March was Women’s History Month—a time when we honor the vision, strength, and impact of women who lead across all aspects of life. We proudly recognize the women serving on the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission (EDC). These leaders bring diverse professional backgrounds and a shared commitment to shaping a vibrant and prosperous future for our county. Their stories reflect not only individual excellence, but also a collective dedication to community service, business growth, and public good.
Meet the Women Leading Economic Development in QAC
Lara Wilson
As the Director of Rural Health Care Transformation at UM Shore Regional Health, Lara leads the creation and implementation of programs that improve community health, with a strong emphasis on enhancing care for aging and rural populations. Her work includes building collaborative relationships with local, regional, and state agencies to support rural transformation and expand healthcare access. Lara’s passion lies at the intersection of health, wellness, and community services—ensuring that Queen Anne’s County remains a thriving and healthy place for residents to live, work, and grow. She proudly serves as Treasurer of the EDC and acts as a liaison to the University of Maryland healthcare system.
Heather Bacher
A seasoned banking professional with extensive experience in both retail and commercial sectors, Heather has spent her career supporting the communities she serves. Her work in regional and community banks has allowed her to align financial services and products with the needs of local businesses. Heather’s passion is ensuring that financial resources are accessible and aligned with community needs—a mission that led her to the EDC, where as Chairperson she works to bridge the gap between economic development and financial empowerment for Queen Anne’s County.
Larissa Costello
Larissa is an independent financial advisor who launched her own business, Protea Wealth Management, during the pandemic, driven by a desire to empower individuals—particularly women—to take control of their financial lives. Her experience in international economic development, including her role as the first female Business Development Manager for the Office of Economic Development in Brisbane, Australia, has given her a global perspective on fostering opportunities for business growth. Larissa’s passion lies in supporting women and underserved communities to gain financial independence and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Deayna Ewell
Founder of Onyx Beauty Salon & Barbershop and Ewell Enterprises, Deayna created a family-friendly, multicultural space that not only provides haircare services but also fosters entrepreneurship in Queen Anne’s County. Her salon serves as an incubator for early-stage entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, content creation support, and professional workspaces. Deayna’s passion is nurturing small businesses and building entrepreneurial ecosystems that allow local business owners to thrive. Her commitment to empowering others through mentorship and technical trade training makes her a valuable voice on the EDC.
Lee Bridgman
With a career spanning landscape architecture and agricultural programming, Lee now serves as a Program Assistant with the University of Maryland Extension, where she supports agriculture and horticulture initiatives in Queen Anne’s County. Lee grew up here, where her deep-rooted involvement in 4-H and her appreciation for the land instilled a lifelong commitment to agriculture. Her passion is ensuring that economic growth and agricultural preservation coexist, advocating for thoughtful planning that balances the needs of the natural environment, farms, and new business development. As a representative of agriculture on the EDC, Lee brings a vital perspective to the commission’s work.
Shelly Gross-Wade
A highly-respected economic development leader with four decades of experience, Shelly has devoted her career to ensuring that small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses have equitable access to capital and technical assistance. Her expertise lies in developing innovative financing programs and community-based economic initiatives that create opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Shelly’s passion is leveling the playing field by providing resources and opportunities that promote sustainable growth for small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses. As Vice Chair of the EDC, she brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to the commission.
From small business owners to nonprofit leaders and government professionals, these women prove there’s no single path to making a difference.
Driving Impact: Projects That Have Positively Impacted QAC
The women of the EDC have each worked to make a tangible impact on Queen Anne’s County by contributing to projects that have addressed critical needs and fueled community growth.
When the COVID-19 pandemic devastated local businesses, Heather Bacher stepped up to ensure timely relief for business owners. Serving on the committee tasked with reviewing small business relief applications, Heather and her colleagues worked swiftly to get funds where they were needed most. “We did this in record time and got money that was desperately needed to our small business owners to pay their employees, pay themselves, and keep the lights on until they could reopen.”
In the healthcare space, Lara Wilson has been instrumental in expanding access to essential services in Queen Anne’s County. Through her leadership at UM Shore Regional Health, she helped bring the UMMS Urgent Care Center to Kent Island and facilitated the addition of primary care services in Queenstown and Centreville. “These enhancements will significantly benefit QAC residents, and the new Regional Medical Center in Easton, slated to be completed in 2028, will provide even greater access to state-of-the-art healthcare services.”
On the agricultural front, Lee Bridgman worked collaboratively with Economic Development and Planning & Zoning to spearhead an Agritourism Study for the county. Her efforts focused on diversifying agricultural opportunities and ensuring that local farmers have pathways to enhance their revenue streams. “Supporting the opportunity for diversification of agriculture in the county can be a benefit for many,” Lee said, underscoring her commitment to balancing growth and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Deayna Ewell is fostering entrepreneurship through her innovative work at Onyx Beauty Salon & Barbershop. By creating a space that also functions as an incubator for early-stage entrepreneurs, she provides aspiring business owners with professional workspaces, clientele training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. “We support our community as an entrepreneur incubator, helping businesses grow and thrive.”
Advice for Future Women Leaders: Words of Wisdom
With decades of combined experience, our EDC members offer inspiring advice for women aspiring to make their mark in economic or business development.
Shelly Gross-Wade stresses the importance of focusing on priorities while maintaining balance. Her advice encourages women to be strategic with their time and energy while also recognizing the value of self-care. “Be accountable to the priorities that yield the greatest impact, value your team, and learn to say ‘no’ when necessary. Most importantly, be intentional about making time for self-care—it’s not selfish.”
For Larissa Costello, confidence and action are key. She encourages women to take initiative and claim their space at the decision-making table. “Just pull up a seat at the table. No one is going to send you a special invitation. I think fear and a lack of confidence sometimes hold women back, but I’m here to tell you that you are infinitely capable. Roll up your sleeves and jump in.”
Heather Bacher emphasized the power of self-advocacy and making one’s ambitions known. She believes that many career opportunities exist because women are willing to speak up and ask for them. “You have to advocate for yourself as no one else may. Make sure the people around you know who you are, what you want, and what you need.”
Women Who Inspire: Celebrating Mentors and Role Models
The path to leadership is often guided by the wisdom and support of mentors and inspiring figures. The women of the EDC shared heartfelt reflections on those who have shaped their careers.
For Shelly Gross-Wade, her inspiration comes from her 91-year-old mother, whose unwavering support and strong values have guided her both personally and professionally. “She taught me that your reputation is what you bring to the job or leadership position. Be accountable for your decisions and stand on the pillar of integrity.”
Lara Wilson found mentorship and guidance in Cynthia Kelleher, former President & CEO of the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopedic Institute. Lara credits Cynthia’s leadership and support with helping her navigate critical career decisions. “Her leadership and support were invaluable to me as I navigated many challenges. Even though our formal mentorship ended, we remain connected, and I know I can turn to her for advice.”
Heather Bacher pointed to Linda Friday, President of the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce, as a guiding force in her career. Linda’s ability to connect people and nurture relationships has had a profound impact on Heather’s professional journey. “She keeps us all connected personally and professionally. She always makes time to hear what people need and then finds a way to help them get that. She is a backbone to our community in so many ways.”
A Collective Force for Good
These women are not only helping guide economic development in Queen Anne’s County—they are building a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and service. Their leadership reflects the best of what Women’s History Month represents: honoring the past, shaping the future, and making space for others to achieve big dreams.
To learn more about the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission and how you can get involved, visit www.choosequeenannes.com
Categories: Community Development, Economic Development, Press Release
Tags: Community Development, Economic Development, Queen Anne's County