Maryland State House

A senior official under former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is starting a lobbying and consulting firm.

Jeanne Haddaway-Riccio joins forces with Robert Rauch to form R & R Solutions, a lobbying and consulting firm. The new firm will be led by four principals: Haddaway-Riccio, Rauch, Ryan Snow, and Jennifer Williams.

Haddaway-Riccio is a Republican former state delegate from the Eastern Shore who served three years as deputy chief of staff to Hogan. She was later appointed secretary of the Department of Natural Resources by Hogan in 2019, a position that she held until Hogan left office in 2023.

Rauch, a civil engineer, is chair of Rauch Inc.’s board and served on the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

Snow also held roles in the Hogan administration, including director of intergovernmental affairs. He was also a project manager for Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. He is currently a consultant specializing in economic development and infrastructure.

Williams, a former president of the Talbot County Council, is an attorney and real estate broker.

In a statement, Haddaway-Ricco said the firm will focus on legislative advocacy, regulatory affairs, grassroots mobilization, strategic consulting and grant writing.

“Our team’s deep-rooted knowledge of local, state, and federal issues, combined with our strategic approach to advocacy, uniquely positions us to effect real change,” Haddaway-Riccio said in her statement. “We are committed to driving meaningful policy advancements for the betterment of our state and our nation.”

Chamber hires Wiggins for government affairs role

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce announced it has named Grason Wiggins as its new vice president of government affairs.

Wiggins joins the 7,000-member organization from the lobbying firm of Harris Jones & Malone, where the chamber said he worked closely with legislators and the Moore administration on policies affecting the state’s economy. Before that, he was senior manager of government affairs for the Maryland Multi-housing Association and director of legislative and regulatory affairs at the Maryland Department of Labor.

Wiggins holds a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

“His understanding of Maryland’s legislative landscape makes him an ideal advocate for our members,” Chamber President and CEO Mary D. Kane said in a prepared statement. “Grason’s work will be crucial in shaping policies that strengthen our state’s economy and improve our communities.”

Wiggins replaces Andrew Griffin, who served the last five years as the chamber’s senior vice president government relations, before leaving last week to join the lobbying firm Providence Strategies.

by Bryan P. Sears, Maryland Matters
August 8, 2024

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected]. Follow Maryland Matters on Facebook and X.

Easton Utilities has named Tracie A. Thomas as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Secretary of the Commission. Thomas replaces Steve Ochse who retired after nine successful years as the CFO. “I am excited for this opportunity at an important time in our evolution and look forward to ensuring a solid financial future for Easton Utilities,” said Thomas.  

As the CFO, Thomas will oversee all aspects of Easton Utilities’ financial management in a progressively challenging financial and regulatory environment. Working closely with the CEO and department heads, she will focus on executing the mission statement of Easton Utilities – to enhance the quality of life in our community. Tracie will also maintain oversight of the Accounting, Customer Service, and Billing and Collections operations.

Tracie has been with Easton Utilities since 2000, where she started as Controller and took on increasing levels of responsibility over time. Before this role, she was the Vice President of Customer Services, and before that the Director of Accounting, Customer Service and Procurement. “Tracie brings more than 25 years of accounting leadership and solid utility industry knowledge, both of which will play a pivotal role in the ongoing success of our organization,” said Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities. 

Tracie holds a BS in Accounting from Salisbury University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She also holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant designation. In 2019, she was nominated as a ‘Women to Watch’ and recognized as an outstanding female CPA by the Maryland Association of CPA’s. She is a graduate of Leadership Maryland (2022) and Shore Leadership (2019) and has been involved with a variety of local nonprofit organizations. Tracie is most dedicated to the Waterfowl Festival and Waterfowl Chesapeake where she spent many years on both boards. She also performs with the Mid-Shore Community Band as a clarinetist. Tracie is native to the Eastern Shore; born in Cambridge and raised in Easton where she currently resides. 

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit eastonutilities.com for more information.

Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission Launches Community Survey to Shape Future Economic Strategy

The Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission (EDC) is pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive community survey aimed at gathering valuable feedback from residents and workers in the county. This survey is a critical component of the EDC’s efforts to update its economic development strategic action plan, which will guide the commission’s work over the next five years.

The survey seeks input on the EDC’s services, programs, and priorities that will both support economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Queen Anne’s County. Residents and workers are encouraged to participate, as their insights guide county’s economic development activities for the next 5 years.

Survey Details:

• Link to Survey: https://bit.ly/QACETD-2024
• Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, June 21
• Estimated Completion Time: 10 minutes
• Confidentiality: All responses are confidential

“Your feedback is essential in helping us understand the community’s needs and priorities,” said Heather Tinelli, Director of QAC Economic & Tourism Development. “By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, you are contributing to a robust plan that aims to foster a thriving and diverse economy in Queen Anne’s County.”

“We are excited to embark on this project and look forward to collaborating with the community to create a strategic plan that reflects our shared vision for the future,” added Heather Bacher, Chair of the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission. “Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy for Queen Anne’s County.”

For any questions regarding the survey, please contact Rebecca Clark at [email protected]

The EDC extends its gratitude to all participants for their invaluable input in this important effort.

About Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission: The Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission is dedicated to fostering economic growth, enhancing the quality of life, and supporting the business community in Queen Anne’s County through strategic planning, resource development, and collaborative initiatives.

Qlarant Elevates Talented Staff to executive leadership levels

Honors the Retirement of current President having served 30 years.

Qlarant, Inc. a leader in data analytics used to improve conditions in the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce the promotion of three senior leaders in the company: Mr. Scott Ward to President, Carrie A. Ward to Chief Operating Officer, and Robert J. Foley to Chief Operating Officer.  The company also announces the retirement of President Ms. Sandy Love, who has been with Qlarant for over 30 years.

The following individuals have been promoted to new executive roles:

Mr. Scott Ward fills the position of President following the retirement of Sandy Love. “The process to replace Sandy Love included both internal and external talent review – it was thorough and ultimately resulted in a leadership strategy that is best for the organization,” said Qlarant CEO Ron Forsythe, Jr., PhD. “Scott is uniquely skilled in the industry, has a wealth of experience,  and will continue to move Qlarant in the right direction.”

Mr. Ward joined Qlarant in 2009 and has served as a Senior Vice President and Program Director for the Unified Program Integrity Contractor, Southwest Jurisdiction (UPIC SW) since 2016. As one of Qlarant’s flagship contracts, the UPIC SW helps to protect the Medicare and Medicaid trust fund from fraud, waste and abuse in the Southwestern US. Mr. Ward provided oversight of a budget of $221M and led a team of 150+ professionals across seven states.

In addition, Scott cultivated and maintained ongoing customer relationships while developing new initiatives. He has worked with a wide spectrum of external partners (including the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration) to achieve organizational goals and maintain high customer satisfaction ratings.

As a result of his organization’s investigations, over $1B in savings has been returned to taxpayers.

“Our objective is to achieve our CEO’s goals for the company,” said Scott. “We intend to expand industries and foster growth to achieve these significant milestones.” “The only road is the high road,” he emphasized. “When you choose to take the high road, you are usually choosing the most difficult path. As a result, you come out in the best light.”

Ms. Carrie Ward, formerly Sr. Vice President and Program Director of the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contract (I-MEDIC), with oversight over the Vulnerability Program Management and Plan Program Integrity MEDIC (PPI MEDIC) moves into a newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). “In this new role, I will concentrate on strengthening existing contracts to ensure they continue to receive the highest quality attention, combined with superior results” Carrie said. “I will look at performance improvements across all our integrity contracts, explore new business opportunities, and bolster existing work.”

Carrie, who joined Qlarant in 2009, is “a change agent and analytical strategist with expertise in developing business solutions and initiatives,” according to Forsythe. “Her efforts drive savings, streamline operations, and improve growth and profitability.  We are fortunate to have her on our side”

Mr. Bob Foley has expanded his role from Senior Vice President for State Programs to Chief Operating Officer. In this new position, he oversees all Quality contractual operations, including Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, External Quality Review; Quality Innovation Network/Quality Improvement Organization; Hospital Quality Improvement Contract; Health Equity; Aging, and Disabled; and Training and Education activities.

“This new position expands my responsibility for corporate planning; communication, budget and resource management, and oversight of production activities,” said Foley. He also oversees contract management, employee development, and new business cultivation. Foley has been with Qlarant since 2001 in several positions involving intellectual and developmental disabilities and quality improvement contracts.

Additionally, Qlarant extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Sandy Love, who has retired as President after an illustrious career spanning three decades with the company.  “Throughout her tenure, she has been an invaluable asset, embodying Qlarant’s commitment to excellence and integrity.  Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the organization, and she will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by colleagues and peers” Continue Dr. Forsythe.

About Qlarant

Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, Md, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 550 people. Qlarant is a four-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact Pat Boos, [email protected]

Students in grades 6-9 from Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties, like those shown here from last year’s program, are eligible to apply for the 2024 Summer Career Enrichment Program scheduled for July 8-August 1 at Colonel Richardson High School in Federalsburg. The program is sponsored by the People for Change Coalition and brings together a team of specialized instructors to help bridge the digital divide and offer a college-level curriculum in a supportive environment. Learn more about the program by calling 301-772-1552 or emailing [email protected].

The People for Change Coalition is now accepting applications for its 2024 Summer Career Enrichment Program scheduled for July 8-August 1 at Colonel Richardson High School in Federalsburg. Students in grades 6-9 from Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties are eligible to apply.

Now in its fourth year, this free program empowers participants with skills crucial for the digital age. Students delve into fields and cutting-edge technologies that traditionally lack exposure in rural settings. Class topics include app development, robotics, drone operation, cybersecurity, healthcare, animation, chess, media arts, and video design.

By bringing together a team of talented and nurturing instructors who specialize in various trades, the program aims to bridge the digital divide and offer a college-level curriculum in a supportive environment.

“The program ignites the potential of young minds and paves the way for future success with innovative curriculum and limitless opportunities,” says Business Development Director Jerry McLaurin. “We are building a community of students on Maryland’s Eastern Shore who typically don’t have access to this type of technology.”

The program not only focuses on technical skills but also emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and mentorship sessions, students will both acquire knowledge and develop essential life skills that are invaluable for personal and professional success.

The Summer Career Enrichment Program is offered in partnership with Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot County Public School systems and is supported by more than 20 organizations including the Mid-Shore Regional Council.

The People for Change Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equity, access, and opportunity for underserved communities. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, the coalition works to address systemic barriers and create pathways to success for all.

To learn more about the program and how to enroll, call 301-772-1552 or email [email protected].

While there is a feeling in town that the cannabis odor being produced from Green Thumb Industries Centreville production facility has been less notable recently, town council members were eager to hear the first of many reports from the company about its progress so far in eliminating the unmistakable smell of burning marijuana plants from QAC’s county seat community.

In this QAC-TV clip, GTI spokesperson Jeff Armstrong outlines the steps taken so far and responses to questions from council members.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length.