Profiles Class of 07 Profiles Class of 08 New Class Reception 2008

Profiles: Class of '08

	KERRY AHEARN-BROWN Kerry, a resident of Chester on Kent Island, is Director of the Kent County Department of Social Services. She directs all program activities including child welfare, family and adult services, child support, financial assistance programs and food stamps. She oversees a budget of over $6 million and a staff of 50. Kerry earned her B.S.W. in children and families from Xavier University, and her M.S.W. in children and families from The Catholic University of America. During graduate school she volunteered as a school social worker in an inner city Catholic School in northeast D.C. Her volunteer community activities are extensive and include leadership roles on the boards of The Samaritan Group, Maryland Association of Social Service Directors and Kent County Local Management Board. Kerry is also a new parent mentor for The Key School Parent’s Association. She enjoys attending her children’s extra curricular activities and is an avid runner.
	G. E. ‘LORRIE’ ANDERSON Lorrie is Owner/President of Country Florist of Waldorf, Inc., a full service retail florist which produces and sells fresh and silk flower arrangements, as well as giftware, balloons and other related products. She manages the overall operation including hiring and managing employees, accounting, marketing and public relations, and… “sometimes chief cook and vase washer,” states Lorrie. She earned her A.A. in general studies from Catonsville Community College, and her B.S. and M.A. in horticulture education from the University of Maryland. This busy entrepreneur is the immediate past president of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and holds leadership roles in numerous organizations, including Charles County Friends of Hospice, Chesapeake Floral Association, Zonta Club of Charles County and Southern Maryland Ski Club. A resident of Port Tobacco, Lorrie enjoys skiing, biking, canoeing and juried arts/crafts shows.
	KARENTHIA A. BARBER Karenthia, a resident of Baltimore City, is founder of Professional Development Associates, an organizational development and training consulting practice. She earned her B.A. in legal studies from the University of Pittsburgh and her M.A. in educational administration from Penn State University. Karenthia is extremely busy with her volunteer community activities, which include serving as President of the Ednor Gardens-Lakeside Civic Association – “one of the largest, most diverse and best organized neighborhoods in Baltimore,” according to Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke. She also serves in leadership roles with Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc., Northeast Community Organization and Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development. Additionally, Karenthia serves as a member-at-large with the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee for District 43. This busy leader enjoys reading and traveling.
	CLARENCE T. BISHOP Clarence, a resident of Columbia, is Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), a state agency responsible for job creation and tax base expansion through business attraction, retention, expansion and growth. DBED provides businesses with workforce development training and a wide array of financial assistance and incentives. Along with the Secretary, Bishop is responsible for the overall management and administration of this $140 million, 325 employee state agency. He earned his B.S. in mathematics and his M.A. in urban planning and public policy from Morgan State University. He is co-chairing the 2008 annual conference for the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), and serves in leadership roles with East Baltimore Development, Maryland World Class Manufacturing Consortium, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Public Policy Advisory Group. Bishop enjoys physical and weight training, public speaking and international travel.
	DANITA M. BOONCHAISRI Danita, a resident of Dunkirk, is the Marketing/Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the Calvert County Department of Economic Development. She is responsible for managing the county’s marketing and communications programs, media relations, writing speeches and providing marketing and communications counsel for elected officials and businesses, conducting market research, and serving as public information officer for emergency management, including Nuclear Regulatory Commission drills. Danita earned her B.S. in communications (graduating with a 4.0 GPA) and her M.S. in business management from the University of Maryland University College. Her volunteer activities include tutoring and serving on the board of the Calvert County Literacy Council, as well as the Small Business Development Center Advisory Board. Danita enjoys photography, traveling, marathon training, tennis, writing and reading.
	ELIZABETH R. ‘Libby’ BOWERMAN Libby is CEO of Keswick Multi-Care Center in Baltimore. This center consists of a 242-bed skilled nursing facility, 70-participant adult day program, 44-bed dementia assisted living facility, home health agency and management company for Brightwood Club Association. Libby earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art, a M.S.W. in aging specialization from the University of Maryland-Baltimore, and a certificate in aging from the University of Maryland-College Park. This Ellicott City resident is the first nursing home CEO to serve on the Maryland Hospital Association’s Executive Committee, where she chairs its legislative council. Libby also volunteers her time and expertise to the Maryland Health Care Commission, Baltimore Clayworks and Leadership Baltimore County, from which she graduated in 2002. She enjoys spending time with her family, travel, opera, reading (novels and mysteries), counted cross-stitch and hummingbirds (watching and feeding).
	DALE K. ‘DK’ BROWN, I DK, a resident of Greensboro in Caroline County, is Principal of Lockerman Middle School. He is responsible for administrating and super-vising the total school program and providing instructional leadership for this 800-student and 98-staff public middle school. DK earned his B.S. in education from Bowie State University and his M.E. in administration/supervision from Salisbury State University. He holds leadership positions in several organizations, including Prince Hall Masons (Consistorian and Shriner), Annual Nace’s Day Celebration (longest continually running celebration on Eastern Shore, since 1867), and the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers Motor Cycle Club (founder and national officer). In his leisure time, you’ll find DK spending time with his family, traveling and motorcycling. Ask him about the “Dawg Ketcher.”
	JULIE L. CROCKER Julie, a resident of Easton, is Executive Director of Talbot Hospice Foundation, where she oversees the management of all programs and services, including a 6-bed residential facility, a volunteer corps of over 280, grants and fundraising of a $1 million annual budget, as well as coordination of community and professional education. Julie earned her B.S. in nursing from Vanderbilt University and her M.S.N. in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She is an extremely busy woman, as witnessed by her volunteerism with Dixon House, Meals on Wheels, Rotary of Easton, Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems and Friends of Hospice (Festival of Trees). In her leisure time you’ll find Julie knitting, crafting, reading, biking, snow skiing, traveling and sewing. She is a 2004 graduate of Shore Leadership.
	JOSEPH DeMATTOS, JR. Joe, a resident of Baltimore City, is State Director for AARP, the non-profit, non-partisan membership organization for Americans 50+. Joe manages and grows AARP’s enterprise in Maryland for maximum social impact and member value, directing a staff of seven, a volunteer corps of more than 1,000, and a group of engaged activists numbering in the tens of thousands. Joe earned his B.A. in political science from the University of Hawaii, his M.A. in government from Johns Hopkins University and continued his studies in management at the Wharton School of Business. This busy leader of Portuguese/Hawaiian descent holds leadership positions with Har Sinai Interfaith Committee, Morgan State University School of Social Work Advisory Council and Healthy Maryland Initiative. Joe enjoys reading, writing and running.
	JOHN D. DINKEL John, a resident of Myersville in Frederick County, is President and Publisher of the Baltimore Business Journal, a weekly business newspaper that provides late-breaking business news and intelligence to over 66,000 executives in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area. John is responsible for leading his team to growth in branding, readership and profit, while interacting with local business leaders on issues concerning the state and region. Previously, John held positions with The Daily Record and Patuxent Publishing Company. He is currently finishing his Bachelor’s degree in English at Salisbury University. John is active in many organizations and is co-founder of the Roundtable for Young Executives, and a member of The Center Club in Baltimore. He enjoys hiking, fishing and music and is interested in the conservation of our forests, streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
	HONORABLE BRENDA DONALD Brenda, a resident of Baltimore City, was appointed Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources by Governor O’Malley in 2007. She serves as CEO of Maryland’s third largest state agency, providing executive leadership and policy oversight for the department’s senior management team, advising the Governor and Lt. Governor on critical human services issues and advocating for the needs of Maryland’s most vulnerable. Previously, Brenda served as Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and Elders for the District of Columbia. She earned her B.A. in journalism from George Washington University, her M.P.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a certificate in local and state government from Harvard University JFK School of Government. In her leisure time Brenda enjoys reading and traveling. She is a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock.
	LEIF A. DORMSJO Leif, a resident of Baltimore City, is Chief of Staff for the Maryland Department of Transportation, where he directs the administrative activities of Secretary John Porcari’s (LMD Class of ’95) office, specifically implementing public relations strategies, operations management and government affairs. Previously, Leif was Deputy Director of the CitiStat program for the Baltimore Mayor’s office during the O’Malley Administration. He earned his B.A. in history from Wesleyan University and his Masters in Public Policy majoring in housing and transportation from Harvard University JFK School of Government. Leif serves as a field organizer for the Democratic Party, as a Young Leader with the American-Swiss Foundation, and has been nominated to the Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Commission. Additionally, Leif is an annual crew leader for Habitat for Humanity and served on the O’Malley/Brown Transportation Transition Committee following Governor O’Malley’s 2006 election. He enjoys golf, tennis, marathon running, reading and hiking.
	RICHARD L. ‘Rich’ ECKERT, Ph.D. Rich, a resident of Baltimore, is Professor and Chair of the Depart-ment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. He oversees a large science department, mentors junior faculty, directs an NIH-funded research laboratory, chairs school-wide committees, manages departmental finances, student training programs, recruits new research faculty and manages the Biomedical Research Facility. Rich earned his B.S in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, his Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Illinois-Urbana, and has completed Post-doctoral fellowships in biochemistry at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School. He is the recipient of numerous awards, honors and prizes for academic performance. A considerable amount of Rich’s time is focused on advocacy and communicating with corporate and community leaders on the critical need for private funding and philanthropic support for the School of Medicine. Rich enjoys art, music, running and environmental issues.
	FAITH ELLIOTT-ROSSING Faith, a resident of Henderson, is Director of Economic Development and Agriculture for Queen Anne’s County. Previously, she served as Planning Director and has held numerous other positions during her 14-year tenure with the county. Faith earned her B.S. in textile technology from Clemson University, and her Masters in public administration from Wilmington College. She has a strong agricultural background and throughout her career has taken advantage of opportunities to expand her perspective and network by serving on the Board of Wastewater and Water Operators, the Governor’s Intergovernmental Council on Agriculture and the Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc. Faith is Program Director/Sheep Leader for the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Program and has held numerous leadership roles with the Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau and Queen Anne’s County Fair Board. In her leisure time Faith enjoys showing dairy cows, various 4-H activities, attending fairs and church.
	DR. CATHERINE A. EVANS Catherine, a resident of Baltimore City, is President & CEO of The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, which has been a vibrant part of the religious and social justice community of Baltimore since 1817. As CEO, Catherine supervises the business operations and personnel of the church, presides at meetings of the board and congregation, executes all financial and legal instruments, coordinates the schedule and raises funds. Previously, Catherine held various positions with Johns Hopkins University -- from visiting assistant professor to senior academic advisor to director of the Office of International Student and Faculty Services. This Dean’s List student earned her B.A. in German and English literatures from Dickinson College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in German and comparative literatures from Cornell University. Catherine serves as President of the Belvedere Improvement Association, and holds leadership roles with Friends of the Enoch Pratt Library, Northeast Community Association, Northeast Development Alliance, and the Advisory Board of the Women’s Institute-College of Notre Dame. She enjoys travel, reading, theatre, music, museums and civic activities.
	ROGER N. FAIRBOURN Roger, a resident of Hagerstown, took the entrepreneurial leap in 1999 founding Roger Fairbourn Real Estate, Inc., a residential and commercial sales and leasing company. As Broker/President he manages all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, accounting and human resources. Roger earned his B.S. in business and communications from Shepherd College, where he was the 1981 West Virginia Debate Champion. He contributes significant time to his presidency of the Hagerstown Community College Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation is undertaking its largest scholarship campaign and first capital campaign, expecting to reach $5 million, to make education affordable and accessible for those in his community. To prepare for his leadership role, Roger attended a three-day major campaign workshop in Utah, at his own expense. He also holds leadership roles with the Pen-Mar Regional Association of REALTORS, Washington County Historical Society and Homebuilders of Washington County. This outdoorsman enjoys rock and mountain climbing, rafting and back-packing.
	GEORGE J. FOX George, a resident of Cambridge, is Principal/Owner of George J. Fox Consulting, which focuses on high pressure, long distance underground pipelines. Previously, George held positions with Buckeye Pipeline Company and Sun Pipeline Company. He earned his B.S. in civil engineering from Villanova University, and his M.B.A in management from Wayne State University. George is extremely active in his community and lends his talent and expertise to numerous organizations, including St. Mary’s Refuge of Sinners, where he is Parish Council President, Dorchester Arts Center, Dorchester General Community Hospital Association and Rotary Club of Cambridge. George lists his highest achievement as successfully raising four children and maintaining a happy marriage for 42+ years. In his free time, you’ll find George sailing, attending a wide range of musical performances, and enjoying his radio controlled model airplanes.
	KAREN T. GARNER Karen, a resident of Drayden in St. Mary’s County, founded Research and Engineering Development, Inc.(RED-INC) in 1998. RED-INC provides research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) of complex system interfaces. As project engineer, Karen practices RDT&E of military aircraft weapon systems; as program manager, she plans and directs project operations, develops technical and management procedures and controls, and acquires and assigns program resources. As president, she oversees all corporate operations. Previously, Karen was an engineering psychologist with the Naval Air Test Warfare Center. She earned her B.A. in human development from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, while working full-time. Karen is a Care Minister for St. George’s Catholic Church, as well as Cantor and Lector. She also holds leadership roles with the Society of Engineers and Scientists (vice president and treasurer) and serves on the Board of Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance. This interesting leader also enjoys her volunteer role as a nursing home patient advocate.
	DR. JONATHAN C. ‘Jon’ GIBRALTER Jon is rather new to Maryland, having moved to Frostburg last year from Long Island, New York, where he was President of Farmingdale State University. He is now President of Frostburg State University, reporting directly to the Chancellor and Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland. Jon earned his B.A. in psychology from Binghamton University, his M.A. in counseling psychology, and his Ph.D. in human development from Syracuse University. Jon is a steadfast and committed advocate of the needs and role of higher education in the western Maryland region. Additionally, he is committed to protecting the resources of both the region and the world through his role on the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Mitigation Working Group, and the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment. Jon was recently appointed to the boards of directors of the United Way of Allegany County and the Greater Cumberland Committee. In his leisure time, he enjoys running, music, reading and nature.
	DR. BRADLEY M. GOTTFRIED Brad, is a recent transplant to Maryland, having moved to Bryans Road in Charles County in 2006 from New Jersey, where he served as President of Sussex County Community College in Newton, NJ. Brad is now President of the College of Southern Maryland, which consists of four campuses in Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, and serves over 23,000 residents each year. He earned his B.A. in biology from West Chester University, his M.S. in biology from Western Illinois University, and his Ph.D. in zoology from Miami University (Ohio). Brad has always been extremely active in his community as witnessed by his volunteerism in NJ where he was Treasurer for the United Way of Sussex County and Chairman of the Board for the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce. He has already assumed leadership roles in Maryland with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Charles County Economic Development Commission and the Calvert County Arts Council. This Civil War history buff is the author of seven books on the Civil War.
	THOMAS E. HARR Thom, a resident of Rockville, is Executive Director of Family Services Agency, Inc., (FSAI) in Gaithersburg. FSAI is the oldest, private non-profit organization in Montgomery County and has served the community with a variety of health, social, behavioral health, education, child development and human services since 1908. An affiliate of Sheppard Pratt Health System, FSAI has a diverse staff of 200, representing over 15 countries and serving an equally diverse clientele. Thom earned his B.S. in education from Frostburg State University, his M.L.S. in library science from Catholic University and his M.B.A. in finance from American University. Additionally, he holds a certificate in non-profit management from Stanford University. Thom’s volunteer community activities include Community Action Team-Fetal & Infant Mortality, Terrapin Club and Bard Society, Shakespeare Theatre. He also has provided leadership to other organizations, including Centro Familia, Guide, Community Ministries and the Task Force on Mentoring. He enjoys wine collecting and reading. Thom is a 2000 graduate of Leadership Montgomery.
	ADEN A. KING Aden, a resident of Annapolis, is Vice President-Special Projects and Government Affairs for Phillips Foods and Seafood Restaurants, a global seafood company headquartered in Baltimore. Phillips’s core business is the production and sales of a variety of seafood products sold in retail and food service applications in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Aden oversees various strategic projects, as well as political and legislative affairs. Of import is his successful leadership of a national coalition to defeat an international trade case against imported crabmeat, which would have put Phillips out of business. He earned his B.S. in hotel/restaurant management from Pennsylvania State University. Aden is extremely active in several organizations, including National Fisheries Institute, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Planners, Inc., Fort McHenry Business Association and Maryland Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission. Additionally, after the 2005 Asian tsunami, several Phillips’s plants, employees and their families were affected by the devastation. Aden led the effort to raise over $200K for the relief effort, and Phillips commissioned and donated over 100 fishing boats to affected fishermen in India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Aden enjoys racing sailboats, fishing, skiing, biking, and cruising on the Bay with his wife and three children.
	MICHAEL T. LANGLEY Michael, a resident of Fruitland in Wicomico County, is Vice President and General Manager-Delmarva Region, for Pepsi Bottling Ventures. Michael is responsible for leading and managing beverage manufacturing, distribution and sales for the Delmarva Peninsula, as well as engaging with governmental and civic organizations to ensure that Pepsi is partnering effectively. Those who know Mike marvel at his ability to work effectively and relate to individuals at all levels with diverse backgrounds. He has a passion for understanding the needs of the business, along with the needs of people, and is committed to doing what is right for both. Michael earned his B.S. in organizational development from Mount Olive College, his M.B.A. from Campbell University, and is pursuing his Ph.D. in technical management from Indiana State University. Michael lends his time and expertise to the March of Dimes, the Greater Salisbury Committee and the Mayor’s Breakfast Roundtable. Now that his travel schedule is lighter, he is looking for additional opportunities to become more involved in the community. Michael proudly boasts that he married at 17 and is still married 27 years later. He enjoys spending time with his family and politics.
	RICHARD M. LOMBARDO Dick, a resident of West Friendship in Howard County, is President and CEO of Harkins Builders, Inc. Harkins is a general contracting company which builds large multi-unit residential and commercial construction projects throughout Maryland and surrounding states. Dick has been with the company for over 32 years and oversees all corporate operations. Before joining Harkins, Dick was self-employed and operated a small general contracting firm. He earned his B.A. in business and his M.B.A. in finance from Loyola College. Dick volunteers his time and expertise to numerous organizations, including Friends of Gallagher (Gallagher Services, an organization that offers 40 homes around the Timonium area for developmentally disabled citizens), Cattail Creek Country Club, Associated Builders and Contractors (both Washington Metro and Baltimore), Catholic Charities and Howard Hospital Foundation. He enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren, golf, motorcycling, skiing, and traveling to the beach and Florida. Dick is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Howard County.
	HONORABLE PEGGY A. MAGEE Peggy, a resident of Upper Marlboro, is Clerk of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, an elected position she has held since 2006. Prior to her election, Peggy was Director of the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, and Special Assistant to the Prince George’s County Executive. Additionally, she served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. Peggy is responsible for all judicial documents in Circuit Court, including land records, business and marriage licenses, child support and paternity records, passports, notary applications and jurors, as well as civil and juvenile records. This Dean’s list student earned her B.S. in paralegal studies from the University of Maryland-College Park, and her J.D. from Catholic University School of Law. Peggy holds a public manager certificate from George Washington University. Peggy serves in volunteer leadership roles for numerous organizations, including Rotary Club of Bladensburg, Kiwanis Club of Mitchellville, American Legion Post 275, Prince George’s Council of American Legion Posts and Tuskegee Airman East Coast Chapter. Peggy enjoys fishing and working on jigsaw puzzles. She is a 2000 graduate of Leadership Prince George’s.
	BECKY J. MANGUS Becky, a resident of Ellicott City, is Publisher and Owner of The Business Monthly, which provides business news to Howard and Anne Arundel counties, with a readership of over 75,000. Soon they will debut a new publication, Maryland Entrepreneur Quarterly. As owner and publisher, Peggy oversees the business, along with her partner, and is in charge of products - newspaper, e-news and the website. She earned her B.A. in technical journalism from Colorado State University and has over 400 hours in French, which was critical to her service in the Peace Corp. Becky serves in volunteer leadership roles with Corridor Transportation Corporation, Rotary Club of Columbia, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of Howard County and Howard County Office of Tourism. Also notable is the in-kind support Becky and her company provide to many non-profit organizations. She enjoys travel, reading, quilting and watching her sons play rugby. Becky is a 2004 graduate of Leadership Howard County.
	MIKAL R. McCARTNEY Mikal, a resident of Annapolis, is Executive Director of the Micro-enterprise Council of Maryland, a statewide non-profit acting as the financial intermediary and technical assistance provider to entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise in Maryland. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, strategic planning, program development and establishment of successful state and Federal funding streams for community organizations and agencies serving entrepreneurs. Previously, Mikal was with Garrett County Community Action and Garrett County Memorial Hospital. A notable career achievement for Mikal is bringing $2.5 million in Federal funding to Maryland in the last seven years. She earned her B.A. in English literature from West Virginia University, and her M.Ed. in education psychology from the University of Maryland. Mikal contributes her time and expertise to St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Maryland Rural Health Association, Maryland Rural Development Corporation, Mountain Arts Cooperative and Association for Enterprise Opportunity. She enjoys reading, creative writing and traveling.
	GEORGE C. McFARLAND George, an entrepreneur and resident of Silver Spring, founded McFarland and Associates, Inc. (MAI) in 1989. MAI is a Federal contractor with an emphasis on health and human service expertise in program planning, management and evaluation. As President and CEO, George primarily is responsible for overall supervision and management of staff, including finance, information technology bids, proposal management, contracts management and personnel. George earned his B.A. in political science, and his M.S.W. in social policy from Howard University. George is a 2006 recipient of Maryland’s Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award. This award salutes and highlights Maryland’s minority business owners who have provided exceptional products and services in the State. George provides volunteer leadership to So Others Might Eat, (an interfaith, community-based organization that helps the poor and homeless in our nation's capital), Hearts and Homes in Silver Spring and The McFarland Institute. He enjoys current events, computer applications, photography and community service.
	KRISTIN W. McNAMARA Kristin, a resident of Derwood, is Senior Advisor to the Director of the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The CSR, one of 27 Institutes and Centers at NIH, receives nearly 80,000 applications for NIH-funded grants each year, and recruits 18,000 external experts to review the applications for their scientific merit before NIH decides which applications to fund. Kristin is responsible for developing, communicating and implementing policy for the Office of the Director throughout the 450-employee Center; coordinating organizational response between management levels to promote consistency, productivity and efficiency. She received numerous academic awards while earning her B.A. in public policy studies from Duke University, and her M.A. in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania. This former College Park City Council Member serves as a patient volunteer and community speaker for Montgomery Hospice, and as a council member, lector and parish volunteer for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Derwood. Kristin enjoys swimming, swing-dancing, knitting, gardening and running.
	GREGORY B. MURRAY Greg, a resident of Smithsburg, is County Administrator for Washington County, a position he has held since 1997. He is a lifelong resident of Washington County and has worked for county government for nearly 25 years. Greg is responsible for day-to-day operations of the county, carrying out policies, orders and instructions in the administration of laws, as well as providing supervision for nearly 900 employees. Greg earned his Bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) in business administration from American Inter-Continental University, and is working toward his Master’s in public administration at the University of Baltimore. He lends his time and expertise to the PTA, Potomac Fish and Game Club, Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee (Gubernatorial appointment), and the Maryland Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies. Greg enjoys spending time with his family, camping, boating, racing events (NASCAR) and martial arts. Greg is a 1999 graduate of Leadership Washington County.
	JANESE F. MURRAY Janese, a resident of Owings Mills, is Director-Corporate Diversity for Constellation Energy Group. Constellation is the nation’s largest competitive provider of power to wholesale, commercial, industrial and governmental customers; one of the top five gas marketers; and, a leading supplier of coal to customers around the world. Janese is responsible for developing and implementing enterprise-wide diversity strategies and initiatives. She earned her B.A. in speech communication (cum laude) from Morgan State University where she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Janese contributes her time and expertise to several organizations, including serving on the boards of the YMCA of Central Maryland, Greater Baltimore Committee-The Leadership, from which she graduated in 2005, and she is a member of the Christian Education Ministry at the First Baptist Church of Guilford. In her leisure time, Janese enjoys exercising, swimming and home decoration.
	DR. KATHLEEN O. O’BRIEN Kathy, a resident of Leonardtown, is Executive Director of Walden Sierra, Inc. (WS), a private, non-profit counseling organization that has been serving southern Maryland residents since 1973. WS provides a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline, as well as counseling for substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse. As part of its commitment to providing community-based services, WS has developed a strong network of partnerships with local schools, community agencies and the judicial system. Kathy has been with the organization for 32 years. She earned her B.A. in psychology and her M.Ed. in community counseling-consultation from the University of Maryland, and her Ph.D. in psychology from LaSalle University. Kathy is extremely involved in her community as evidenced by her volunteer service to Health Share, Chesapeake Bay Field Laboratory, St. Mary’s Family Violence Coordinating Council, St. Mary’s Ryken High School Parent Steering Committee, St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce and St. Mary’s Democratic Central Committee. She enjoys gardening, traveling and antiquing.
	KEVIN W. PARSON Kevin, a resident of Baltimore, is Principal of Bluford Drew Jemison Academy (BDJ), an all male, non-profit STEM charter school which he founded. This middle school with 125 students is the first all male charter school in Maryland, offering one of the best educational curriculums in the city, with a unique focus on science, technology and math (STEM). The recipient of numerous academic awards, Kevin earned his B.A. in political science from Morgan State University, his M.A. in administration from Shippenburg University, and his M.Ed. in supervision from Loyola College. He lends his time and expertise to Friends of Enoch Pratt, Phi Beta Sigma, Madison Square Buccaneers, Black Professional Men and is a member of the Maryland State Central Committee. Kevin enjoys reading, traveling and golf.
	KAREN PECORA-BARBOUR Karen, a resident of Westminster, took the entrepreneurial leap in 2002, founding The Barbour Group, LLC, which provides commercial insurance and surety bonds, as well as risk management consultation services, with clients in over 25 states. This Dean’s list student earned her B.A. in political science and history from Loyola College of Maryland, and her M.B.A. from the University of Baltimore. Karen’s volunteer community activities are extensive and include the Minority Building Industry Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Maryland Washington Minority Contractors Association, Engineer’s Club of Baltimore and the American Subcontractors Associa-tion. She enjoys gardening, golf, playing the piano and biking.
	CYNTHIA L. PERINI Cynthia, a resident of Hagerstown, is Senior Vice President-Regional Executive with Sovereign Bank, with oversight in five counties. She is responsible for running 16 retail community banking offices in the region, and identification and development of future branching opportunities. Cynthia earned her B.B.A. in finance from James Madison University, and her M.B.A. in human resources and marketing from Hood College. She provides leadership to several organizations, including the United Way, Women’s Giving Circle, Hospice, Community Foundation - all of Washington County, as well as the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation and Breast Cancer Awareness of the Cumberland Valley. Of special note, Cynthia’s husband Peter E. Perini, Sr. ’03 and her mother-in-law R. Kathleen Perini ’96, are graduates of Leadership Maryland. She enjoys running, walking, watching her children play sports, reading and gardening. Cynthia is a 1998 graduate of Leadership Washington County.
	DR. CAROL A. QUIRK Carol, a resident of Baltimore City, is Co-Executive Director of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in their neighborhood public schools. Carol oversees business and financial management and directs the Professional Development Services department (training and technical assistance) to Maryland public schools. She collaborates with MSDE officials and local leaders in developing policy and administrative guidelines for improving school-based special education services. Carol earned her B.A. and M.A. in psychology and educational psychology from the University of Connecticut, and her Ed.D. in education from Johns Hopkins University. She contributes her time and expertise to TASH, an international association for persons with severe disabilities; Shrine of the Sacred Heart; Baltimore County Special Education Community Advisory Committee; and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. She enjoys gardening, reading, travel and running.
	KAREN A. SCHONFELD Karen is Mid-Atlantic Business Banking Market Manger for M&T Bank. An Ellicott City resident, Karen manages the business banking division which focuses on $10M and under revenue companies. She supervises an employee group of over 90 people in multiple locations throughout Maryland. Karen, an Honors student, earned her B.S. in finance from the University of Delaware, and her M.B.A. in finance and Master’s degree in accounting from Loyola College of Maryland. Karen’s community volunteerism includes the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, First Lutheran Church, Mount View Middle School Band Boosters and Howard County Tourism. She enjoys spectator sports, traveling and cooking. Karen is a 1999 graduate of Leadership Howard County.
	BRENDA M. SHELL-ELEAZER Brenda, a resident of Owings Mills, is the Warden for the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) in Jessup. MCIW houses all security levels of women sentenced to one year and a day to the Division of Correction. Brenda is responsible for overall operations of the facility to include oversight of medical contractors, dietary department, security staff, maintenance, social work, education, addictions and psychology staff, as well as to ensure that public safety and the safety of staff and inmates is maintained. Brenda earned her A.A. in correctional administration from the Community College of Baltimore and her B.S. and M.S. in criminal justice from Coppin State University. A former foster parent, Brenda holds leadership positions in several organizations, including the American Correctional Association, Empowerment Temple Security Ministry, Alternative Directions and Meet Me at the Gate (a re-entry program for women to help families). In her leisure time Brenda enjoys physical exercise.
	GWENDOLYN D. ‘Gwen’ SKILLERN Gwen, a resident of Owings Mills, is Senior Vice President and General Auditor for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Inc. She is responsible for directing internal audit services, quality control activities and special investigations for all essential operations. Gwen, the recipient of numerous academic awards, earned her B.S. in accounting from the University of California-Los Angeles/Berkley, her M.B.A. from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and is a Certified Public Accountant. The organizations which benefit from Gwen’s talent and expertise include Marian House, Inc., the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc., Coalition of 100 Black Women and Baltimore HIV Pediatrics. In her leisure time you’ll find Gwen on the links, as well as enjoying aerobics, reading, theatre, music and travel. She is a 2002 graduate of the Greater Baltimore Committee-The Leadership.
	HONORABLE RAYMOND A. SKINNER Ray, a resident of Bowie, was appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). His department administers a variety of federally and state funded programs to expand homeownership, increase the supply of affordable rental housing, and revitalization of communities. Ray previously served in the same position during the Glendening Administration. He earned his B.S. in engineering from Penn State University, his Master’s in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate in real estate development from Harvard University. Ray currently lends his time and expertise to Progressive Life Center, Penn State Outreach Advisory Board, and Collington Station Recreation Association. He can be found on the back nine in his leisure time, enjoying a good book or listening to jazz.
	ALVIN W. ‘Al’ SMITH Al, a resident of Bowie, is Senior Vice President for Bank of America. He manages a core business line that focuses on delivering banking and investment services to an affluent segment of the population. He also manages a team of 45 client managers, overseeing 18 of Maryland’s 26 counties. Formerly, Al served in the United States Air Force for 21 years where he served as an air traffic controller. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Regents College and his Master’s from the University of Maryland University College. Al volunteers, chairs or serves on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Anne Arundel County Workforce Investment Board, Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce (chairing it’s Small and Minority Business Committee), Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity and Team Bank of America. In his leisure time you’ll find Al enjoying youth sports, golf and travel.
	CHRISTOPHER P. SMITH Christopher, a resident of Lutherville, is General Counsel for Manekin, LLC, a full service real estate development company with brokerage, construction, development and property management functions. Christopher is responsible for all legal and risk management functions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings and most closings, as well as contractual matters for the asset management brokerage, construction and development groups. He earned his B.S. in English/physics from Washington & Lee University, a Certificate in real estate from NYU’s Real Estate Institute, and his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, where he achieved inclusion on the Dean’s List and Honor Court. Christopher lends his time and expertise to CASA of Baltimore County, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Maryland, and Our Daily Bread. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, golf, tennis and skiing.
	GRAYLIN E. ‘Gray’ SMITH Gray, a resident of Reisterstown, is Managing Member of SB and Company, LLC, a certified public accounting firm that provides audit, tax and business advisory services to several industries in the Mid-Atlantic region. An Honor Society student and the recipient of many academic awards, Gray earned his B.S. in accounting from Hampton University. He has contributed many volunteer hours providing leadership to Carson Scholars Fund, Associated Black Charities, Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce. Gray enjoys golf and travel. He is a 1999 graduate of the Greater Baltimore Committee-The Leadership.
	ROSS A. STERN Ross, a resident of Baltimore, is Assistant to the President for Legislative Relations at the University of Maryland College Park. As a member of the President’s cabinet, he is responsible for state government relations, and offering strategic and tactical advice on all issues pertaining to government relations at the municipal, county and state levels. Ross earned his B.A. in economics, and his Master’s in public management from the University of Maryland College Park. He was awarded the Blair Lee Fellowship for academic achievement in public policy. Ross is a busy parent and is involved in numerous organizations including the Parent-Teacher Organization for Federal Hill Elementary School, South Baltimore Youth Soccer League, Federal Hill Prep Track Team and Kol HaLev Congegation. He enjoys exercising, bike riding, skiing, reading and hanging out with his children.
	JOHN M. ‘Mike’ STOUFFER Mike, a resident of Smithsburg in Washington County, is the Commissioner of the Maryland Division of Correction, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Maryland Division of Correction incarcerates over 23,000 adult male and female offenders, and provides security, medical, mental and general healthcare, educational, vocational and re-entry services. Mike is the CEO of the Division of Correction, which has a $753 M budget and employs 7,594 people. He earned his A.A. in criminal justice from Hagerstown Community College, his B.S. in administration of justice from the University of Baltimore, and holds two Certificates – one in executive excellence from the National Institute of Corrections, and one in warden’s peer training from Sam Houston University. Mike is a Sunday school teacher, a youth group leader, and a youth committee chair for Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as a volunteer worksite coordinator for Group Workcamps, and a member of a home repair team for Katrina Hurricane Relief. He is involved in a small farm operation and enjoys jogging and reading.
	CLARENCE JOHN SULLIVAN John, a resident of Jarrettsville, is Deputy Chief of Staff for Harford County Executive David R. Craig ’03 (who also is a member of LMD). He serves as the County Executive’s chief liaison to the agriculture industry and provides leadership to the Division of Agriculture, which includes functions such as agriculture marketing, education and advocacy. John earned his B.S. in recreation from York College of Pennsylvania where he was a member of the Student Senate and President of the Ski and Outdoor Club. He is a founder of Harford Friends School, President of the Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation, and serves on the boards of the Maryland Ag Council, Maryland Ag Fair Board, and serves as an advisor to the Harford County Ag Marketing Cooperative. John enjoys farming and skiing. He is a graduate of LEAD Maryland, a two-year agricultural program.
	GERARD M. ‘Jerry’ WALSH Jerry, a resident of Cambridge, is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Shore Health System of Maryland/UMMS, a health and hospital system affiliated with the University of Maryland Medical System. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of all Shore Health System facilities, contract negotiations, physician recruitment, new business implementation and major clinical services. Jerry earned his B.S. in healthcare administration from St. John’s University, and his M.S. in health systems management from Iona College. He was involved with the YMCA of Dorchester County for many years and is currently providing leadership to the Rotary Club, Bishops Advisory Board-Diocese of Wilmington, and the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce. Jerry enjoys golf, cooking and racquetball.
	DR. RON L. WATSON Ron, a resident of Upper Marlboro, is Vice Chairman of the Prince George’s County Board of Education, an elected position. Prince George’s is the 18^th largest school district in the country, serving over 135,000 students and over 17,000 employees. Ron is the recipient of several academic awards and earned his B.S. in electrical engineering from Morgan State University, his M.S. in advance technology and his Ph.D. in systems science from Binghamton University, and his M.B.A. from George Washington University. He also served as a National Science Foundation Fellow. Ron was a commissioned officer who served 15 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Major, after serving a 9 month tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ron’s volunteerism is focused on the Prince George’s County African American Democratic Club, Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and with Pals Achieving Weekly Success (as an at-risk youth mentor). He enjoys golf, jogging, bowling, skiing and real estate investing.
	JOHN C. ‘JC’ WEISS, III JC, a resident of Baltimore, is Assistant Professor at the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. In addition to teaching entrepreneur-ship, venture capital and finance, JC has organized and teaches a new program in “social enterprise” for non-profit organizations. He earned his B.S. in business administration from Towson University, and his M.B.A. in finance and marketing from Loyola College. JC is extremely active in numerous organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Biotechnical Institute of Maryland, President of the Engineering Society of Baltimore, Chairman Emeritus of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council, and on the boards of the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board and St. Agnes Healthcare Foundation. He enjoys spending time with his family, sailing, travel, golf and reading. JC is a 1993 graduate of the Greater Baltimore Committee-The Leadership.
	SAMUEL R. WELLS, III Sam, a resident of Towson, is Vice President of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Founded in 1909, Whiting-Turner is one of the largest and most respected construction firms in the U.S., and has grown into a multi-billion dollar company with 27 satellite offices around the country. Sam is manager of an independent operating group which specializes in healthcare in the mid-Atlantic region. He is responsible for all business development, estimating, pre-construction services and construction of all projects. Sam earned his B.A. in history from Dickinson College. He contributes his time and expertise to the St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Board, and serves as an Advisor for the McKim Community Center, an after-school care center that has been serving the needs of children in East Baltimore for more than 50 years. Sam enjoys many different sports, travel and history.
	DAVID I. WIEGAND Dave, a resident of Frederick, is President of Specialized Engineering (SE), a consulting services company he founded in 1992, with over 100 employees. SE provides engineering consulting services in the areas of construction quality control, geotechnical analysis and design, geophysical and environmental services, laboratory testing and analysis, non-destructive examination and forensic engineering. A college athlete (golf, baseball, hockey and softball), Dave earned his B.A. in geology from the State University of New York-Potsdam. He holds or has held numerous volunteer leadership positions, including the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce (Chairman), YMCA Campaign for Kids (Co-Chair), which also named him Volunteer of the Year two times, and the Rotary Club of Frederick, which named him Entrepreneur of the Year. Dave enjoys golf, football and music. He is a 2000 graduate of Leadership Frederick County.
	GLENN P. ‘Rick’ WOOD Rick, a resident of Mechanicsville, is Principal and Vice President of St. Mary’s Ryken High School (SMR) in Leonardtown. SMR is a non-profit Catholic college-prep school sponsored by the Xaverian brothers, situated on 86 acres overlooking Breton Bay. It is the only Catholic high school in the southern Maryland area and 98% of its 715 students will go on to college. An Honors Society student, Rick earned his B.S. in biology from the University of Maryland College Park, and his M.S. in human resource development with certification in administration and supervision from Towson University. He serves as Lector for St. Aloysius Church, as soccer coach for St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks, and on the Board of Trustees for Xaverian Brothers High School. Rick enjoys spending time with his family, nature, fishing and boating, as well as attending events in which SMR students are involved.