DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

• Business Resources
• Maryland Arts
• Maryland Open for Business
• Visit Maryland

John T. Papavasiliou, Chief Operating Officer (410) 767-6309
Heather M. Gramm, Assistant Secretary, Business & Industry Sector Development (410) 598-0842
Thomas B. Riford, Assistant Secretary, Marketing, Tourism, & the Arts (410) 767-6272
Laila K. Atallah, Principal Counsel (410) 767-6446

World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202 - 3316
(410) 767-6300; 1-888-choosemd (toll free); fax: (410) 333-8628; tty: (410) 333-6926
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/

World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland, November 2009. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Kyle W. McColgan, Chief of Staff (410) 767-6440; e-mail: kyle.mccolgan@maryland.gov

COUNSEL
(T00A0003, formerly 38.01.00.03)
FY2021 appropriation: $1,540,124; authorized positions: 10
Laila K. Atallah, Principal Counsel (410) 767-6446
e-mail: laila.atallah@maryland.gov

Barbara Curnin Kountz, Deputy Counsel (410) 767-6456
e-mail: barbara.kountz@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & FAIR PRACTICES
Daniel P. Leonard, Director (410) 767-6470; e-mail: daniel.leonard@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDITS
David E. McDaniels, Chief Auditor (410) 767-6294
e-mail: david.mcdaniels@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF POLICY, RESEARCH, & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
(T00A0002, formerly T00A0007, formerly T00C0001)
FY2021 appropriation: $1,742,908; authorized positions: 12
Staff: Shawnta Goins-Haith (410) 767-6312; e-mail: shawnta.goins@maryland.gov

Jennifer C. LaHatte, Managing Director (410) 767-6979
e-mail: jennifer.lahatte@maryland.gov

POLICY & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Vacancy, Director (410) 767-6314


RESEARCH & INFORMATION SERVICES
James R. Palma, Director (410) 767-6680
e-mail: james.palma@maryland.gov

MARYLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
(formerly T00A0002, formerly 38.01.00.02)
Juliane G. Woepke, Executive Director (443) 324-0861
e-mail: juliane.woepke@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/commerce/boards-and-commissions/economic-development-commission

Appointed by Governor to 3-year terms:
J. Edward Coleman, Co-Chair (chosen by Governor), 2025
Margaret W. Wood, D.A., Co-Chair (chosen by Governor), 2025

Susan B. Chambers; August J. (Augie) Chiasera; Melissa Noel; Leon F. Pinkett III; Saif Rehman, Ph.D.; Gary R. Ruddell; Eugene B. Silverman, Ph.D.; Robert L. Wallace; one vacancy. Terms expire 2023.

Anne Marie Dickerson; Aris Melissaratos; Laura A. Neuman; one vacancy. Terms expire 2024.

Kai K. Hirabayashi; Manish D. Kothari; Julia C. Lenzer; Jeanette Glose Partlow; Elizabeth Rendon-Sherman; one vacancy. Terms expire 2025.

Appointed by Senate President: Kenneth R. Banks; Gwen McCall.

Appointed by Senate President (nonvoting): Brian J. Feldman

Appointed by House Speaker: Arnold E. Jablon; Michael G. Miller.

Appointed by House Speaker (nonvoting): Brian M. Crosby

Ex officio (nonvoting): R. Michael Gill, Secretary of Commerce; Tiffany P. Robinson, Esq., Secretary of Labor; J. Thomas Sadowski, Jr., Executive Director, Maryland Economic Development Corporation; Troy LeMaile-Stovall, Executive Director, Maryland Technology Development Corporation.

DEPUTY SECRETARY

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & TECHNOLOGY
(T00A0008, formerly T00B0001, formerly 38.02.00.01)
FY2021 appropriation: $5,389,865; authorized positions: 28
John T. Papavasiliou, Chief Operating Officer (410) 767-6309
e-mail: john.papavasiliou2@maryland.gov

BUDGET & FINANCE
Bridget E. Patton, Director (410) 767-2377
e-mail: bridget.patton2@maryland.gov

CONTRACTS & PROCUREMENT
Brenda Lee, Director (410) 767-2345
e-mail: brenda.lee@maryland.gov

GENERAL SERVICES
Timothy G. LaValle, Director (410) 767-2202
e-mail: timothy.lavalle@maryland.gov

HUMAN RESOURCES
Michelle M. Martin, Director (410) 767-3385
e-mail: michelle.martin1@maryland.gov

INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
(part of T00A0008, formerly T00B0001, formerly 38.02.00.01)
Regina Y. Tillery, Director & Deputy Chief Information Officer (410) 767-3391
e-mail: regina.tillery@maryland.gov

ENTERPRISE SERVICES
Robert J. Brightful, Manager (410) 767-4837
e-mail: robert.brightful@maryland.gov

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS
James I. Keenan III, Manager (410) 767-2308
e-mail: james.keenan@maryland.gov

RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Timothy G. LaValle, Records Officer (410) 767-2202
e-mail: timothy.lavalle@maryland.gov

DIVISION OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

OPERATIONS & SPECIAL PROJECTS
Roger J. Venezia, Director (410) 767-6394
e-mail: roger.venezia@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS SERVICES
(T00F0004)
FY2021 appropriation: $4,027,948; authorized positions: 18
Jayson D. Knott, Senior Director (410) 767-6978
e-mail: jayson.knott@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT & BUSINESS LOCATION SERVICES
Kavita Verma, Director (410) 767-0994
e-mail: kavita.verma@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - BUSINESS RETENTION
Lori A. Ratzburg, Senior Director, Regional Growth & Retention (410) 350-4242
e-mail: lori.ratsburg@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF FINANCE PROGRAMS
(T00F0008, formerly 38.06.00)
FY2021 appropriation: $4,135,509; authorized positions: 25
Andrew W. Fish, Senior Director (410) 767-6376
e-mail: andy.fish@maryland.gov


ADMINISTRATION
Darla M. Garrett, Program Manager (410) 767-6963; e-mail: darla.garrett@maryland.gov

INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Timothy P. Doyle, Program Manager (410) 767-2369; e-mail: timothy.doyle@maryland.gov

SMALL BUSINESS
Celester A. (Les) Hall, Jr., Program Manager (410) 767-6356; e-mail: celester.hall@maryland.gov

TAX PROGRAMS
Lani M. Sinfield, Program Manager (410) 767-4041; e-mail: lani.sinfield1@maryland.gov

MARYLAND ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT FUND
(T00F0021, 38.06.00.21)
FY2021 appropriation: $200,000
Celester A. (Les) Hall, Jr., Director (410) 767-6356; e-mail: celester.hall@maryland.gov

MARYLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY
(T00F0023)
FY2021 appropriation: $19,000,00
Timothy P. Doyle, Acting Executive Director (410) 767-2369
e-mail: timothy.doyle@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/medaaf

Appointed by Governor to 5-year terms:
Louna S. Primm, Co-Chair (chosen by Authority in Nov., 2-year term), 2025
Brian F. Sweeney, Sr., 2023; Bohdan Denysyk, Ph.D., 2024; Ryan D. Showalter, Esq., 2024; Richard H. Ohnmacht, 2026; Anne M. Hooper, 2027; Bernard L. Jennings, 2027.

Ex officio: Jerome W. Klasmeier, designee of Comptroller of Maryland; Andrew W. Fish, designee of Secretary of Commerce.

MARYLAND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY
(T00F0042, formerly T00F0014, formerly T00F0002, formerly 38.06.00.02)
Timothy P. Doyle, Acting Executive Director (410) 767-2369
e-mail: timothy.doyle@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-lending-institutions/MIDFA

Appointed by Governor to 5-year terms:
Louna S. Primm, Chair (chosen by Authority in Nov., 2-year term), 2025
Brian F. Sweeney, Sr., 2023; Bohdan Denysyk, Ph.D., 2024; Ryan D. Showalter, Esq., 2024; Richard H. Ohnmacht, 2026; Anne M. Hooper, 2027; Bernard L. Jennings, 2027.

Ex officio: Jerome W. Klasmeier, designee of Comptroller of Maryland; Andrew W. Fish, designee of Secretary of Commerce.

MARYLAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY
(T00F0003 & T00F0009, formerly 38.06.00.03)
FY2021 appropriation: $7,287,716
Stanley W. Tucker, Executive Director (410) 333-4270
e-mail: stanley.tucker@mmggroup.com
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/msbdfa

Appointed by Governor to 5-year terms:
Celester A. (Les) Hall, Jr., Chair (chosen by Authority in Dec., 1-year term)
Laura E. Pasternak, 2024; Gina R. Ramsey, 2024; Mara L. Sierocinski, 2025; Charles Patrick Martin, 2027; Kehinde Oreagba, 2027; Sharon R. Pinder, 2027; one vacancy.

Ex officio: Clemis A. Kaikis, designee of Comptroller of Maryland; Celester A. (Les) Hall, Jr., designee of Secretary of Commerce.

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT & TRADE
(T00F0010, formerly T00A0007, T00F0002)
FY2021 appropriation: $3,444,495; authorized positions: 8
Jessica L. Reynolds, Senior Director (410) 767-0688
e-mail: jessica.reynolds@maryland.gov

AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, & SOUTH ASIA
Brian J. Castleberry, Regional Manager (410) 767-6362; e-mail: brian.castleberry@maryland.gov

THE AMERICAS
Michael Howley, Regional Manager (410) 767-2808; e-mail: michael.howley@maryland.gov

EAST ASIA
Hui-Min Tzeng, Regional Manager (410) 767-0688; e-mail: hui-min.tzeng@maryland.gov

EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, & NEW ZEALAND
Andrew R. Kreinik, Regional Manager (410) 767-8824; e-mail: andrew.kreinik@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF LIFE SCIENCES
(formerly T00F0002)
Vacancy, Senior Manager (410) 767-3213
Staff: Ulyana V. Desiderio, Ph.D., Director (410) 767-6379
e-mail: ulyana.desiderio@maryland.gov
web: https://open.maryland.gov/industries/biohealth/

MARYLAND LIFE SCIENCES ADVISORY BOARD
Staff: Ulyana V. Desiderio (410) 767-6379; e-mail: ulyana.desiderio@maryland.gov
web: https://commerce.maryland.gov/commerce/boards-and-commissions/life-sciences-advisory-board

Appointed by Governor to 2-year terms:
Jay A. Perman M.D., Chair (chosen by Governor), 2023

Richard A. Bendis; Jesse B. Christopher; Rebecca A. H. Fisher, Ph.D.; Edward E. C. Margerrison, Ph.D.; Mark G. Mortenson; Sanjay K. Rai, Ph.D.; Deborah D. Ricker, Ph.D.; KaShauna G. Rohlehr; Martin P. Rosendale; Joseph F. Sanchez, Ph.D.; Brian J. Stamper; W. Robert Storey; Michael S. Weingarten; Ellington S. West; Christy Williams Wyskiel. Terms expire 2023.

Representing Maryland Technology Development Corporation: Arti Santhanam, Ph.D.

Ex officio: R. Michael Gill, Secretary of Commerce.

BUSINESS & INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT
Vacancy, Senior Manager (410) 767-3213
Contact: Ulyana V. Desiderio, Ph.D. (410) 767-6379
e-mail: ulyana.desiderio@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF MILITARY & FEDERAL AFFAIRS
(T00F0013, formerly T00A0009, T00F0013)
FY2021 appropriation: $3,028,658; authorized positions: 5
Lisa A. Swoboda, Senior Director (410) 767-6077
e-mail: lisa.swoboda@maryland.gov


OFFICE OF STRATEGIC INDUSTRIES & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
(T00F0005)
FY2021 appropriation: $3,782,958; authorized positions: 14
Staff: Patrick J. Wynn (443) 928-3569
e-mail: patrick.wynn@maryland.gov


AGRIBUSINESS & ENERGY
Wade Haerle, Manager (410) 767-6370
e-mail: wade.haerle@maryland.gov


OFFICE OF CYBERSECURITY & AEROSPACE
(formerly T00F0006)
Kimberly A. Mentzell, Director (443) 414-7508
e-mail: kimberly.mentzell@maryland.gov


EDUCATION & INNOVATION
Sarah D. Sheppard, Director (410) 767-6368
e-mail: sarah.sheppard1@maryland.gov


MARYLAND E-NNOVATION INITIATIVE FUND AUTHORITY
(T00F0020)
FY2021 appropriation: $8,500,000
Staff: Sarah D. Sheppard (410) 767-6368; e-mail: sarah.sheppard1@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/commerce/maryland-e-nnovation-initiative-fund-authority

Robert M. Hallenbeck, Chair (chosen by Authority)

Appointed by Senate President & House Speaker: Robert M. Hallenbeck; Renee M. Winsky.

Ex officio: R. Michael Gill, Secretary of Commerce; Jay A. Perman, M.D., Chancellor, University System of Maryland; Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, Chief Executive Director, Maryland Technology Development Corporation; vacancy, President, Maryland Technology Development Corporation; Elizabeth Good Mazhari, Interim Managing Director, Maryland Venture Fund.

MANUFACTURING
Todd N. Sabin, Manager (410) 767-0697
e-mail: todd.sabin@maryland.gov

MARYLAND MANUFACTURING ADVISORY BOARD
Staff: Todd N. Sabin (410) 767-0697; e-mail: todd.sabin@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/commerce/boards-and-commissions/manufacturing-commission

Scott M. Simmons, Chair (chosen by Secretary of Commerce), 2021


Appointed by Secretary of Commerce with Governor's approval to 3-year terms: Saundra L. Lamb, Esq.; Thomas W. Sanders. Terms expire 2022.

Susan J. Ganz; Mina J. Izadjoo, Ph.D.; Robert R. Patton; James W. Strong. Terms expire 2023.

Samuel B. Griffith; Lynda L. Hefner; Kelly A. Koermer, Esq.; Gregory T. Maxwell; Norman S. Phillips. Terms expire 2024.

William S. Beckman; E. Katarina Ennerfelt. Terms expire 2025.

Appointed by Senate President: Katherine A. Klausmeier

Appointed by House Speaker: Edward P. (Ned) Carey

Ex officio: R. Michael Gill, Secretary of Commerce.

DIVISION OF MARKETING, TOURISM, & THE ARTS

MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL
(T00G0005, formerly 38.07.00.05)
FY2021 appropriation: $27,568,857; authorized positions: 11
Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director (410) 767-6494
e-mail: steven.skerritt-davis@maryland.gov
web: www.msac.org/

Appointed by Governor in consultation with Secretary of Commerce to 3-year terms:
Jacqueline Tibbs Copeland, Chair (chosen by Council in June, 1-year term), 2025

Everlana Zoe Charlton; Molline C. Jackson; Julia Spangler Madden; John A. Rasmussen, Ph.D. Terms expire 2023.

Lily D. Bengfort; David O. Fakunle, Ph.D.; John Schratwieser; Christopher P. Sloan. Terms expire 2024.

Timothy L. App; Bonnie Fogel; Sumita Kim; Benny Russel. Terms expire 2025.

Appointed by Senate President: Carole Alexander; Ronald N. Young.

Appointed by House Speaker: Shelley Morhaim, J.D.; Alonzo T. Washington.

OFFICE OF MARKETING
Sherri K. Diehl, Director (410) 767-6835
e-mail: sherri.diehl@maryland.gov

DIGITAL CONTENT
Julie A. Miller, Manager (410) 767-6324
e-mail: julie.miller@maryland.gov

DIGITAL MARKETING
Carolyn F. Hammock, Director (410) 767-2375
e-mail: carolyn.hammock@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Karen Glenn Hood, Director (410) 767-6318
e-mail: karen.glennhood@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/media/press-room

Daniel V. Leaderman, Senior Communications Manager (410) 767-6268
e-mail: daniel.leaderman@maryland.gov

BUSINESS NEWS
Amanda C. Winters, Communications Manager (410) 767-1747
e-mail: amanda.winters@maryland.gov


OFFICE OF TOURISM & FILM
(formerly T00G00, 38.07.00)
Elizabeth F. (Liz) Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, Tourism & Film (appointed by Secretary of Commerce with Governor's approval)
(410) 767-6331
e-mail: elizabeth.fitzsimmons@maryland.gov


MARYLAND FILM OFFICE
[OFFICE OF FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA]
John A. (Jack) Gerbes, Director (410) 767-6340
e-mail: john.gerbes@maryland.gov
web: www.marylandfilm.org/

OFFICE OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
(T00G0002, formerly 38.07.00.02)
FY2021 appropriation: $5,049,141; authorized positions: 24
web: www.visitmaryland.org/ (Tourism & Promotion)

MARYLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD
(T00G0003)
FY2021 appropriation: $10,660,000
Staff: Julia A. Bouie (410) 767-6289; e-mail: julia.bouie2@maryland.gov
web: http://commerce.maryland.gov/commerce/boards-and-commissions/tourism-development-board

Judy Long Bixler, Chair (chosen by Board in Dec., 1-year term), 2023


Appointed by Governor to 3-year terms: Ashley R. Chenault, 2023; Sandy J. Maruchi-Turner, 2024; Cassandra M. Vanhooser, 2024.

Appointed by Governor with advice of Secretary of Commerce & Senate advice & consent to 3-year terms: Casey Jenkins, 2023; Cara Hergan Joyce, 2023; Juan Carlos Linares, 2023; Heather A. Braue, 2024; Rick J. Howarth, 2024; Albert A. Spence, 2024; Benjamin N. Seidel, 2025; Melanie D. Johnson, 2025; Christopher W. Riehl, 2025; one vacancy.

Appointed by Senate President: Bill Ferguson; Katie Fry Hester; James N. Matthias, Jr.; Patrick H. Nutter; Shelonda Stokes.

Appointed by House Speaker: Wendell R. Beitzel; Adolph W. Ebersberger; three vacancies.

ADVERTISING & COMMUNICATIONS
Brian M. Lawrence, Assistant Director (410) 767-6299; e-mail: brian.lawrence@maryland.gov

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Marci W. Ross, Assistant Director (410) 767-6286; e-mail: marci.ross@maryland.gov

Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line

Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov

This information resource of the Maryland State Archives is presented here for fair use in the public domain. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: Rights assessment for associated source material is the responsibility of the user. Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website! [ Archives' Home Page  ||  All About Maryland  ||  Maryland Manual On-Line  ||  Reference & Research ||  Search the Archives   ||  Education & Outreach  ||  Archives of Maryland Online ] Governor     General Assembly    Judiciary     Maryland.Gov

© Copyright July 18, 2022 Maryland State Archives