MEDA Recognizes Hall of Fame, Rising Star, and Volunteer of the Year for 2026
Havre de Grace, MD (February 11, 2026) – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2026 individual awards: the MEDA Hall of Fame, MEDA Rising Star, and MEDA Volunteer of the Year. Sponsored by Miles & Stockbridge P.C., the MEDA Awards annually recognize economic development leaders who move their communities forward in extraordinary ways.
“Each year, it is inspiring to hear about the individual work being done to support Maryland’s growth,” said Tammi Thomas, president of MEDA’s Board of Directors. “Each nomination reflected a deep commitment to the state. After deliberation, we are happy to announce the winners whose leadership demonstrates the strength of Maryland’s economic development community and the real, measurable progress being made statewide through collaboration and a shared commitment to growth.”
Brian Darmody, chief strategy officer of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) and a MEDA past board member, is the 2026 MEDA Hall of Fame recipient. With more than 40 years of experience in Maryland higher education and economic development, Darmody has supported policies and projects that foster innovation, technology transfer, and university- industry partnerships. He served as the first Assistant Vice Chancellor of Technology Development for the University System of Maryland, and played a key role in establishing TEDCO, as well as many other programs that support innovation and research across the state. As an active MEDA member, he has co-chaired the Awards Committee, helped create the Rising Star Award, served as a speaker at MEDA events, and held leadership roles on numerous committees advancing economic growth across the state.
The MEDA Rising Star Award recognizes an individual under the age of 40 who has made significant contributions to the economic development profession. Matthew Miller, executive director of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, is the 2026 recipient. He is recognized for leading the $16 million Baltimore Street Project, a MEDA 2025 Transformative Economic Development Award winner that revitalized Cumberland’s downtown through community engagement and strategic investment. The project has spurred the opening of more than 30 new businesses and nearly doubled employment along Baltimore Street, increasing jobs from 195 to 350. Miller also played a key role in the redevelopment of the long-vacant Rosenbaum Building, leveraging public–private partnerships to catalyze more than $5 million in private investment. The project has brought new retail activity to Baltimore Street, plans for office and residential space, and has created more than 50 jobs, including an office opened by aerospace firm Sparx Research in 2024. In addition to his local impact, Miller is active in MEDA, serving as co-chair of the Membership Committee, participating in the Young Leaders program, and is a past recipient of the Lofton Scholarship.
The MEDA Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact on the economic development community. Minister Glenn Smith, a West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) board member and community leader, is the 2026 recipient. Minister Smith has spent over 13 years advancing equitable development and community restoration in West Baltimore. As a founding board member of WNADA, he has guided strategic investments in affordable housing, small business development, and green space restoration along the West North Avenue corridor. Additionally, as president of the Reconnecting Communities in West Baltimore Coalition and through Eden Community Ventures, Minister Smith advances workforce programs for veterans, youth, and returning citizens, using economic opportunity as a tool for community revitalization.
The 2026 award winners will be recognized at the MEDA Awards Banquet on April 27, held during the MEDA Annual Conference, April 26–28, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. For more information, visit medamd.com.
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. To learn more about MEDA, visit https://www.medamd.com/.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Mia Vaccaro
mia@pprstrategies.com
240.608.4446
