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June 1, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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Nina Crist, Esq. Recognized with Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award

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Mid-Shore Pro Bono volunteer family law attorney Nina Crist, Esq. of Royal Oak, Md. has been recognized for exemplary pro bono service as the recipient of the 2023 Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award. Crist is the proprietor of the Law Office of Nina M. Crist, LLC in Easton, Md.

Nina Crist, Esq.

This award symbolizes recognition and appreciation of the recipient’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession and for helping to ensure equal access to justice through pro bono services.

“Nina is one of our most dedicated volunteers and we are thrilled for this meaningful recognition of her pro bono work,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury-Girard, Esq. “Her compassionate approach with our clients has a profound impact on the lives of the people we serve and helps to ensure equal access to justice on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

Crist provides family law consultations and serves as a Judicare attorney with Mid-Shore Pro Bono. She has served with MSPB for more than eight years, representing individuals in more than 3,500 pro bono civil cases, and donating nearly 8,700 hours of her time.

“Nina’s dedication translates to nearly $2.2 Million in pro bono services provided to ensure people with financial barriers have the legal resources they need,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Legal Director Laura Chafey, Esq. “This state-wide recognition is well deserved for Nina, and serves as an important reminder of the impact our 200 volunteer attorneys make through their work with Mid-Shore Pro Bono.”

The award was presented to Crist at the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland’s 24th Annual Partners for Justice Conference held at the Baltimore Convention Center on May 25. The annual conference is a gathering of legal services program staff, the public and private bar, members of the judiciary, elected officials, and others working together to improve access to justice. Crist will also be recognized at the Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit in Ocean City taking place June 7-9.

“Nina’s contribution has truly been exemplary, and we are thrilled to recognize her service publicly and in this meaningful way,” said Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland Executive Director Sharon Goldsmith, Esq. “We are grateful for Nina’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession and for helping to ensure equal access to justice.”

Photo: Nina Crist, Esq. left, accepting the 2023 Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award from Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland President Sima G. Fried, Esq.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance for civil matters through a network of volunteers and offices in Easton and Salisbury. More information, including online intake forms for services, can be found at www.midshoreprobono.org.

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Shore Leadership Celebrates Class of 2023 and Awards Ceremony

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On Wednesday, April 19, alumni and guests of Shore Leadership gathered at the historic Tidewater Inn in Easton to welcome the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 and also held an Awards Ceremony to acknowledge some of the people and corporations who have made significant contributions to the success of the Shore Leadership program over the past several years.

The following Eastern Shore Leadership awards were given at the ceremony following dinner:

Founders Award: Dr. Murray “Ray” Hoy (individual), Talbot County Chamber of Commerce (business)

Chairperson’s Award: Amber O’Brien, Relationship Manager, Shore United Bank

Outstanding Sponsor: Accounting Strategies Group, LLC

Leader of the Year: Dr. Bryan Newton, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Services, Wor-Wic Community College

Future Leadership: Savannah Winston, Owners, VanTech Business Solutions

Members of the current Board of Directors for the Shore Leadership program who were present for the Awards Dinner.

The new class of Shore Leadership began their exciting nine-month journey with a 2-day Orientation Session on April 19 and 20. This session was led by Dr. Joe Thomas, Director of the J.B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy, as well as Ms. Carol Graser, President of the Annapolis Leadership Group.  During those two days, the class learned about Adaptive Leadership and the Theory and Practice of Leadership.  The class also completed a team-building exercise around the village of Easton.

Members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 include:

Tia Bell, Channel Marker, Inc; Kate Bleile, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore; Kevin Callahan, Saints Peter & Paul School; Shelby Eason, TreeHouse Foods; Joey Faulkner, Town of Easton; Michelle Hall, Chesapeake College; John Hines, Easton Utilities; Jen Hughes, Londonderry on the Tred Avon; Jess Iacona, Beacon at Salisbury University; Jess Kilby, Chesapeake College; Carolyn Lane, QLarant, Inc.; Hali Leeson, Provident State Bank; Grace Lyons, Candlelight Cove; Sarah Lyons, Shore United Bank; Brian Merriken, Sisk Fulfillment Services; Grayson Middleton, Delmarva Chicken Association; Jessica Mumbulo, Willow Construction; Jenni Murphy, Hope, Inc.; Amber Rash, Horizon Farm Credit; Don Richardson, Town of Easton; Stefanie Rider, Wor-Wic Community College; Dr. Jen Schrecongost, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools; Greg Snyder, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region; Jen Wawrzenjak, Toroid Corporation; Jason Wielgosz, Caroline County Public Schools.

Over the course of the nine-month program, the class will visit a different county on the Eastern Shore each month.  In the morning, a Leadership topic will be discussed, and in the afternoon, the members of the class will get to meet and interact with business leaders from different industries in each of the counties. Leadership topics that will be covered over the nine-month period include: the Neuroscience of Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Leading Change, Leading Teams, Personal Mission Planning, and Coaching for Excellence.

Dr. Deirdra Johnson welcomed the class of 2023 in her opening address by stating “These next nine months will give you an opportunity to engage with various up-and-coming leaders as well as explore the various business industries on the Eastern Shore.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Shore Leadership Program, please contact Ms. Chris Caulk at shoreleadership@gmaill.com.

Shore Leadership is a component fund of Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a public foundation designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. A copy of Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s financial statement is available at www.mscf.org or by calling 410-820-8175.

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Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism Recognizes 40th Anniversary of National Travel & Tourism Week

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The Talbot County Council recognized the week of May 7-13, 2023, as Travel and Tourism Week in Talbot County at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 9.

The week is also National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual event designated by the U.S. Travel Association to celebrate the contributions of the U.S. travel industry. NTTW spotlights the essential role that travel plays in driving economic growth and innovation, powering the U.S. Economy.

This year’s theme, #TravelForward, highlights the idea that travel and tourism continues to be the leader in moving the economy forward after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 662,000 people visited Talbot County in 2021 to enjoy outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and festivals such as the annual Plein Air Easton held each July.

“We join our colleagues around the country in celebrating the travel industry,” says Talbot County Director of Economic Development and Tourism Cassandra M. Vanhooser. “Hospitality is one of the top economic drivers in Talbot County and throughout the Eastern Shore. Visitor spending directly supports nearly 2,000 jobs in Talbot County alone.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity, and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Visitor spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022 — revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism recognizes the power that travel has on the local economy. Tourism is one of Talbot County’s leading industry sectors, with post-pandemic numbers being at their highest point in history, with more than 662,000 visiting the county.

Talbot Tourism leaders receive proclamation from the Talbot County Council during their May 9, 2023 meeting. From left: Krista Boothby, Talbot County Tourism Manager, Council Member Keasha Haythe, Judy Bixler, Tourism Board Chair, and Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of the Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism.

According to a study by Tourism Economics, visitors spent $303 million and directly supported 1,986 jobs in Talbot County in 2021. The industry generated $64.3 million in federal, state, and local taxes.

“Travel is at the heart of Talbot County, powering our strong economy, creating jobs, and strengthening our community’s culture and identity,” Vanhooser says. “We are proud to celebrate all that travel does for our community now, and all that it will contribute in the future.”

To learn more about all that’s happening in Talbot County, visit TourTalbot.org. Follow Talbot County Tourism on Facebook @escapetotalbotcounty and Instagram @talbotcountymd for social media posts spotlighting Talbot County tourism attractions. 

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Easton Utilities Recognized as Reliable Public Power Provider

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Easton Utilities has earned the highest Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Easton Utilities joins 271 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation. The Diamond Level designation is awarded to those who met 98 – 100% of the criteria and is valid for three years.

“Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor signifying a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry best practices,” says Troy Adams, Chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and General Manager at Manitowoc Public Utilities, Wisconsin. “And ultimately, the culture developed from this pursuit of excellence and continued improvement through the RP3 program results in measurable value delivered to the local community.”

Eddie Westerfield, Supervisor of Electric Design and Inspection for Easton Utilities (center) accepts award at APPA Conference.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be honored with this designation which is the culmination of hard work from so many dedicated employees who really care about powering our community,” said John E. Hines, Electric Department Manager for Easton Utilities. “But this designation is not a final destination – we are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve our operations and service to our customers.”

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit www.eastonutilities.com for more information.

The American Public Power Association has offered the RP3 designation for 18 years now. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Learn more at www.publicpower.org/.

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Easton EDC Receives Main Street Accreditation

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The Easton Economic Development Corporation (Easton EDC) has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

“We are very proud to be one of the 862 programs receiving accreditation this year,” remarked Holly DeKarske, Executive Director, Easton EDC. “Every visitor to our town has an economic impact that ripples far beyond their stay, and supporting our local community has significant positive implications for residents, business owners, and visitors.”

Easton EDC’s performance is annually evaluated by  Main Street Maryland, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.

The Easton EDC impacts the wider community by creating events in the downtown area that bring visitors in to enjoy its retail establishments, restaurants, and other local attractions. Its signature events, including Chesapeake Fire and Ice, May Day Flower Celebration, and the Fall Festival, bring in thousands of visitors. During the year, Easton EDC, under the brand name Discover Easton, hosts over a dozen events and supports many more with logistics planning, marketing campaigns, and financial support. For more information on events supported by the Easton EDC, please visit: www.discovereaston.com

About Easton EDC: The Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet. www.DiscoverEaston.com

About Main Street America: Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

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Talbot County Announces 2023 Community Impact Award Winners

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Talbot County business leaders gathered on Wednesday, May 3 in the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Ballroom for the 16th Talbot County Business Appreciation Breakfast and presentation of the 2023 Community Impact Awards.

Author and generational expert Mark C. Perna spoke to guests prior to the award announcements, discussing “Unleashing Purpose, Passion, and Performance in Younger Generations.” He delivered his full two-hour keynote address later in the afternoon at the Avalon Theatre to a sell-out crowd.

Author and generational expert Mark C. Perna

“I think young people in America today are the most extraordinary generation to come down the pike, bar none,” Perna said. “They are the most intelligent, resourceful, and pit bull-like generation that we have ever seen in this country. When they see a ‘want to’ in their lives, they will move heaven and earth to get to that ‘want to.’ Our challenge as parents, educators, employers is getting them to want something.”

Following Perna’s address, the 2023 Community Impact Awards were announced. Winners included Channel Marker, Inc. Residential Crisis Services, Chesapeake Landing Seafood Restaurant, Choptank Community Health System, Ferry Cove Oyster Hatchery, and McDaniel resident and volunteer Bill Shrieves.

“Our goal is to connect with the business community with resources that will help them succeed and grow, and to tell the stories of business leaders who are doing extraordinary things,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “This event is our way of saying, ‘Thank you for doing business in Talbot County.”

A video presentation highlighted each award winner’s recent accomplishments, followed by the presentation of an engraved pewter tray, handcrafted in Easton by Salisbury Pewter, and brief comments from recipients.

Channel Marker, Inc. Residential Crisis Services

From left: Channel Marker Clinical Director and Therapist Marty Cassell, LCSW-C, Executive Director Cathy Cassell, LCSW-C, and Crisis Services Director Heather Howes, LMSW. Photo courtesy of Talbot County Economic Development.

For more than 40 years, Channel Marker, Inc. has provided mental health treatment, prevention programs, and wellness services to the Mid-Shore region. Trained professional staff provide services to clients with a psychiatric diagnosis to help them stay out of a higher level of care and improve their quality of life.

The organization was honored for the development of The Bridge, a new eight-bed residential crisis unit. This facility serves as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization and is the most recent service added to the menu of psychiatric rehabilitation programs at Channel Marker.

“The idea is crisis stabilization,” CEO Cathy Cassell explains. “We want to partner with the hospitals and other resources in the community to prevent people from continually going to the emergency department.”

Chesapeake Landing Restaurant

From left: Erin Spurry, Nida Spurry, Joe Spurry, Jr., and Joe Spurry, Sr. Photo courtesy of Talbot County Economic Development.

Chesapeake Landing Restaurant in McDaniel was recognized for nearly 40 years of service and commitment to the community under the continuous leadership of the Spurry family.

Joe Spurry Sr. started working on the water when he was just 16 years old and opened Bay Hundred Seafood in 1984, followed by Chesapeake Landing Seafood Restaurant in 1991. Spurry’s son Joe Jr. and daughter Erin, as well as his wife Nida still work in the family business today. The family sells seafood throughout the East Coast through Bay Hundred Seafood, and their restaurant is considered “the local’s favorite” in Talbot County.

The Spurrys give back to the community by volunteering and contributing to fire department dinners, food drives, Little League baseball teams, and more. During the pandemic, local food banks used the company’s refrigerated trucks to store and deliver food.

Choptank Community Health System

Choptank Community Health System CEO Sara Rich. Photo courtesy of Talbot County Economic Development.

A Federally Qualified Health Center, Choptank Health ensures that quality healthcare is available to everyone. FQHCs provide an important safety net in rural communities like those on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Headquartered in Denton, Choptank Community Health provides medical, dental, and school-based health care for children and adult patients in Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. It began serving the Mid-Shore in 1980, and in 2003, expanded into Talbot County when it opened the Bay Hundred Health Center in St. Michaels.

“We serve about 25% of Talbot County residents, and across our five mid-shore counties about 30,000 patients. We have about 260 employees. In Talbot County we have locations in St. Michaels, Tilghman Island, and Easton,” Rich explains. “We’ve recently expanded our services in Easton to include not only pediatrics, but primary care, behavioral health, and women’s health services, and that includes prenatal and on-site lab services.”

Ferry Cove Shellfish

Ferry Cove Shellfish CEO Stephan Abel. Photo courtesy of Talbot County Economic Development.

Located at the edge of the Chesapeake Bay in the village of Sherwood, Ferry Cove Shellfish occupies a state-of-the-art facility that is poised to become one of the largest oyster hatcheries on the East Coast. The goal: plant one billion oysters in the Chesapeake Bay every year.

Ferry Cove uses cutting-edge technology and the latest scientific discoveries to maximize efficiencies and lengthen the growing season. This increases the number of oyster larvae and seed they can produce and sell over the growing season.

An entrepreneurial approach to producing oyster larvae is unique, says Executive Director Stephan Abel, but he is confident the concept will work. The nonprofit has just begun its second season of successful production.

William H. Shrieves

Community volunteer Bill Shrieves, center, stands with other Bay Hundred Community Volunteer members. Photo courtesy of Talbot County Economic Development.

A Community Impact Award is presented each year to an individual who has made significant contributions to Talbot County. This year’s winner is community volunteer and leader Bill Shrieves of McDaniel.

Shrieves and his wife Jean moved to Talbot County in 1999 and later opened Comfort Keepers, a for-profit senior homecare business in 2005. Shrieves currently serves as the president of Upper Shore Aging, Inc., a non-profit agency serving Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties. He helped found the Mid-Shore Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and is a pancreatic cancer survivor.

In addition, Shrieves is active in Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, a group that focuses on providing home repairs for the underserved and building ramps for seniors. An active Rotarian, Shrieves practices the Rotary motto: Service Above Self. “I try to live that motto,” he said. “I get great pleasure out of helping other folks.”

The Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit is hosted annually by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission.

This year’s summit sponsors include Platinum Sponsor APG Chesapeake, Gold Sponsor BSC Group, and Silver Sponsors Easton Utilities, Frost Law, Provident State Bank, Shore United Bank, and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.

Videos and more about this year’s Community Impact Award winners can be found at www.talbotworks.org.

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Mediation Room: Throwing the Switch by Steve Forrer

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After watching what happened in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, I was reminded that living on the Eastern Shore can put us on target for a hurricane. So we decided to install a generator at our home in Easton. It was not hard to arrange. When the crew came to install the equipment, one of the steps in the process was to simulate an outage. As they shut down the power to the house, the transfer switch offered a loud “snap” and automatically turned on the generator, restoring electricity. The house moved on with its business of washing, heating, and powering my laptop.

In a successful mediation, there is what I call a “magic moment” when the thinking of at least one of the parties changes. They stop thinking about the past and start focusing on the future. They stop being angry and consider the other side’s point of view.  Like when the transfer switch is thrown by the lack of power reenergizing the house, throwing the switch in your thinking can energize the parties to move forward to find an acceptable settlement.  What I have also noticed is that once one party starts looking at the conflict differently, the other party will often follow. They will also start thinking differently about the conflict. This is what mediators try to encourage, a conversation about resolving conflict, not about getting even or punishing the other party.

Here is an example. Not long ago, I was asked to mediate a landlord-tenant dispute. The lease had expired, and the landlord wanted the use the property for another purpose, not as a rental. However, the tenant would not leave the property and continued to pay rent. Even though they both had a good relationship over the years, the landlord was focused on having the tenant leave the property. The tenant wanted to stay. There are legal remedies for this situation, but they decided to try mediation.

In mediation, both parties presented their positions to each other. Remember, a mediator is not a judge and is neutral in the dispute. After some discussion, it became clear that the tenant was “holding over” for one simple reason. They had no place to go.  Almost instantly, the landlord thought differently about the challenge. The solution was not to force the tenant to leave but to ensure they had a safe and reasonable place to relocate. Once that “switch” was thrown, the landlord’s thinking changed from confrontation to working together to find another place for the tenant to live. It turned out the landlord knew of another property that would soon become available. The conflict was resolved. 

How you think about things in mediation is key to a successful settlement. Moving from confrontation to problem-solving is a critical step. Once you “throw that switch” in your thinking, the likelihood of a positive outcome increases dramatically. 

Steve Forrer, the former dean, and vice-chancellor of the University of Maryland Global Campus, is currently a mediator for the Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Questions can be submitted at www.doncastermediation.com/contact for Steve to answer in this column. He also accepts private mediation.

 

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s Sales and Marketing Director, Rachel Smith, Reappointed to the Talbot County Commission on Aging

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Rachel Smith

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that its Sales and Marketing Director, Rachel Smith, has been reappointed to a three-year term on the Talbot County Commission on Aging.

“I am very grateful for this reappointment,” said Smith. “I hope I can continue to contribute my expertise to this wonderful community, of which Londonderry is such a huge part.”

The Talbot County Commission on Aging advises the County Council on issues affecting local seniors. This involves advocating for any changes that promote the interests, well-being, and quality of life of senior citizens in Talbot County.

“The Talbot County Commission on Aging is always seeking members who want to improve the way of living for seniors in Talbot County,” said Smith. “If you wish to benefit the community and are willing to share your time and skills, please consider joining.”

Contact talbotcommissiononaging@gmail.com or call 410-822-2869 for more information.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

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Qlarant Welcomes Jeff Weiss as New CFO

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Jeffrey D. Weiss, PMP has joined Qlarant as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. He is a finance, accounting, and business management executive with over 17 years of progressive experience in Federal Government contracting. With finance at the core of his education and professional experience, he has thrived in high-growth environments. He is credited with being a multidisciplinary business leader with extensive experience in business development and project management.

“I am really excited to join such a unique organization — Qlarant has market-leading capabilities in quality improvement and fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Weiss. “It is also a technology solutions company, which brings a scientific factor to our work.  I also love the philanthropic aspect of the company that reflects an enduring purpose. As a “born and raised” Marylander, knowing we are doing great things in our local communities is extremely motivating to me.”

Mr. Jeff Weiss, CFO Qlarant, Inc.

Prior to joining Qlarant, Mr. Weiss was Group Vice President of Finance and Business Operations at ASRC Federal Holding Company in Beltsville, Maryland. During his 9 years at ASRC Federal, the company more than doubled in annual revenue. This growth was achieved through organic successes, including on-contract growth in the backlog portfolio, winning new business, as well as mergers and acquisitions transactions where he provided due diligence and integration support.

“Out of the gate, my objectives are fairly straight-forward and tactical as I’m joining Qlarant at a busy time. I want to build an understanding of the company’s industry and customer base. Also, I want to build a deeper understanding of CEO, Dr. Ron Forsythe’s vision of what Qlarant can become and ensure our alignment in how we get there.”

“We are excited to add Jeff Weiss to our management team,” said Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr.  “In his career, he has been successful helping companies move from good to great with sound financial strategies. We look forward to his creative input and innovative ideas as Qlarant begins its next 50 years.”

Mr. Weiss also previously worked at SAIC, where—during his tenure as Project Control Manager—the company grew from $6B to $11B in annual revenue and completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

“My initial reaction to joining the team has been overwhelmingly positive. Companies and their cultures are ultimately built on their people and I have truly been welcomed with open arms from the moment I walked in the door.”

Mr. Weiss holds a Master of Business Administration (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Sellinger School of Business and Management, Loyola College, Baltimore, Maryland. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

About Qlarant: Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 500 people and has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, Md, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 500 people. Qlarant is a three-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact boosp@qlarant.com

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Generational Expert Mark Perna as Words of Advice for Building the Mid-Shore Workforce

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Can the key to the future of the Mid-Shore’s workforce be found in the hearts and minds of younger generations? Bestselling author Mark Perna believes so, and he’s ready to share his insights with business, nonprofit, and educational leaders at the historic Avalon Theatre on May 3rd.

Imagine a world where the flame of passion, purpose, and performance is ignited within every young individual. The possibilities are endless, but how can we make this a reality? The Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit, hosted annually by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, aims to address this burning question.

With the generous support of event sponsors, the afternoon session featuring Mark Perna’s keynote address is now available for free, though advanced registration is required. This year’s Summit focuses on “Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations” and promises to unveil the game-changing strategies that can transform education and employment landscapes in our communities and beyond.

The Spy’s Dave Wheelan chatted with Mark a few days ago by Zoom to learn more.

Business Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Banquet tickets are $45 and include a complimentary ticket to the afternoon session. Breakfast tickets can be purchased here, with afternoon seats reserved here.

 

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