Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Steve Heine
Board Chair
Woodsboro Bank
Steve is the Chief Executive Officer 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 43 years, including the last 24 years in Maryland. Steve has extensive Board experience including with Alfred University where he serves as Board Vice-Chair, 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, four grandchildren, and live in Ijamsville.

Danny Severn
Vice Chair
Warner Commercial
Danny is a Frederick local, with roots and family in Middletown. He works in commercial real estate. 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.

Dwayne Myers
Immediate Past 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.

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 Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative 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.

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.

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.

Jon-Mikel Bailey
Brand3, Inc.
Jon-Mikel Bailey is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Brand3, where we transform business brands from noise to clarity. He has been published in MarketingProfs, MarTech.org, 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 marketing industry for over 25 years. In his role at Brand3, Jon is responsible for marketing the firm and helping clients to market the right way. He has a beautiful wife and daughter who are nuts like he is. And he plays the drums in his free time.

Chenee Beach
Service Coordination, Inc.
Chenee Beach currently serves as the Corporate Administrative Assistant for the nonprofit Service Coordination, Inc., where she brings her organizational and leadership expertise to the team. Previously, she spent a decade at Hilton in various sales roles, culminating as the Director of Sales at The Hampton Inn, Frederick. A dedicated leader within the community, Chenee co-chaired the Chamber's Women in Business Committee from 2021 to 2023 and is a proud graduate of Leadership Frederick County, Class of 2024. Her long-standing commitment to the Frederick Chamber of Commerce is evident through her active participation and volunteerism at numerous Chamber events over the years. Chenee’s passion for service extends beyond her professional work. She is a Board Member for both Key City Rotary Club and Federated Charities and has formerly chaired the Outreach Committee. Additionally, she has experience on the fundraising committee for Woman to Woman Mentoring, further showcasing her dedication to causes that empower and uplift the community.

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.

Greg Brown
Monocacy Hospitality
Greg Brown is currently President of Monocacy Hospitality which owns and operates Brewer’s Alley and Bentztown. He is also the Managing Member of Monocacy Brewing Company and Archway Properties. Prior to establishing Monocacy Hospitality with his purchase of Brewer’s Alley in 2022, he was the Co-Founder and COO of Red Letter Hospitality located in Erie, PA. He also worked in a variety of capacities with some of the world’s premier food and beverage companies – Anheuser-Busch, Nestle, and TreeHouse Foods. In addition to his business focus, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), is a member of the RAM Government Affairs Committee, and is involved with the Brewer’s Association. Greg enjoys any opportunity to develop people while also collaborating with all stakeholders to foster an optimal and rewarding business environment. Greg is married to Anne Brown who is the Majority owner of Monocacy Brewing Company and originally from the Frederick, MD area. They have three boys – Harry, George, and Theodore.

Dr. Philip Brown
Phoenix Mecano North America
Philip Brown is the CEO of Phoenix Mecano, a global leader in industrial enclosures and mechanical components based in Maryland. With over three decades in the industry, Philip initially joined Phoenix Mecano in 1997, showcasing a visionary approach to leadership. He emphasizes innovation and operational efficiency, driving the company's expansion and market leadership. Philip champions a customer-centric strategy, empowering teams to innovate and uphold rigorous quality standards. Under his guidance, Phoenix Mecano has diversified its product lines and expanded globally, leveraging technology to meet evolving industry needs. Beyond his professional achievements, Philip is passionate about environmental sustainability and community engagement, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact both within and beyond the company.

Joe DeLizia
Board Liaison Generation Connect
ACNB Bank
Joe DeLizia is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer with ACNB Bank in Frederick and the surrounding counties. With 9 years in banking, he strives to help local businesses navigate the ups and downs of ownership and assists them in achieving their financial goals. Joe currently sits on the board of The Ranch, Inc., is a member of Key City Rotary, and is the current co-chair for the Chamber of Commerce’s Generation Connect for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. A lifelong Frederick native, he is passionate about the growth and success of the community. Joe resides in New Market with his wife, June, and daughter, Gabriella.

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.

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.

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
Board Liaison: Leadership Frederick County Council
Frederick County Government
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
Board Liaison: Women In Business
Marielle Agency
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.

Monica Slate
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
Monica Slate is the Senior Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research/Leidos Biomedical Research, with over 23 years of experience leading strategic initiatives. She holds a B.S. in Business with a minor in Communications and will complete her MBA with a certification in Organizational Development from Mount St. Mary’s University in December 2024. Monica is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda and Delta Mu Delta honor societies, recognized for academic excellence and leadership. A graduate of Leadership Frederick County, Class of 2024, Monica is committed to community growth. She serves as Chair of the Membership and Outreach Committee for the Fort Detrick Alliance, supports SHIP’s Fund Development Committee, and is active in Women in Business and Leadership Frederick County Council. As a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Monica is dedicated to fostering partnerships and driving initiatives that empower and inspire the community.

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.

Chris Vandergrift
Postern Agency
Chris has been a Frederick County resident since 2007, moving from northern Indiana. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Communications from Grace College and a Master’s in Human Sciences with a focus on Clinical Psychology from Hood College. Chris spent 10 years in the mental health field before transitioning to marketing, combining his love for storytelling with the outdoors. He currently serves as the Director of Communication at Postern, a full-service marketing agency in Downtown Frederick. In this role, he partners with local businesses and organizations to develop strategic marketing campaigns, overseeing creative teams and guiding client communications. Chris has deep ties to the Frederick community, working with clients like the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick Health. He is an active Board member of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, recently completing his term as President. Chris is also a Leadership Frederick County graduate and chairs the LFC Alumni Committee.

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