Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dwayne Myers
Board Chair
Dynamic Automotive
Dwayne Myers is a co-owner and CEO of Dynamic Automotive, an Independent automotive repair business with four locations in Frederick County. He has spent his career, of over 30 years, in the maintenance and repair industry ranging in size from lawnmowers to tanks in the US ARMY. As CEO Dwayne leads and develops the executive and management teams. He focuses on the continuing development of all team members to build a stronger culture in the company. This development is key to the growth of both Dynamic and its team members.

Bradly Hoffman
Immediate Past Chair
DeLeon & Stang, CPAs & Advisors
As a partner and head of DeLeon and Stang's Leesburg and Frederick offices, Brad provides tax and consulting services to a wide variety of clients. With more than 20 years of experience in accounting, Brad is a constant advocate for his clients. His love for the Frederick community runs deep - he champions many businesses in the area and is involved in multiple local organizations. Brad resides on a small farm in Frederick County with his wife and their two sons.

Steve Heine
Vice Chair
Woodsboro Bank
Steve is President & CEO of Woodsboro Bank. Established in 1899, it’s Frederick County’s oldest independent community bank. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University and an MBA from the University of Albany. Steve’s banking career spans 39 years, including the last 21 years in Maryland. Steve has extensive Board experience including with Alfred University, Woodsboro Bank, the YMCA of Frederick County, The Maryland Science Center, The Urban League, The American Red Cross, and the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek. Steve’s wife, Carole, is a Hood College graduate. Steve and Carole are avid hikers, cyclists, and travelers. They are the parents of four grown children, a granddaughter, and live in Ijamsville.

Jennifer Milas
Treasurer
McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond
Jennifer is a CPA at McLean, Koehler, Sparks, & Hammond (MKS&H) in Frederick, MD. She is a Principal at the firm and has extensive experience in tax planning and compliance for closely held mid-size businesses and their owners. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Hood College, and has a Master’s in Taxation from American University. Jennifer resides in Frederick, Maryland with her husband and two children.

Cheryl Cioffi, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Frederick Health
Dr. Cheryl Cioffi is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Frederick Health. As a longtime Frederick County resident, she earned her original nursing degree from Frederick Community College before going on to the University of Maryland to become a Nurse Practitioner and then earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Cheryl holds a Post-Master’s Certificate in Teaching Healthcare Professions and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. For 27 years, she has served in various clinical, operational and administrative roles in healthcare, and has served on many local advisory and other boards. Cheryl resides in Frederick County with her husband, two adult children, and two dogs whom they all love spending time with.

Sue Hough
Octavo Designs
Sue founded Octavo Designs in April 2000. Since then, Octavo has grown into a locally and nationally recognized graphic design studio. Sue is the creative director with a branding focus that ties directly into each client’s marketing strategies and goals. Sue’s studio atmosphere evokes fun and creativity, and her work is no different. She also devotes her efforts to the community and enjoys sponsoring activities and volunteering her design services for numerous regional non-profit organizations.

Helen Propheter
Hood College
Helen Propheter currently serves as Hood College’s Director of Corporate and Government Relations. In her role, she builds mission-oriented, revenue-generating initiatives in partnership with external organizations including government, industry, colleges and universities and non-profit sectors that broaden and deepen resources for engagement with Hood College. Prior to joining Hood, Helen served Frederick County Government for 30 years. In her most recent role as the Executive Director of Frederick County Office of Economic Development, her team created numerous new initiatives for business attraction and retention in Frederick County. Including developing Homegrown Frederick and the ROOT building and adding over 3,000 jobs to the region through partnerships with major corporations.

Danny Severn
St. John Properties
Danny is a Frederick local, with roots and family in Middletown. He works in commercial real estate having joined St. John Properties in 2008. He manages development projects in Frederick, Montgomery, and Washington counties in Maryland, as well as Loudoun and Prince William counties in Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from York College and a Master of Science degree in Real Estate from the Edward St. John Real Estate Program at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Danny is an active member (and former Board member) of the Rotary Club of Frederick, and also a Board member of the Mental Health Association of Frederick.

Jon-Mikel Bailey
Wellspring Digital
Jon-Mikel Bailey is the Chief Development and Marketing Officer for Wellspring Digital, a full-service digital marketing firm specializing in SEO, PPC, Marketing Automation, and Content Marketing. He has been published in MarketingProfs, Business2Community, SpinSucks, {Grow}, Social Media Today, and more. He has spoken at the Digital Summit Series, MarketingProfs, ITE, Grant Thornton, and others. Jon has worked in the digital marketing industry for 25 years. In his role at Wellspring Digital, Jon is responsible for marketing the firm and consulting with clients on content marketing strategies. He also manages all business development and client engagement efforts. He has a beautiful wife and daughter who are nuts like he is. And he plays the drums in his free time.

Mark Blacksten
ACNB Bank
Mark Blacksten is the Executive Vice President/Maryland Market President for ACNB Bank. He has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, specializing in commercial lending, relationship management, collaborative leadership, team building and community
engagement. In addition to the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Mark has and continues to volunteer on many boards and committees with focuses on healthcare and education. Mark is the 2021 recipient of the Hospice Hero Award from BridgingLife Hospice and the 2017 recipient of the President’s Business Partner of the Year Award from Frederick Community College. He and his family reside in Carroll County, MD.

Jarad Bowens
The City of Frederick
Jarad “DJ Genius” Bowens is the owner and Lead DJ for Benefactor Events. Established in 2020, it is a premier Entertainment and A/V company serving the Frederick and greater DMV areas. Jarad moved to Frederick in 2020 to be closer to family and came from North Central Florida where he ran a similar company named Genius Entertainment for 12 years. Jarad attended Santa Fe Community College and then FAU to receive his BA in Sociology. He has served as an ambassador for the Gainesville area Chamber of Commerce and now chairs the Business Equity Coalition for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. Jarad is a founding member of SOUL Street, a local organization aimed at empowering Black Owned Businesses in Frederick County. He is passionate about giving back to the community and hopes to start a non-profit dedicated to providing low or no cost entertainment and event services for charitable organizations. He lives in Frederick with his wife Acacia, their son Jaxon, and dog Cooper.

Dr. Philip Brown
Phoenix Mecano North America
Dr. Philip Brown has been the President & CEO of Phoenix Mecano North America., a global leader in the electronic enclosure and industrial automation segments since 2005. He has an MBA in Corporate Finance and a DBA, after serving in the British Royal Navy as Chief Marine Engineer for 11 years. Although he is not native to the U.S., he has called Frederick County home since his transition here in 2005 with his wife and three kids. Dr. Brown now focuses on continuing to build trusting relationships and helping others within the community and his company by getting involved locally. He is the Vice Chair Board of Directors at FCWS (Frederick County Workforce Services), a member of the Board of Associates for Hood College, and the Frederick County Career and Technology Advisory Council.

Tony Brusco
South Mountain Creamery
Tony Brusco is a Co-owner and CEO of South Mountain Creamery. South Mountain Creamery includes a 3200 acre Dairy Farm in Frederick county, two Grade A Milk Plants, a home delivery service providing farm fresh goods to over 16K homes in the DMV, a wholesale division shipping products to 6 states in the Mid Atlantic region, plus operates 3 retail stores and hosts a growing number of agritourism events on the farm. Over the past 21 years, Tony has received awards for entrepreneurship, green initiates and top 50 CEO in Frederick. Tony lives in Middletown with his wife and two kids.

Jason Cline
Board Liaison: Generation Connect
Lockhouse Studios
Jason Cline is the founder, lead photographer, and owner of Lockhouse Studios, a photography and video production studio in downtown Frederick. He builds visual assets for businesses based on a client’s marketing strategy, goals, and brand, as well as providing a rental studio for photographers and production companies to use for their productions. Jason is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Science in Cinema, Television, and Media Production. He is community focused and aims to develop the visual media industry in Frederick as the region grows. Jason is an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, fisherman, traveler and enjoys volunteering whenever possible. He currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Generation Connect Steering Committee. Jason and his partner, Jonathan, live in Dickerson, Maryland with their three dogs.

Brian Gaudet
Battelle National Biodefense Institute
Brian Gaudet is the communications director for the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, which operates and manages the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He has worked on Fort Detrick since Battelle was awarded the initial NBACC contract in 2006. For the last fourteen years Brian has worked exclusively in the high consequence industries of biodefense and aviation. In the 1990s he spent four years in Colorado and Idaho on economic development efforts at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Rocky Flats Plant and the Idaho National Laboratory.

Jeff Griffin
DCM BioServices
Jeff is the Director of Business Operations at DCM BioServices. DCM Bio is a local biotech firm that specializes in laboratory automation service and support. With over 15 years of business experience in finance, operations and business development, Jeff thrives and excels at connecting the dots for people and organizations in his work and community service. Jeff previously served for five years as CFO at Community Living Inc. after an eleven year career in financial services. His time outside of work is spent enjoying life with his wonderful wife, two amazing children, and other family and friends. Jeff is an active member of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, the chair of the Leadership Frederick County Council, and volunteers with a number of other local organizations.

Amanda Haddaway
HR Answerbox
Amanda Haddaway is an award-winning HR consultant, corporate trainer, and certified executive coach. In her role as the managing director of HR Answerbox, she specializes in conducting workplace investigations, solving complex employee relations issues, leading interactive and engaging training sessions, and serving as an advisor to small business owners and leaders. She has more than 45,000 hours of experience in HR and holds the two highest professional certifications, SPHR and SHRM-SCP, as well as a Master of Jurisprudence degree in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane University Law School, a Master’s degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. She was recognized as the Most Influential Woman in HR Training – USA by Corp Today Magazine and the Gamechanger of the Year by Gamechangers Global Awards. She was previously recognized as one of the 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference by Beyond Exclamation Magazine and as one of the 20 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch by Insights Success. Additionally, she is the author of two books, the creator of the Manager Success Academy, and her writing has been included in Entrepreneur.

Sandra Hofmeister
A&S Construction, LLC
Sandra Hofmeister is the CEO and Owner of A&S Construction, LLC. Sandra is originally from Peru, and she moved to Florida in 2006 where she worked in accounting. When she moved to Frederick in 2010, she broke into the male-dominated industry of construction, working her way up from the administrative side to managing operations and overseeing production for a company over $10M of revenue a year. Today, she is not only a successful construction company owner, but a force on the local business scene, serving on various committees for Women in Business and the Business Equity Coalition for the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, and also she is one of the Chamber Ambassadors. She’s also President of the Professional Women in Building for the Frederick County Building Industry Association and a member of their Board of Directors. She volunteers for the City of Frederick’s Diversity Advisory Panel, the Community Foundation and was recently appointed for the Affordable Housing Council of Frederick County. When she is not working or serving the community, she enjoys watching documentaries with her husband or spending time with friends.

Sarah Hurwitz Robey
Colonial Jewelers
Sarah Hurwitz Robey is the fourth generation owner of Colonial Jewelers, the oldest business in Downtown Frederick. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. She is excited to advocate for the vibrant and diverse business community in Downtown as well as be involved in our exceptional Chamber of Commerce. Sarah loves being with her husband and two boys and enjoying the outdoors.

Shannon Jackson
Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research
Shannon Jackson brings more than 20 years of experience leading and performing in contracts, procurement, and logistics at commercial entities and governmental agencies. He has led contracts and procurement teams within both the manufacturing and services sectors with some of the leading organizations in their respective industries. He is a member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and is a former chapter vice-president. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned his MBA from Texas A&M-Commerce. He completed advanced professional and executive education at Villanova University and Cornell University. Prior to embarking on a career as contracts and procurement professional, Jackson served for 5 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Eric Johnson
Audio-Video Group
Eric Johnson is the President of Audio-Video Group, LLC, which he started in 2000 and joined the Chamber in 2001. He has over 30 years of experience in the AV industry and earned the CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist – Design) designation in 2008 from InfoComm International. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, where he served as chair of the Welcoming Committee for over eight years. Eric is a Leadership Frederick County graduate (Class of 2017) and resides in Frederick with his wife and two children.

Adam Kreisher
M&T Bank
Adam Kreisher is Vice President and Business Banking Team Lead with M&T Bank in Frederick & Carroll Counties. In this role, he has a passion for helping business owners and the community achieve their goals, which is evident as he works with businesses and organizations across Counties on a daily basis. He serves on other local non-profit boards and was nominated as a recipient of the Frederick News Posts “Top 50 Under 40” in 2021.

Dr. Rachel Mandel
Rachel Mandel MD Consulting
Dr. Rachel Mandel is an Ob-Gyn by training and a community advocate by choice. She received her medical training through the military's Health Professions Scholarship Program, and served in the Army as a medical officer where she met her future husband. Their multiple military stationings led them here to Frederick where she practiced clinical medicine for 18 years. In 2013 she obtained her masters in health administration from Mt. St. Mary's University and become a physician executive in the county health system as the Assistant Vice President of Medical Affairs and then the VP of Medical Affairs through 2018. In 2019 she founded her own consulting company that focuses on strategic planning and implementation, health equity, health literacy, community health worker education, organizational training and technical assistance. She has served two terms on the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees, is a member of Key City Rotary and the Women's Giving Circle and participates in the work of the County's Suicide Prevention Coalition. She is on a multitude of Advisory Boards, including Data Driven Frederick. Collaboration is her passion.

Kevin Moore
Moore Financial
Kevin is an Independent Financial Advisor and partner at his family-owned financial advisory business in Frederick, MD. In this role, he operates a comprehensive wealth management firm that focuses on walking individuals, families, and small businesses through the intricacies of retirement, investment planning, insurance, and estate conservation. He received his bachelor's degree with highest honors from St. John's University in New York and his Master of Business Administration from Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg. Kevin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a member of the Financial Planning Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Federated Charities Corporation of Frederick and the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek. Kevin is a native Frederick County resident and resides here with his wife and three children.

Melissa Muntz
Board Liaison: Nonprofit Alliance
SHIP of Frederick County
Melissa is the Executive Director of the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership of Frederick County. A proud Hood College graduate, she began her career in government and politics. Melissa has spent time working for the Maryland State Legislature, United States Congress, and Capitol Hill lobbying firms. She has maintained an active role in the local community, having served as a Director on several Frederick nonprofit Boards including Celebrate Frederick and Habitat for Humanity. Currently, Melissa sits on the Frederick County Coalition for the Homeless and Rotary Cub of Carroll Creek Boards of Directors. A graduate of Leadership Frederick County, Melissa has been named to the list of “Top Young Professionals in Maryland Politics” and in 2017 was named “New Professional of the Year” by the Maryland Tourism Coalition. She lives in Downtown Frederick with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Michelle Nusum-Smith
Board Liaison: Business Equity Coalition
The Word Woman LLC
Michelle Nusum-Smith is owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a full- service consultancy specializing in helping nonprofits develop the skills, knowledge and resources to achieve their goals. Michelle is a licensed consultant, coach and trainer with over 20 years of nonprofit experience and has expertise in organizational development, board development, program development, financial management, fundraising, and community relations. An Associate Consultant at Maryland Nonprofits, she is licensed to offer consulting services for the Maryland Nonprofit’s Standards for Excellence® program and has the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work with nonprofits across the country. A member of the Grant Professionals Association and a seasoned grant writer, Michelle has helped nonprofits and government agencies secure well over $100M in combined public and private funding. She is a graduate of the Honors Program at Coppin State University and holds a bachelors degree in Management Science with a minor in Marketing. Michelle lives in Frederick with her husband Ken. They have two daughters - Megan and Kendyll.

Tricia A. Reaver, CPA
Frederick County Government
Leadership Frederick County Council Liaison
With over 25 years of experience in the audit and attest field, Tricia has spent the past 10 years as the Director of Internal Audit for Frederick County Government which includes an internal audit role for the County, Frederick County Public Schools and Frederick Community College. Prior to her experience with Frederick County, Tricia spent 13 years with national public accounting firm CohnReznick and continues to work part-time in the affordable housing realm. She prides herself in leadership and learning within the profession which has brought her to teaching for the American Institute of CPAs Business Learning Institute. In 2012 Tricia was recognized by Baltimore SmartCEO magazine as one of Baltimore’s top accountants and in both 2016 and 2017 recognized as one of Maryland Association of CPAs Women to Watch experienced leaders. In 2020, Tricia was recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record. Tricia is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Frederick County and currently serves as the Chair to the Leadership Frederick County Council. Tricia also volunteers her time as a board member to the Mental Health Association of Frederick County and is a past board member to the Maryland Association of CPAs. She graduated from Salisbury University in 2000 with degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. Tricia was born and raised in Frederick County and resides in New Market with her
husband and two kids.

Danielle Rizzo
Marielle Agency
Women In Business Liaison
Danielle Rizzo is the CEO of Marielle Agency, a strategic business consulting and growth marketing agency. Having worked with brands such as FabFitFun, Disney+, Contigo, SUCCESS and more, Danielle specializes in helping modern companies achieve their business goals through streamlined processes and procedures, as well as through innovative marketing ideas. Danielle has lived in Frederick most of her life, graduating from Hood College. She has served as a Frederick County Chamber Ambassador, Board Member of Key City Rotary, Secretary of the Board for Trauma Responsive Frederick and Committee Member of Federated Charities. Danielle resides in Walkersville with her 4 children.

Ashleigh Rossi
MacRo Commercial Real Estate
Ashleigh Rossi is the Vice President of MacRo Commercial Real Estate, located in Frederick, MD. Ashleigh is in her 7th year at MacRo and 12th year in the commercial real estate market. She handles a number of sales, leasing, and development transactions in Frederick, Washington, Carroll & Montgomery Counties. In addition to her work as a commercial real estate agent, Ashleigh also serves on a number of boards and committees. These boards would include Frederick County Association of Realtors (FCAR), Mental Health Association of Frederick County, Community Foundation of Frederick County, and the DEI Committee at Maryland Realtors. In 2022, Ashleigh was named as a “Top 50 Under 40” young professional in Frederick County and won the “Emerging Dealmaker” award from Frederick County Office of Economic Development. Ashleigh resides in Frederick County with her 2 children, Sean and Charlie, and her husband, Jim.

Amber Smith
Frederick Lifestyle Magazine
Amber Smith is the Owner and Publisher of Frederick Lifestyle Magazine. She has a deep passion for connecting the fast-growing Frederick community, inspiring action and volunteerism, and helping local businesses thrive. Between a Bachelor’s Degree, nearly 10 years in Sales & Marketing roles, and excellent mentors, she felt empowered to release that entrepreneurial spirit and take on the riveting experience of running a business in January 2020. With a strong sense of community and purpose, Amber and her team are committed to bringing an inspiring, uplifting and engaging magazine every month. Amber is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Frederick County and has either been connected to or a member of numerous local organizations and community initiatives. Amber and her husband Andre feel blessed to call Frederick home and are building deep roots here.

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