocks, CEcD, interim president and CEO, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, reappointed membership co-chair;
  • Laurie Babb, CEcD, director, economic development, real estate and corporate HQs, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, professional development co-chair;
  • Jamie Williams, CEcD, director, Kent County Economic and Tourism Development, professional development co-chair;
  • Lora Brown, director of Maryland Small Business Programs and state director, Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC), program development committee co-chair;
  • Kellie Hinkle, deputy director, St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development, program development committee co-chair;
  • Andrea Mansfield, lobbyist, Manis Canning & Associates, reappointed public policy awareness co-chair;
  • Lori Valentine, vice president, policy and public relations, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, reappointed public policy awareness co-chair;
  • Destiny Allen Mitchell, senior program officer, economic development, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), young leaders co-chair;
  • Jennifer LaHatte, managing director, policy, research & government affairs, Maryland Department of Commerce, young leaders co-chair;
  • Ricardo Benn, deputy secretary, Maryland Department of Commerce, ex officio; and
  • Julia Glanz, deputy secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, ex officio.

“Representing the breadth of Maryland’s economic development community, MEDA’s Board of Directors is composed of accomplished leaders who are deeply committed to shaping the State’s economic future,” said MEDA Executive Director Pamela J. Ruff. “Each of these individuals has contributed significantly to MEDA’s mission through past and continued service, helping to strengthen our organization and expand our statewide impact. We’re proud to welcome this forward-thinking group of professionals to MEDA’s Board of Directors.”

The newly elected and reappointed board members will help guide MEDA’s strategic mission, increase participation within the organization, and continue fostering economic growth throughout the state of Maryland.

For more information about MEDA, visit www.MEDAmd.com.

IMAGE OF THE MEDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS & FOUNDATION BOARD: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146725953@N05/54489655405/in/photostream/

Pictured from left: Bill Tomkins, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation; Jessica Reynolds, CEcD, Maryland Department of Commerce; Lori Valenine, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation; Lora Brown, Maryland Small Business Development Center Network; Lorin Hinton, Baltimore Gas and Electric; Matt Miller, Cumberland Economic Development Corporation; Denise Beaver, CEcD, Carroll County Deputy Director of Economic Development; Richard Griffin, CEcD, City of Frederick; Martin Proulx, Maryland Department of Agriculture; Dawn Medley, FSC First; Laurie Babb, CEcD, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation; Jamie Williams, CEcD, Kent County Economic and Tourism Development; Tammi Thomas, Maryland Technology Development Corporation; Jerry T. Sanford, The Harbor Bank of Maryland; Kellie Hinkle, St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development; Allison Akers, Vision Technologies; Renée Winsky, Bay One Group, LLC; Jennifer LaHatte, Maryland Department of Commerce; Andrea Mansfield, Manis Canning & Associates; Ebony Stocks, CEcD, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation; Shelly Gross-Wade, Bay Crossing Consulting Services; and, Destiny Allen Mitchell, Local Initiatives Support Corporation. 

About MEDA 

MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development. 

MEDA’s membership includes economic development practitioners employed by the government, businesses, and chambers of commerce, as well as other professionals with an interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs, and projects, members address such diverse issues as local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism, and finance. 

MEDA members work diligently to transform lives by creating opportunities, inspiring innovation, and enriching communities in Maryland. To learn more about MEDA, visit www.medamd.com. 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Mia Vaccaro

mia@pprstrategies.com

240.608.4446

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