Angela I Gustus, MPA

Angela has a passion for helping people and businesses grow to meet their full potential. She is currently the Co-Owner/CEO of CMAG & Associates, LLC., providing Business Consulting, Personal & Professional Development, and Training.

Angela, with over 20 years of experience, has presented at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland State Government, and state and national conferences. Angela has also authored three books (Leadership Development for Human Services Professionals Workbook and Chip: Use Everything You Have To Do Everything You Do and Goal Cartography).

Angela has a BA in Sociology; a Master of Public Administration; and will complete her Doctorate in Public Administration in 2020.

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Patricia Williams 

Patricia “Pat” Williams has been in Human Resources for over 27 years. She is currently the Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Specialist III Lead for the City of Baltimore Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Division. She has Human Resource knowledge in talent acquisition, employee involvement, full life cycle recruitment, and Neogov training. As the specialist in Human Resources Recruitment Division, Ms. Williams provides leadership to staff. Assisting departments with getting their positions filled by sourcing out viable candidates. 

Pat currently holds an AA in Business Administration and plans to pursue her BA in Human Resources Management.

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Trisha Beane

 

 Trisha has been in the business of creating businesses for more than 2 decades. Her first experience of entrepreneurship was at the age of 12 when she started a graffiti business in middle school. She drew cartoon characters and personalized graffiti names on clothing and notebooks. It was also around this time that her passion for the beauty industry presented itself. She taught herself to style hair and design nails. She has recently run a successful salon business and now prepares to launch a catering business with her husband. 

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Sheri Artz

Sheri Artz, Training Manager with the City of Baltimore’s Department of Human Resources, has more than 20 years of human resources, learning and development, and wellness programming experience in corporate, government, and hospital-based organizations. Ms. Artz oversees the COB Leadership Academy and specializes in agency customize training, strategic planning, project management, team building, and customer service and communication strategies. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Health & Physical Education from Towson University.

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Jeremy Russell

Jeremy Russell brings more than 12 years of experience in professional development and education to the Training & Development Division.  Before joining the Training & Development Division, Mr. Russell spent 9 years working for Harford and Baltimore Counties as a classroom teacher helping to establish STEM programs in various schools. In addition to establishing these programs, Mr. Russell also wrote a curriculum and designed professional development for new teachers and veteran teachers. In addition, Mr. Russell helps to start the online learning program for Alliance Franchise Brands. Mr. Russell earned an M.S. in Instructional Design with a specialization in Training and Performance Improvement from Walden University. Mr. Russell takes pride in customizing learning to reach a broader audience and understanding the individual learner's needs.

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Jesse Ruffes

Jesse Ruffes has more than 15 years of experience working across an array of public and private sectors. Mr. Ruffes holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in Professional and Technical Writing. As an ESL Instructor with The Peace Corps, Mr. Ruffes implemented sustainable English language curriculums for the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and soft skill workshops with the University of Veliko Tarnovo. Prior to joining the City of Baltimore’s Department of Human Resources, he coordinated proposal responses for federal procurement opportunities issued by the United States Agency for International Development, and activity recruited proposed personnel and host country partnerships as a Business Development Associate. In his current role as a Training & Development Officer with the City of Baltimore, Mr. Ruffes conducts professional development training and implements, evaluates, and measures training programs using instructional design methodology. A service-oriented problem solver, Mr. Ruffes takes pride in working with others to ensure their educational needs are exceeding expectations.

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Sandra Curtis 

  

Sandra (Sandie) Curtis joined the City of Baltimore’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) as the Chief of its Learning and Development Division in May 2015. In this capacity, Curtis has responsibility for leading the Learning & Development team to enhance programs and develop a well-rounded, progressive curriculum for City of Baltimore employees. 

Prior to joining the City, Curtis served as the Director of Training & Business Support for a large, international franchise organization and as the Founder & CEO of an International Training & Development firm that serviced government entities and Fortune 500 companies. 

Curtis is an award-winning, nationally recognized business development and adult learning expert who has been credited with forging dynamic learning platforms in public and private educational institutions, entrepreneurial ventures, and franchise operations. 

Curtis earned a BA Degree in Education from Limestone College and Masters in School Administration, Gardner-Webb University. She holds an International 

Public Management Association – Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP). 

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Cameron Dyson

Dyson is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He is a 2013 graduate of Digital Harbor High School.

As the current Assistant Technical Instructor at NPower, he is responsible for teaching the Tech Fundamental Course and working with young adults to obtain their CompTIA certification. Prior to joining NPower as an instructor, Cameron worked as an NPower intern at Under Armor HQ as a Help Desk Specialist. During the process of working the night shift at the Amazon fulfillment center, he was able to gain his A+ certification and assist his fellow classmates in the process

Cameron has maintained his passion for technology and the IT landscape. He continues to expand his technical knowledge and gives free IT workshops to NPower alumni. Finally, he takes pride in being the man of the household and supporting his family.

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 Melanie J. Wells

Melanie J. Wells, MPH is a nonprofit executive, community advocate, and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the public health and nonprofit sectors. During her career, she has served medically vulnerable communities in North Carolina, Florida, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. Her areas of expertise include nonprofit governance, strategic planning, as well as program design, implementation, and evaluation. Currently, as the Director of Administration for the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Melanie oversees operations and talent development. She has a passion to help others fulfill their potential by sharing what she has learned on her professional and personal journey. As a mentor, community advocate, and keynote speaker, Melanie encourages women and youth to pursue careers in healthcare.

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Martin Schwartz

Martin Schwartz is the founding and current President of Vehicles for Change (VFC), a nonprofit organization that accepts donated cars, repairs them while training ex-offenders to become automotive mechanics, and awards the reconditioned cars to working, low-income families.

Since 1999, VFC has changed the lives of more than 18,000 individuals by awarding more than 6,000 cars to families across, Maryland, Virginia, and Michigan. VFC also operates two social enterprises—Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center and Freedom Wheels.

 Martin currently serves on the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board and the Transportation Committee of the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board.

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Margo Settles

In 2004, Margo Settles graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Margo currently works as the Chief of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in Baltimore City, MD, and is responsible for the program overview and clinical supervisory functions to ensure best practices, confidentiality, and quality service. Prior to her employment with the City, Margo was active as the Chief Executive Officer of her own private practice, Bruner & Associates, LLC which established public sector contracts to provide clinical and EAP services. Margo has over fourteen years of clinical experience while working with diverse populations in a variety of settings which include: medical & Hospice facilities, domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, foster care, and addiction treatment centers.  

Margo is licensed as a supervisory Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland as well as certified as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP); Human Resources Professional (SHRM-SCP); and an IPMA-HR Certified Professional (IPMA-CP).

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Lisa Brown-Hall

Consultant, Counselor, and Writer are just a few of the accomplishments of Lisa Brown-Hall. She recently joined Johns Hopkins Medicine where she is a career specialist for the Hopkins Local initiative.

Prior to her current role, she spent time with Under Armour and Microsoft Corporation; during her 10-year tenure at Microsoft, she served as a Diversity Program Manager, where her primary responsibilities included developing strategic alliances and partnerships with groups that were traditionally underrepresented in key positions. As a program manager, she also played a dual marketing/event planning role where she was part of a team that was chartered for event management of Microsoft’s presence at national conferences.

Mrs. Brown-Hall holds a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Howard University, and a Master of Education degree from DePaul University. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

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Jennifer Stano

Jennifer Stano is the Employment, Classification, and Compensation Manager in the Office of Human Resources at Towson University.  Jennifer’s experience in Human Resources includes serving as an Educational Program Manager for a restaurant seafood chain, followed by working as a Human Resources Generalist in the defense industry.  Her current focus is on enhancing the employment experience, utilizing technology and automation to improve customer service, and expanding outreach to the Towson communities to form new partnerships and attract a diverse set of qualified applicants.

Jennifer received her B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with minors in Sociology and Economics from James Madison University.  In 2006, Jennifer received her Masters of Business Administration with an Organizational Development concentration from Suffolk University. 

Jennifer earned her Professionals in Human Resources (PHR) certification through HRCI in January 2010, and recently received her Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation from the Society for Human Resource Management.   

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David Marshall

Marshall’s Trash removal was established in 1951 by Willie D. Marshall Sr.  He started his company with one open body truck and 4 workers.   Mr. Marshall Sr.’s truck had no automation so he and his groundsmen had to lift the trash and heavy drums of coal ash onto the back of the truck.  As time went on, Mr. Marshall grew his company and was able to purchase his first packer truck in 1969. Upon the retirement of another collector of color, Mr. Andy Hill, Baltimore County approached Mr. Marshall Sr. to ask if he knew anyone interested in taking Mr. Hill’s former route.  Quite naturally, he asked his eldest son, Willie Jr.  Willie Jr. feeling ill-prepared for the enormous task at hand declined the offer.    In 1979, following the birth of Willie Jr.’s oldest son, David, Baltimore County made yet another offer to Willie Jr.  Feeling a greater sense of preparation, Willie Jr. accepted the offer.  It was at that time, Marshall Jr. Inc. was formally established.  In 1987, Willie Sr. retired.  Willie Jr. then acquired his route and combined it with his original route.  Willie Jr. sat at the helm of Marshall Jr. Inc. for 37 years until his retirement in 2017.  David D. Marshall, Willie Jr.’s oldest son, now serves as President.  David brings a very unique skill set to Marshall Jr. Inc as he is an established opera singer and music educator.  He holds degrees in Vocal Performance from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and Shenandoah Conservatory.   In addition to David’s role as President of Marshall Jr. Inc., he’s established a non-profit organization, “Marshall’s Career Development Institute”.  This subsidiary of Marshall Jr. Inc. was established to aid ex-offenders in the reentry process.  David was honored for his leadership and service to the Dundalk/Turners Station community by receiving the “Henrietta Lacks Business Man of the Year Award” in 2017.  David has moved into his new role as President with great anticipation of growing his company and helping to further its established role in not only the Dundalk/Turners Station community but the greater Baltimore Metropolitan area at large. 

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Christina Stocks-Bratcher

Christina is a passionate individual who brings commitment and dedication to serving the residents of Baltimore City. She lives by a Benjamin Disraeli quote “The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own.” Christina is dedicated to social causes that affect marginalized groups. Her mission is to help residents of Maryland find their paths in life by providing guidance and support to help them become successful by their definition. Christina is pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Baltimore in the Master's Public Administration program.  

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Jerrell Bratcher

• Over 20 years of customer service experience.

• Over 14 years of public speaking experience.

• Over 10 years of family and community engagement experience.

• Over 10 years of executive-level administration and senior executive level support experience.

• Over 10 years of HR, recruitment-related, marketing, and talent acquisition experience.

• Over 10 years of youth education, development, and program experience.

• Over 6 years of K-8 school operations and school startup experience.

Some of Jerrell’s work history, experience, and successes include partnerships with CEOs, executives, government officials, organizations to grow their outreach and community engagement initiatives. After spending over a decade working in customer service, public speaking, program development, and leading recruitment efforts across many sectors, Jerrell is also driven to help individuals achieve their personal/professional growth and development—and it’s not just about mind hacks, smooth transitions, and shortcuts. It requires planning, preparation, and execution. It’s about how well you connect and communicate your interests, set career goals, build relationships, demonstrate your character, and market yourself.

Jerrell has spoken and presented before large groups, organizations, and conferences. In addition to his extensive background and experience, Jerrell led recruitment efforts for CareerBuilder/Amazon, school organizations, and other nonprofit organizations. Currently, Jerrell works in Development and Alumni Relations for Johns Hopkins University.

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Malinda Haggerty

Malinda Haggerty has been in Human Resources for over 20 years.  Her experience as a generalist has spanned many industries including manufacturing, hospitality, government contracting, and engineering.  As a generalist in Human Resources, Mrs. Haggerty has worked for small to mid-sized companies where she is usually been the only Human Resources employee.  As such she has experience in all areas of HR including; Benefit administration, talent acquisition, employee involvement, and employee relations. Currently, Mrs. Haggerty is the Human Resources Manager for Sabra & Associates, Inc. where she focuses on talent acquisition and employee relations. 

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D. Page Bradham

Nurse Recruiter with University of Maryland Medical System

RECRUITER & SOURCER, WITH HR GENERALIST & MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Strategic Sourcing / Talent Acquisition / Recruiting / Talent Management

Help people actualize their potential by making the connections that aid them in finding the positions where they can be the most successful and have a positive impact both professionally and personally. Respected professional recruiter with 15+ years of experience in wide-ranging aspects of sourcing, recruiting, and talent acquisition. Full life-cycle recruiting, including the job posting, strategic sourcing, recruiting, position fulfillment, onboarding, and retention efforts. Strategic-thinker, able to clearly analyze statistical trends and develop a viable road map to achieve recruiting objectives. Highly organized and results-driven. Talent for bridging communication channels to interact across ranks with team members, executives, owners, vendors, and investors.

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Shonte Eldridge

Ms. Shonte Eldridge currently serves as the city of Baltimore's Deputy Chief of Operations where she is responsible for supporting Mayor Catherine E. Pugh's efforts to strategically align and transform City government and leading large city-wide initiatives, strategies and smart cites projects that directly impact city residents, visitors, and business owners.

Ms. Eldridge has been leading diverse public service-related projects for nearly 20 years and is a certified project management professional (PMP), which is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers. 

Before her employment with the Mayor’s Office, she held the positions of chief of legislative and external affairs for the Office of the States Attorney for Baltimore City, chief of policy and planning for Maryland's Governor's Office of Crime Control and  Prevention, and deputy chief of communications for the Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City.

Ms. Eldridge's work in the industry has appeared in numerous national publications and she is often called upon to speak about community engagement and technology and teaches leadership and strategic planning workshops for all levels of staff.

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Lisa Wood

Lisa Wood joined the City of Baltimore in January 2017 and currently is the Director of Human Resources for the Fire Department. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of personnel administration to include recruitment, hiring, labor and employee relations, performance management, classification and leave administration.

Director Wood brings over 15 years of human resources experience. Director Wood holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s of Business Administration from James Madison University. She is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources, (SPHR) and an SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SCP).

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Chris Kirkland

Chris brings over 12 years of experience as a Learning & Development professional.  He has vast experience in designing and teaching both instructor-led and web-based training courses for the city and federal governments as well as for midsized and large companies.  He has also provided training for employees from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels.  This includes seasoned health care professionals and company executives.  Chris takes great pride in being able to serve his learners and aid in teaching them the necessary skills to improve.  Chris currently works as a trainer for the City of Baltimore.

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Christine Reasbeck

Ms. Reasbeck has 25 years of human resources experience focused on construction and manufacturing environments. Ms. Reasbeck is well-versed in human resources management with a unionized workforce, compensation analysis, and recruitment/retention strategies.  She is a graduate of Temple University and Florida Atlantic University; and actively holds Senior Certified Human Resources Certification with both SHRM and HRCI organizations.

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J. Douglas Wilson, Jr.

Doug worked as an accomplished senior program manager with over 28 years managing operations, supervising staff, leading teams, and delivering quality programs and services to multi-disciplinary groups and organizations.   Doug’s expertise includes developing organizational strategies and implementing community-based adult intervention programs that focus on remedial education, health promotion and disease prevention, youth and adult literacy, and workforce development.

As a former state rehabilitation counselor, Doug developed life skills and behavior adjustment, career counseling, and job skills training.   As part of the community services division, Doug worked 13 years as Senior Research Program Manager for the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Center at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

In 1999, as a result of a fellowship grant from the American Jewish Council, Doug was selected to travel to Israel to participate in an educational and cultural exchange program.  He was also invited to Seoul, Korea as part of a cross-cultural ministerial leadership team.

Doug received his Associated of Arts Degree in Electronics Technology in 1970, his undergraduate in Urban Affairs from Morgan State University, and his Doctorate in Urban Ministry from Family Bible Seminary.  He holds a certificate in individual, family, and group counseling from Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. Elder Doug was licensed and ordained by Pastor Michael Phillips at Kingdom Life Church(KLC) in 2004. 

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Bagher Fardanesh

Bagher Fardanesh earned his Ph.D. with concentrations in marketing and management, M.A. in Public Administration, and B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. He is currently teaching at the University of Maryland, R. H. Smith School of Business.

 In his professional practice, he has served organizations such as the international operations of General Motors, TADOC, The Johns Hopkins University, and World Trade Center Institute. Dr. Fardanesh serves as a commissioner for the Maryland Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs. He is the author of Global Communications and Misunderstandings (2009). He published another book, Cross-Cultural Communication with Success (2013).

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Sonjia Conaway-Gordon

Sonjia Conaway-Gordon is an Employee & Labor Relations Consultant for LifeBridge Health - Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Sonjia has worked in Human Resources since 1999 and has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources in such areas as Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, and Workforce Development.

Sonjia was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a graduate of Baltimore City College High School and the University of Baltimore with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources.

Sonjia is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Maryland University College and is also currently pursuing her SPHR Certification through HRCI.

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Kim L. Scarborough

Kim Scarborough has been an employee of the Federal Government for over 8 years and is currently a Chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the CFSAN Office of Cosmetics and Colors. In her current role, she provides technical guidance and responses to reporters, public relations officers, and other external entities inquiring about the regulation and oversight of cosmetics.

Kim has 15 years of combined experience from the corporate/private sector as a successful cosmetic chemist/marketing executive.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Morgan State University, and she obtained her M.B.A. from Loyola University.

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Brandon Garrel

Brandon Garrel is a results-driven, out-of-the-box thinking professional, with over nine years of experience in a variety of workforce development categories, such as business development, full life-cycle recruitment in multiple industries, and candidate development and placement. During his time with the Baltimore County Government’s Department of Workforce Development, Mr. Garrel led the project of creating the Career Closet, which provides professional attire for job-seekers. He is passionate about working with underserved populations and ensuring that they receive equal opportunity employment.   In recent years, Mr. Garrel has proven strength in the areas of instructional design and in-classroom training that focuses heavily on career readiness preparation for youth, dislocated, and adult workers. In addition, he has a proven ability to reconnect individuals with extreme barriers to employment, which include both ex-offenders and homeless populations. Mr. Garrel proactively stays ahead of industry trends and being on the cutting-edge of delivering workforce development services.

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Maxine Rush

Maxine Rush, M.Ed., GCDF, JCTC, is the Workforce Engagement Manager at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Community and Workforce Engagement department. She oversees the strategic implementation of services offered to our employees, the community, and youth seeking career opportunities across two campuses:

UMMC University and UMMC Midtown. She and her team use evidence-based workforce development interventions to improve the equity and quality of life of Baltimore City residents.

Prior to her employment with the University of Maryland Medical Center, Maxine was a Career Consultant for Baltimore County Government Workforce Development for 10 years where she helped hundreds of displaced and dislocated workers, working adults, and career changers in areas of meeting their employment goals. She also participated in many outreach programs to share with the community.

She attended Baltimore City Public Schools, graduated from Patterson High School, and continued her education at Bowie State University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Broadcast Communications Technology. In 2002, she received her Masters of Education in School Guidance & Counseling/Career Development from Loyola University of Maryland. She is currently affiliated with the Maryland Career Development Association.

Maxine currently serves on the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board (BWDB), youth committee.

Maxine enjoys helping people identify their skills, explore other careers, sharpen their already developed skills, and present themselves in person. She has been facilitating workshops for youth and adults for over 25 years.

Maxine was raised in the city of Baltimore since her childhood. She loves domestic travel and reading autobiographies. Her favorite quote is “look not at the things that are seen for what is seen is temporary but what is not seen is eternal.”

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Dr. Tonya C. Phillips

Dr. Tonya C. Phillips (Ph.D.) is the founder and CEO of Team Phillips Consulting Group, which was established in 2011 with a mission to educate, empower and reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Dr. Phillips is dually licensed in the state of Maryland as a Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Alcohol and Drug Therapist. She has significant experience in presenting life skills seminars, and mental health training at conferences, workshops, and seminars both locally and globally. Dr. Phillips is an accomplished and highly respected subject matter expert in her field, with a passion for reaching and healing communities to reach greater levels of self-efficacy.

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Mone’t S. Horton

Mone't S. Horton inspires spirit-led aspiring and current entrepreneurs in fulfilling their life purpose. Ms. Horton, the purpose-driven professional and inspirational coach, speaker, psalmist, and the author is the Visionary and Chief Inspiration Officer (CIO) of Mo’s Enterprise LLC.

She believes that all YOU need is Within YOU—NOW, is the time to Tap IN! Through her own journey, she has learned to embrace the process of life, stay in position, tap into her inner strength, and Manifest! Spirit-led, she serves as a mouthpiece and vessel on a mission to change the lives of people within her reach, with a specific passion for empowering youth and women to Manifest beyond their wildest dreams and imagination! To Move from their REALITY to their WEALTHY PLACE!

Ms. Horton is given to and values Professional Excellence, Inspiration, and Mentorship.

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