Thank you for joining us to celebrate the Power of Partnerships as part of Economic Development Week 2024!

The Power of Partnerships

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024  | 9am – 11am
Chesapeake College, HPAC, Room 127

This special event during Economic Development Week celebrates the partnerships that highlight the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to a prosperous future for all that live, work and play in Queen Anne’s County.  This gathering brings together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and community partners to explore the collaborative efforts shaping the future of the county. During the event, we will highlight notable partnerships that focus on our foundational pillars of Workforce Development, Economic Development, Tourism & Community Development.

8:30 am – 9:00 am: Registration & Networking

9:00 am – 9:10 am: Welcome & Opening Remarks

Heather Bacher, Market President, Burke & Herbert Bank
Heather Tinelli, Director, QACETD

9:15 am – 9:30 am: Workforce Development Conversation

Facilitated by: Connie Dean, Workforce Development Administrator, QACETD
Panelists: Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction, Career and Technical Education, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
Jason Mullen, Dean of Workforce Programs, Chesapeake College
Kurt Peter, Chef and Owner, Chesapeake Chef Service

9:35 am – 10 am: Economic & Community Development Conversation

Facilitated by: Rebecca Clark, Economic Development Administrator, QACETD
Panelists:
Linda Friday, President, Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce
Susan O’Neill, Executive Director, Upper Shore Regional Council
Lauren Bruneio, MSN, FNP-C, CRNP, Owner, Eastern Shore Urgent Care, Primary Care, and Med Spa
Katie Parks, Director of Community Development, Maryland Economic Development Corporation
Amy Moredock, CFM, Planning Director, Queen Anne’s County Planning & Zoning

10:05am – 10:20am: Tourism Development Conversation

Facilitated by: April Plummer, Tourism Administrator, QACETD
Panelists: Rich Gilbert, Travel Trade Sales Manager, Maryland Office of Tourism
Ruth Toomey, Executive Director, Maryland Tourism Coalition
Jody Schulz, Business Owner, Developer, Restaurateur, Chair of KNDF & Former NFL Player

10:25 am – 10:50 am: Focus on Future Partnerships: EDC Strategic Plan Priorities

Facilitated by: Heather Tinelli, Director, QACETD
Panelists: Michael Clark, Executive Director Housing and Family Services, Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services
Stephen Palmer, Transportation Administrator, Queen Anne’s County
Jack Wilson, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner
Lee Bridgman, Extension Program Assistant, University of Maryland Extension- Queen Anne’s County

10:50 am – 11:00 am: Closing Remarks & Networking

11:00 am: Event Conclusion

 

Lee Bridgman

Extension Program Assistant, University of Maryland Extension- Queen Anne’s County

Lee Bridgman works for University of Maryland Extension, Queen Anne’s County. She is an Extension Program Assistant with the Agriculture and Home Horticulture programs, assisting the faculty educators and works to support the agricultural community and the ability for all farmers and potential farmers to make a living with their farms. A graduate of Virginia Tech, her experience as a Landscape Architect for 28 years, mainly in land development and planning, is helpful when considering land use challenges for growing agricultural businesses. Lee is a member of the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission and the Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau Board, as well as an active volunteer with the Queen Anne’s County 4-H All Stars. She lives on a small farm outside Centreville with her husband, their dog, and two donkeys.

 

Lauren Bruneio, MSN, FNP-C, CRNP

Owner, Eastern Shore Urgent Care, Primary Care, and Med Spa

Lauren Bruneio is the owner of Eastern Shore Urgent Care, which she opened in 2022 to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in Queen Anne’s County. Since then, she has expanded her practice to include Eastern Shore Primary Care and Eastern Shore Med Spa, offering a range of medical and aesthetic services. She employs over 21 employees across all three businesses. Lauren’s commitment to accessible, high-quality care has made her a trusted and valued resource for Queen Anne’s and Kent County residents.

 

Michael Clark

Executive Director Housing and Family Services, Queen Anne’s County Dept. of Community Services

Michael Clark serves as the Executive Director of Housing and Family Services in Queen Anne’s County, overseeing the Housing Authority, Housing Division, and Local Management Board. His work focuses on ensuring access to quality housing and systems that support the well-being of children and families. Since 1997, Michael has led the Local Management Board, contributing significantly to regional welfare through various initiatives, programs, and community efforts. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Business from Salisbury University, along with a Master’s in Counseling from Villanova University, he brings over 30 years of experience in human services, deepening his understanding of community needs and service delivery.

In addition to his primary roles, Michael is involved in violence prevention counseling and has held board and executive positions on several prominent nonprofits, further reflecting his commitment to improving the community. His experience as a business leader and consultant in a property holding company enhances his mission. In his personal life, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their children, Alexis and Lane, which strengthens his focus on the importance of family and community.

 

Linda Friday

President, Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce

A professional who has lived and worked on the Eastern Shore for almost 48 years, Linda Friday brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the financial and business worlds. Linda had over 25 years in the banking industry before joining the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce as staff in 2001.  In 2002 Linda was made President of the Chamber where she has remained.

Her unique ability to ‘connect the dots’ to create partnerships within the business, government, and residential communities has resulted in Linda participating in numerous committees, organization

s, task forces, and advisory boards.   Linda served as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on CTE and Workforce Development and has been instrumental in helping develop the CTE focus in Queen Anne’s County where she has brokered a partnership between the business community, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Chesapeake College, and the county.  Most recently, Linda serves on the Chesapeake College Foundation Board as President and MidShore Community Foundation as Board Member.

Linda has two adult children, four grandchildren and currently lives in Denton with her husband Bob.

 

Rich Gilbert

Travel Trade Sales Manager, Maryland Office of Tourism, Department of Commerce

Rich Gilbert has worked for the Maryland Office of Tourism since May 1987.  His current job responsibility is directing the sales efforts for Maryland, concentrating on the travel trade program.  This includes working with motorcoach and tour operators, reunion planners, meeting planners and group travel leaders to bring their tour, convention or reunion to Maryland.  Working with Capital Region USA (DC, MD & VA), Rich also works with promoting the region to the international travelers.

Rich works to create partnerships with the Maryland tourism industry community in developing business selling opportunities, such as sales blitzes, sales calls, familiarization tours, booth co-operative opportunities and providing technical assistance with marketing plans.

Rich currently serves on the Capital Region USA Board of Directors, American Bus Association’s (ABA) Membership Committee and co-chairs the Maryland Motorcoach Association Marketplace.  In addition, he has served on ABA’s Marketplace Advisory Committee, Orientation Committee and the Pennsylvania Bus Association Marketplace committee.  He also serves as an Advisor to the Baltimore Tourism Association.  His awards include:

• Maryland Tourism Council’s (MTC) Tourism Person of the Year (2003)
• Virginia Motorcoach Association’s Associate of the Year (2008)
• Maryland Motorcoach Association’s Award of Excellence (2009)
• MTC’s Best Industry Partnership Award (2010)
• Maryland Motorcoach Association’s Volunteer of the Year (2015)
• National Tour Association’s Volunteer of the Year (2018)
• Maryland Association of DMO’s Cooperative Partner Award (2018)
• Ontario Motor Coach Association’s Volunteer of the Year (2019)

Rich has a B.S. degree from Towson State University in Business-Finance and a minor in Economics.  He lives in Perryville and enjoys traveling.

 

Amy Moredock, CFM

Planning Director, Queen Anne’s County Planning & Zoning

Amy Moredock is the Director of Planning and Zoning for Queen Anne’s County, where she leads efforts in land use, development, and zoning policies that promote sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. She has been instrumental in advancing initiatives focused on smart growth, preservation, and fostering partnerships across various county departments to enhance community and economic development. Amy’s leadership supports the county’s long-term vision of balancing development with environmental responsibility​.

 

Jason Mullen

Dean of Workforce Programs, Chesapeake College

Jason Mullen, Dean of Workforce Programs at Chesapeake College, leads initiatives across Health Professions, Business, Skilled Trades, and Transportation. As a first-generation college graduate from Caroline County, Jason holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Marine Science from The University of Tampa and an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University. His early experience in construction, working alongside his father, a Master Brick Mason, helped fund his education. After a decade in laboratory work, he transitioned to teaching high school in Boston, MA, before dedicating 16 years to various leadership roles at Chesapeake College. Jason has successfully expanded workforce training programs, such as CDL and advanced manufacturing, and fostered partnerships with businesses to enhance regional Skilled Trades development. His commitment to education and workforce readiness continues to drive innovative collaborations across the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

 

Susan O’Neill

Executive Director, Upper Shore Regional Council

Susan O’Neill is the Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC), where she leads initiatives focused on economic development and collaboration across Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Under her leadership, the USRC fosters regional partnerships to boost local industries, with key projects supporting workforce training, entrepreneurship, and agriculture.

 

Stephen Palmer

Transportation Administrator, Queen Anne’s County

Stephen Palmer has been  with Queen Anne’s County- County Ride for 2 ½ years. Prior to that, he has 20 plus years working in logistics with several companies on the Eastern Shore.

 

Katie Parks

Director of Community Development, Maryland Economic Development Corporation

Katie Parks, MEDCO’s Director of Community Development, brings 20 years of public and private sector experience, including community development, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and organizational growth. She combines her experience and passion with the capabilities of MEDCO to support place-led economic growth in communities across the state.

Katie was previously Vice President of Preservation Maryland where she led organizational fundraising helping nearly triple the size of the organizational impact in historic property redevelopment and national historic trades workforce development programs. Katie also served as Vice President of Conservation at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, leading their programming across land conservation, community revitalization through the Center for Towns, and climate adaptation. She was instrumental in crafting the foundational partnership that led to ESLC’s critical role in developing the Packing House in Cambridge, Maryland with Cross Street Partners. Additionally, Katie has governmental experience on the real estate management team of the Office of the Secretary for the Maryland Department of Transportation. Katie attended Loyola University and received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Baltimore.

 

Kurt Peter

Chef and Owner, Chesapeake Chef Service

Kurt Peter is the founder and executive chef of Chesapeake Chef Service, a premier catering company known for its dedication to using locally-sourced ingredients to create exceptional culinary experiences. With over a decade of experience in the food industry, Kurt is passionate about promoting the culinary arts in the region and supporting local farmers and producers.

 

Jody Schulz

Business Owner, Developer, Restaurateur, Chair of KNDF & Former NFL Player

 

Adam Tolley

Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction, Career and Technical Education, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools

Adam Tolley has dedicated 23 years to the field of education, with the last 8 years serving as the Supervisor of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. In this capacity, Adam provides leadership and oversight for 17 diverse CTE programs, manages the district’s work-based learning initiatives, and directs the comprehensive career counseling program. His work focuses on aligning educational pathways with workforce demands to ensure students are prepared for successful careers in an evolving job market.

 

Ruth Toomey

Executive Director, Maryland Tourism Coalition

Ruth Toomey has served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition since June 2018. With deep roots in the Greater Baltimore and Anne Arundel County hospitality industry, she has been an active member and board member of the tourism and hospitality trade organization since 2009. In 2020, she was appointed Co-Chair of the Attraction Committee for Governor Hogan’s Tourism Recovery Task Force, playing a key role in revitalizing Maryland’s tourism sector during challenging times.

In recognition of her contributions, Ruth was selected to serve on NOAA’s inaugural Sanctuary Advisory Council for Mallows Bay and joined the Board for the Pride of Baltimore II. Her peers honored her with the Tourism Person of the Year award at the 2021 Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit, and she received the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 President’s Leadership Award.

Ruth holds a degree from High Point University in North Carolina. Before her current role, she served as the Guest Services Manager at Arundel Mills, one of the largest retail outlets in the region. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and customer service management, her expertise lies in marketing and communications.

Raised in Glen Burnie, MD, Ruth is a proud graduate of Archbishop Spalding High School and continues to call the area home.

 

Jack Wilson

Queen Anne’s County Commissioner

Jack was born March 17, 1966 in Baltimore, MD.  Shortly after, his family moved to Arnold MD, where he lived until he was 19.  Jack moved to Annapolis, MD until 1992, when he finally bought a house right outside of Price, where he has lived ever since.

Jack graduated Severna Park High School in 1984 and after high school he attended Community College.  He applied and was accepted to the Steamfitters Local 438 Apprenticeship Program and began school in the fall of 1985 and graduated in the summer of 1990.  After graduating, he worked in the H.V.A.C trade for 2 years for another company before starting a small union mechanical contracting business which only lasted for about 1-1/2 years, as the economy was very poor at this point.

Jack then started a family owned Building Automation Installation Business with his father that just celebrated their 20th year of service.  The business is owned by his wife . Currently, Jack mostly works sales and in the field.  He found working in the field helps with stress that goes along with the small business grind.

Jack decided in January 2015 to run for Commissioner.  Since he and his family have lived in the county 22 years and his business is located here, he felt he could do some good for the citizens of Queen Anne’s County.

We are asking attendees which economic priorities you are interested in using your time and talents to support. Please take a moment to fill out this very brief survey by clicking on the link below. The QAC Economic and Tourism Development Team will follow-up in the near future on how you and your organization can play a role in moving Queen Anne’s County’s economy forward.

.