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July 19, 2025

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

1C Commerce Commerce Notes

Maryland Tax Credits Awarded to Main Street Historic Chestertown

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Main Street Historic Chestertown (MSHC) has been awarded for the 5th year an allocation of $20,000 in Maryland state tax credits to support its 2023 fundraising efforts. The Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) are awarded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through a highly competitive application process. The CITC program provides a tax credit to donors equal to 50% of any donation of $500 or greater.

Main Street Historic Chestertown is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to foster an inviting, diverse and prosperous downtown. It is part of a national network founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to revitalize America’s historic commercial districts.

With this year’s allocation of tax credits, MSHC is seeking donations in support of its marketing and tourism projects. These include printing of the Chestertown Visitors’ Guide, regional digital and print ads, and other promotional materials and events that attract tourists. Throughout the year, MSHC hosts a variety of well-known events that enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike, including Cars on High and the Chestertown Car Show, Carnival on High, the Tea Party Block Party, and Dickens of a Christmas.

In addition to special events, MSHC also offers a façade improvement grant program, manages streetscape and beautification efforts, assists with special projects such as Aunt Sarah’s Playground, and is working on pedestrian lighting and wayfinding projects.

“Main Street is committed to enhancing the experience of being in Chestertown, both for residents and visitors,” remarked Nina Fleegle, Executive Director. “We are proud to be able to offer these tax credits as an extra incentive to our supporters.”

MHSC has credits available through December 2023. Donors interested in tax credits should contact the Main Street office at 410-778-2991 or [email protected], prior to sending a donation.

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Kent County Brewfest “Rhythm & Brews” Scheduled for April 15th

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The Kent County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the Kent County Brewfest, now called Rhythm & Brews, will take place on Saturday, April 15th from 12 pm – 4 pm in Downtown Chestertown. Advance General Admission Tickets are $40 and include access to the event, a sampling glass and tasting tickets. New this year, the Chamber will offer VIP tickets, which include access to the event an hour early, a 3-pocket flight paddle, 2 additional sampling glasses, and additional tasting tickets. Tickets are now available and can be purchased at www.kentbrewfest.com.

The fifth annual brewfest will feature beer and cider tastings from more than a dozen popular breweries and cideries from DelMarVa and beyond. The event will also feature live music from Heavy Fred Lite and Justin Singleton, food from Blue Monkey Street Tacos, Phat Daddy’s BBQ and Walker Family Deep Fried Seafood, and outdoor games.

Kent County Chamber of Commerce Rhythm & Brews to be held on Saturday, April 15th

“We are so excited to bring the Rhythm & Brews brewfest experience back to Kent County this year,” says Sarah King, Kent County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We are expanding the event with a variety of craft beer and cider options, two musical acts, and now a VIP Ticket option, to make it even more entertaining and enjoyable than before.”

The Kent Chamber is grateful to the local businesses that signed on to sponsor the event. We would like to thank Cross Street Realtors as our Tasting Glass Sponsor, Fleetwood Insurance Group and The Peoples Bank as our Flight Sponsor, Eastern Shore Tents and Event as our Tent Sponsor, and WCTR as one of our Tap Sponsors. The Chamber still has sponsorship opportunities for this event. If you would like to become a Rhythm & Brews Sponsor or volunteer to serve beers, please contact Sarah King, Executive Director, at [email protected].

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Local Board to Accept Applications for FEMA Funds

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Kent County, MD has been selected to receive $9,392 under Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) based upon the available statistics of its total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions.

The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) is a Federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) made up of members from the United Way Worldwide, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, USA, The Jewish Federation, the American Red Cross, and The National Council of the Church of Christ.

The United Way of Kent County has coordinated a Local Board made up of fourteen organizations to evaluate requests and determine the distribution of funds. Eligible agencies to apply for funding include those providing shelter, food, supplies (diapers, feminine hygiene products), rental and utility assistance and building code repairs/accessibility improvements.

The Local Board for Kent County members are: Chester Valley Ministers Association, Chestertown Havurah, Kent County Emergency Services, Kent Community Food Pantry, Local Management Board, Mount Olive Church, Rebuilding Together Kent County, American Red Cross of Delmarva, Sacred Heart Church, Salvation Army, Samaritan Group, United Way of Kent County, Upper Shore Aging, and Women in Need.

The National Board has been entrusted through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act “to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services” by local social service organizations for people across our Nation who are hungry, homeless, and in economic crisis. Congress has appropriated $130,000,000 to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs. The National Board selects jurisdictions (cities or counties) for funding, not specific agencies. These are not state/county government or United Way funds.

For further information or an application to apply, please contact Hope Clark at [email protected]. The application is due on March 2 at 5 pm.

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ShiAnn Steele Joins Mid-Shore Pro Bono

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ShiAnn Steele

ShiAnn Steele of Smyrna, Del. has recently joined the Salisbury office of the non-profit Mid-Shore Pro Bono as the Lower Shore Intake and Outreach Coordinator.

In the position, Steele is responsible for initiating services with clients in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties, along with outreach activities that cultivate public awareness, charitable donations, and volunteer recruitment for the nonprofit organization. Johannah Cooper previously served in the position and is now off to pursue a graduate degree in social work at Boston University this fall.

Steele is the fourth internship alumni hired onto Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s staff and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Salisbury University, where she is named to the Dean’s List. She is a Smyrna High School graduate, with her academic merits earning her membership to the National Honor Society.

“ShiAnn was one of our summer interns in 2021, and she never stopped her internship—she just kept on volunteering because she enjoyed the work so much,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq.

“Our theory of workforce development is working,” said Girard. “Which is ultimately a double-win for the people who need our services the most, because they have a larger, compassionate team working for them, while we bring more students into rewarding careers in civic engagement and civil justice.”

“I am very passionate about giving back to the community, especially in legal services because I firmly believe everyone has a right to justice,” says Steele. “As a philosophy and law and justice advocacy student a large portion of my studies involves deepening my understanding of what is morally just for people.”

MSPB’s Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship was established in 2021 to honor MSPB’s previous executive director Sandy Brown—and is supported by the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Bar Foundation. The donor-funded program provides undergraduate and law school students with a stipend while learning in the areas of public interest law, non-profit management, community service, and basic work experience.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance through a network of volunteers, with offices in Easton, Chestertown, and Salisbury. Donations to the Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship Fund can be made online using the donate button at www.midshoreprobono.org.

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Easton Utilities Announces Two Senior Executive Promotions

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Easton Utilities recently promoted senior executives John J. Horner, Jr. and Vicki L. Petro. Horner will serve as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and Petro as Vice President of Human Resources. “At this time of significant growth and transition for our organization, these two individuals bring stability along with the strategic vision needed for Easton Utilities to flourish,” stated Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities.

These two integral positions reflect Easton Utilities’ unwavering commitment toward operational excellence by recognizing the importance of safety, people, and service reliability. As the organization continues to evolve and expand, especially considering the countywide broadband project, Connect Talbot, these promotions enable us to continue our focus on Easton Utilities’ strategy, culture, and mission.

John J. Horner, Jr. and Vicki L. Petro

John J. Horner, Jr.

John is responsible for implementing policies and spearheading the overall operational plan for Easton Utilities. His leadership guides the daily operational activities by ensuring the safe delivery of reliable utility and broadband services. John provides organizational stability through the oversight and constant evaluation of regulations, policies and procedures. Prior to joining Easton Utilities in 2016, John held various senior level positions with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). He graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering and holds an MBA from Loyola College. John is active in the community serving as a board member for the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Hospice, and Tidewater Rotary. He is a 2018 graduate of  Shore Leadership and 2021 graduate of Leadership Maryland.

Vicki L. Petro

Since joining Easton Utilities in 1993, Vicki has been responsible for benefits, compensation, training and development, employee relations, performance management, company policy, management practices, recruitment and staffing, and employee wellness at Easton Utilities. She was instrumental in creating a “Deliberate Development” program focused on expanding the capacity of individuals to perform in leadership roles. Vicki continues to build and modify various programs including Emerging Leaders, Mentoring, Wellness, and Leadership Development. She is a SHRM Certified Professional and holds a Professional Human Resource Certificate from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and a Human Resource Management Certification through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Vicki earned her BA from Washington State University and is an alumna of Shore Leadership, Class of 2004. She is currently involved with the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition Diabetes Awareness Campaign and serves on the board of directors for Talbot Humane.

About Easton Utilities

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.

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Rural Maryland Counsel Supports Channel Marker Crisis Bed Construction

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Channel Marker, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to providing wellness services to individuals diagnosed with mental illness, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $125,000 matching grant from the Rural Maryland Council and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund. The grant was used for the construction of a new eight-bed Crisis Facility. The new Crisis Bed Program under Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration will double the bed capacity on the Eastern Shore. Crisis Bed stabilization programs serve individuals suffering from an urgent behavioral health crisis who require facility based crisis services in a safe structured setting. The programs provide continuous 24-hour supports for individuals who do not require intensive clinical treatment in an inpatient psychiatric setting and would benefit from a short-term structured stabilization setting. The Crisis Bed model offers substantial benefits when compared to psychiatric inpatient hospitalization—namely, comparable outcomes, comparable client satisfaction, and substantially lower costs.

The Rural Maryland Council brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county, and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and non-profit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030, while preserving the best aspects of a pastoral heritage and rural way of life. The Fund serves the interests of the entire State by generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State.

Founded in 1982, Channel Marker provides mental health and wellness support for adults and youth with severe mental illness in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Through a wide range of on-site, residential, and community-based services specifically tailored to the needs of each client, more than 55 clinical and mental health services staff serve an average of 300 clients each year. Funding for their work primarily comes from Medicaid with support from generous members of the community, the State of Maryland, and private foundations.

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Mid-Shore Pro Bono Announces Sandy Brown Public Interest Summer Interns

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Mid-Shore Pro Bono has named Brandon Ewing of Worton, Md., Joshua Goslee of Salisbury, Md., Naiset Perez of Easton, Md., and Megan Rayfield of Crisfield, Md. as the nonprofit’s 2022 Sandy Brown Public Interest summer interns.

The paid internship program was established to honor MSPB’s previous executive director Sandy Brown—who stepped down in Dec. 2021—and is supported by the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Bar Foundation. The donor-funded program provides undergraduate and law school students with a stipend while learning in the areas of public interest law, non-profit management, community service, and basic work experience.

Brandon Ewing is a legal intern and a 2023 J.D. candidate at the University of Baltimore School of Law, ranking in the top 25% of his class. He is a staff editor for the University of Baltimore Law Forum and a member of the Royal Graham Shannonhouse III Honor Society. Ewing also served as an undergraduate intern with MSPB in 2019 and recently as a judicial intern in the family division of Baltimore City’s Circuit Court, where he assisted the Magistrate and Clerk in conducting hearings and filling in for the Clerk as necessary.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to once again be a part of Mid-Shore Pro Bono after a great experience as an undergraduate intern in Salisbury,” says Ewing. “I have seen the problems that face many in our communities and the demand for accessible legal services on the Eastern Shore. MSPB has allowed me to take an active role in various projects and make meaningful connections that help meet this demand and resolve issues that can have devastating effects.

“I have enjoyed attending family and elder law clinics that allow us to understand an individual’s issues and tailor a solution to those circumstances,” continued Ewing. “I have also enjoyed the positive environment created by the MSPB staff and attorneys that allowed me to learn and grow over the summer. I hope to remain a resource for Mid-Shore Pro Bono beyond the internship and use my experience to further aid those in need in the future.”

Sandy Brown, center, stands with Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s Sandy Brown Public Interest interns at a recent networking luncheon for the interns at the Frederick Douglass Room of the Talbot County Free Library in Easton, Md. From left are interns Elliett Earhart and Naiset Perez, Brown, and interns Joshua Goslee and Brandon Ewing. Not shown is Megan Rayfield.

Joshua Goslee is an Eastern Shore native and recent graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he earned Summa Cum Laude honors. He was named the most outstanding student in the Criminal Justice department in 2021. At UMES, he was involved in campus athletics and volunteered at local elementary schools and soup kitchens.

Goslee will be attending the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University beginning this August. He follows several generations of public servants in his family, with a passion for giving back to the community and helping those that feel helpless.

“I was very excited to join Mid-Shore Pro Bono as an intern because I wanted to align myself with an organization that becomes a voice for the voiceless,” says Goslee. “So far, I have had so much fun learning and gaining meaningful hands-on experience that you can’t receive in the classroom.”

Naiset Perez is interning during her summer break from Dartmouth College, where she is studying Geography with a focus on Latino Studies and a minor in Government. Perez is a first-generation college student who earned a full scholarship to attend Dartmouth. As the daughter of Central American immigrants, Perez is passionate about serving immigrant communities. She is involved in the FUERZA Farmworkers Fund, where she leads peers in addressing the needs of New Hampshire’s migrants.

“Being the recipient of the Sandy Brown Internship has allowed me to work directly with the community I have grown up in,” says Perez. “Coming from a low-income household, I understand the pressures of being held back because of money issues.

“While working with Mid-Shore Pro Bono, I am able to help families like my own,” Perez continued. “It is an honor to work with an organization like MSPB that works toward the betterment of the community.”

Megan Rayfield is a Crisfield native and a senior philosophy and political science student at Salisbury University. Rayfield is a member of the Ethics Bowl team at Salisbury University and contributed to a top 12 national competition finish for her team. She plans to attend law school and aspires to be a District Attorney, working with underrepresented women and children. She is passionate about helping in her community, and in her spare time, can also be found in the music rooms at SU practicing piano and singing, or reading at home.

Rayfield hopes to gain more involvement in her community and gain a deeper understanding of how the legal system works through her internship. She recognizes how much passion MSPB has for helping others and is now considering a career shift to help more with nonprofit organizations.

“I am getting to actively engage with our clients and hear their stories,” says Rayfield. “Sometimes, as a student, you worry that you might be put on the backburner when it comes to internships, but MSPB has made sure I am involved every step of the way.”

“We’re honored to have Brandon, Joshua, Naiset, and Megan continuing their educations with us,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard. “We’re also grateful to the donors to our Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship fund so that we can provide a stipend to our interns.”

Girard says the nonprofit is uniquely positioned to expose students who are interested in the practice of law, social work, and public interest work through hands-on experiences working with rural, underserved, populations lacking the same resources as urban areas.

“This program engages students in a wide range of legal-related experiences in a high quality and well-supervised professional setting,” she says. “And undergraduate students interested in law, justice, and criminal justice as well as other civic-minded careers will be exposed to hands-on experience in these areas as well.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance through a network of volunteers, with offices in Easton, Chestertown, and Salisbury. Donations to the Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship Fund can be made online using the donate button at www.midshoreprobono.org.

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United Way Announces New Executive Director

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Hope Clark

United Way of Kent County has announced the appointment of Hope Clark as Executive Director.

Clark brings a strong set of skills to the fund-raising organization. After a career as a professional modern dancer in NYC, she received a Master’s in Intercultural Service Leadership and Management from the School for International Training Graduate Institute, with a focus on Social Justice and Conflict Transformation. She moved to Kent County in the mid-eighties and has served on the Board of the African American School House Museum, worked at CommunityMediation Upper Shore, Eastern Shore Health Education Center, and the Local ManagementBoard for Children and Family Services. She volunteered as the coordinator of the DiversityDialogue Group and founded Wheelbarrow Productions, a non-profit organization to partner with communities to create social change and economic opportunities through the arts. Her recent work, as the Maryland Organizer for Climate XChange, coordinated the Rebuild MarylandCoalition to pass equitable and effective climate legislation in the State.

The United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 27 agencies to focus on three areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. This is the 65th year of United Way’s operation in Kent County.

“We are very pleased to welcome her to this position. I am confident that her experience and commitment will help us strengthen our ability to have a positive impact on our focus areas,” said DeLia Shoge, Board President.

The annual fund-raising campaign begins September 1. Donations may be made at any time via the website: unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

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Qlarant Foundation Awards over $400,000 and Hosts Celebration for 2022 Grantees

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On Wednesday July 27, after two years of virtual events, Qlarant Foundation returned to hosting their annual grant awards celebration in person. The Foundation welcomed over 50 grantee representatives, board members, and staff to their Easton corporate headquarters to introduce the non-profit organizations selected to receive grants for the coming year. Each of the grantee organizations is dedicated to providing health and human services to underserved populations.

“After two years of meeting virtually, the Qlarant Foundation is so pleased to host you in person at our headquarters for this year’s annual grantee celebration,” said Dominic Szwaja, PA, Qlarant Foundation Board Chair. “We look forward to gathering so that we may learn more about each other and provide you with an opportunity to network with other non-profit organizations in our region.”

This year, 23 organizations received awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, for a total of $416,500 across Maryland and the District of Columbia. “The Qlarant Foundation received a record number of applications this year. This year’s grants were chosen based on the positive impact we believe your work will have in our region. We are excited about this partnership and about the necessary services our grantees will provide to the most vulnerable populations in our communities.”

Qlarant CEO, Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. holds a check representing the cumulative grant amount of $416,500 distributed to 23 non-profit organizations through the Qlarant Foundation.

“This year, we have a fantastic grantee pool which will be providing a diverse array of services including health and mental health care, housing and addiction services, and childhood development programs,” continued Szwaja. “Our communities will benefit greatly from the comprehensive programs these organizations are poised to provide to those in need.”

The grantees gathered together for a meet and greet session prior to the luncheon where they viewed posters celebrating their efforts that were displayed around the room. Prior to the event, the organizations were given one of five questions to consider that they would respond to during the program. Staff and board members were seated among the grantees providing the opportunity to get to know the grantees and for the grantees to learn more about Qlarant.

“As we navigate through a third year since the start of the pandemic, these organizations require more support than ever,” commented Vice Chair Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian in the program introduction. “So many people are in need of the care they provide. We’re so pleased to be able to continue to provide funding for these programs.”

Each organization met with Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. for a celebratory “big check” photo. He was joined by Maryland Senator Addie Eckardt who presented certificates from the State of Maryland recognizing some of the organizations she represents on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Mr. Midgett S. Parker, Jr, Esq., a Qlarant Board Director, was the featured speaker during the program. A veteran and attorney, Mr. Parker has extensive experience working with non-profits throughout his legal career.

“It is a pleasure to be here with you,” said Mr. Parker, “to learn about what you are doing in the community serving the greatest needs. You are the essence of what Qlarant is doing through its many team members.” He recognized the elected officials by pointing out that they can take back a message of hope for those that are basically hopeless. “The theme for today should be Connecting Communities and Building Bridges—between those that don’t have and those that have resources.”

He pointed out that the organizations know their craft and their communities, but also their limitations. They have had to adapt to the world today and develop ways to deal with them and reach out for help. He also commented on how inspiring it is to see the good news of the organizations in a world where there is so much bad news. He remarked that they are “leaving lasting memorable ties in the communities we serve.” He called the organizations “ambassadors of Qlarant” and they should seize the opportunities that are available from the grants.

Each of the organizations received a copy of the posters which hang in the hallways of Qlarant’s headquarters and a certificate from the Foundation. They will also receive a print of the photo and will be featured in a video which will be posted on Qlarant’s website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. A recording of the full event will also be available on Qlarant’s YouTube channel.

About Qlarant Foundation

Qlarant Foundation, the mission arm of Qlarant, is a national not-for-profit organization that provides grants to charitable and not-for-profit organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia toward projects that help improve the healthcare and human services for individuals and communities. Since 2006, Qlarant Foundation has awarded grants totaling $6.5 million to over 90 organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com/foundation.

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Mid-Shore Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

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Buck Duncan, Foundation President, with the Board of Directors at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting on June 17 that the Tidewater Inn.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation appointed seven members to its Board of Directors – Stephanie Folarin, Aaron Gabrielian, Ruth Ann Jones, Bryan Matthews, Nancy Mugele, Brett Summers, and Moorhead Vermilye.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome these new members who bring diverse expertise to our Board,” said Buck Duncan, Foundation President. “We also thank Ed Allen, Joe Anthony, David DeLuca, Sandy McAllister, and Arraminta Ware who are completing their terms. We are fortunate to have such talented and supportive volunteers.”

Stephanie Folarin serves as the Head of Wye River Upper School in Queen Anne’s County. Stephanie received her B.A. in Africana Studies from Bates College and her M.S. in Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities from Johns Hopkins University. She is currently completing her Certificate in School Management and Leadership at Harvard University. Stephanie has worked extensively with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and clinicians on various educational matters, including differentiated and inclusive education; equity and justice work; curriculum design and implementation; psycho-educational evaluations; teacher evaluations and professional growth; education policy; and education reform in both the public and private sectors of academia.

Aaron Gabrielian is the Senior Vice President – Branch Director at RBC Wealth Management in Easton. He graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and did his graduate work in financial planning through New York University. While earning his degree, Aaron played four years of Division-1 Baseball and was the recipient of the Towson University “Tiger Leadership Award” for his efforts on and off the baseball field. Aaron lives in Easton with his wife, Meggie, and their two children, Poppie and Peter. He volunteers for many local organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Talbot Mentors, and ShoreRivers. In 2020, he accepted active positions on the Easton Memorial Hospital Planned Gifts Committee and the Sultana Educational Foundation Board of Directors.

Ruth Ann Jones recently retired from a career in nursing, having served as the former Senior Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Shore Regional Health.  Ruth Ann is active in the community and has served on advisory boards for Chesapeake College School of Nursing, Salisbury University School of Nursing, the Maryland Organization of Nurse Executives, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the Health Information and Management System Society, and the Health Care Education Association. She has presented and lectured widely at nursing conferences and other events.

Bryan Matthews is the Vice President of KRM Development Corporation in Kent County. His previous experience includes coaching and administration at Washington College and the United States Naval Academy. He has served on advisory boards for US Lacrosse, Horizons, Kent School, Character Counts, Rebuilding Together Kent County, Easterseals, Mainstreet Chestertown, Washington College Hall of Fame Committee, and the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy Mugeleis in her sixth year as the Head of Kent School in Chestertown. She is the Secretary of the Board for the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools, and she serves on advisory boards for Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, the Head Mistresses Association of the East, and the Sultana Education Foundation. Nancy is enthusiastic about the written word and has appeared in several publications of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Brett Summers is a Managing Partner and Founder at NOVO Properties, an asset development and property management organization with portfolios in Washington, DC, Chicago, Charleston, and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Brett is currently focused on NOVO’s efforts to revitalize downtown Cambridge through the acquisition and restoration of mixed-use commercial buildings. In addition to his real estate investment activities, Brett and his wife, Jamie, are the owners of Black Water Bakery in Cambridge. Brett is a returning Director, having previously served as Secretary to the Board.

W. Moorhead Vermilye, long-time volunteer and Founder of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation will serve as the Board Chair. Moorhead is the Senior Business Development Officer at Shore United Bank, and the former President and CEO of Shore Bancshares, Inc. He is active in the community and serves on numerous local boards.

The new members began their three-year terms on July 1st and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.  The Foundation’s Board of Directors consists of thirty-one individuals from throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. For additional information, visit https://www.mscf.org.

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