2025 Rural Summit Speaker Highlights
Inspiring Voices. Innovative Ideas. Real Rural Impact.
The 2025 Rural Summit brings together visionary leaders, changemakers, and community innovators who are shaping the future of rural life across the nation. This year’s lineup features thought-provoking speakers spanning agriculture, entrepreneurship, sustainability, healthcare, and rural development.
Tiffany C. Ahalt is the Director of Sales and Community Engagement, promoting Washington County, Maryland, as a visitor destination. With thirty years of experience in hospitality and tourism, she has owned a horse-drawn carriage company and held various leadership roles, including Director of Marketing at Visit Frederick and COO for the Howard County Tourism Council. Tiffany holds an associate’s degree in business administration and recently completed the Certified Destination Management Executive Program. She has served as president of the C&O Canal Association and chaired Frederick County’s Rural and Scenic Roads Advisory Committee. Additionally, she has contributed to the National Road Museum and has been a member of the Smoketown Rotary Club since 2008.
Owen Bailey has been with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy since July 2015, currently serving as the Director of Land Use and Policy. He leads development initiatives and land use policy efforts at the municipal, county, and state levels. In addition to his role at the conservancy, Owen chairs several key organizations, including the Towns/Urban Committee for the Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network, Partners for Open Space, and the Eastern Shore Regional Trails Steering Committee. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Chestertown Planning Commission, reflecting his dedication to regional sustainability and conservation.
Dr. Prem Bhandari is an Agritourism and Value-Added Agricultural Marketing Specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He develops agritourism programs, organizes conferences and workshops, and conducts research. Previously, he worked at the University of Michigan, where he has over 30 years of experience in social research and has published more than 55 peer-reviewed articles. He is also an editorial member of three journals and reviews for about 20 others.
Heather Bois Bruskin (Director, she/her/hers) leads the OFSR team in achieving food system goals with community partners. She worked in higher education before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, serving nearly nine years as Executive Director of a food systems advocacy group. Heather is Co-Chair of the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council and a founding member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments FARM Committee. She holds a BA from Tufts University and an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. A Montgomery County resident and MCPS parent, Heather enjoys volunteering and exploring local farms and hiking trails with her family and two rescue dogs.
Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas is an educational leader with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to enhancing student outcomes. Currently implementing Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, she has advanced career and technical education and boosted minority student performance in Baltimore County Public Schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she adapted education for over 116,000 students. As Principal, she reduced school violence by 93% and integrated brain science into teacher training. Mary remains dedicated to supporting children and families.
DomInic J. Butchko serves as MACo’s Director of Intergovernmental Relations, leading efforts to build partnerships between counties and state agencies, particularly in Annapolis-facing initiatives. He reviews legislation, supports MACo’s policy advocacy and publications, and oversees policy areas including Environment, Infrastructure, Land Use, and Housing & Community Development. Dominic also acts as liaison to MACo’s Engineers and Planners Affiliates, the Rural County Coalition Chapter, and the County Legislative Staffers Group.
Amy Cawley is in her 15th season as Manager of the Farm to Food Bank program at the Maryland Food Bank, which partners with 59 farms to provide over 3 million pounds of nutritious produce to those in need in FY ’24. In November 2023, she was honored as Agriculture Advocate of the Year by Chesapeake Charities, and she previously received the Agriculture Award from the Caroline Chamber of Commerce in 2016. A Caroline County resident, Amy also helps at Cawley Family Farm, where they grow and sell Christmas trees. She is a graduate of LEAD MD Class VIII and enjoys spending time outdoors with her pets and assisting others.
Maria Chaplygina is the Associate Training Manager at the Asian American Center of Frederick is an accomplished journalist with a career spanning over two decades. She has reported on major global events and interviewed top leaders and decision-makers. Her work has taken her from the vibrant streets of Moscow, Beijing, and Washington, D.C., to the remote villages of rural China, Russia, and the United States, giving her a broad and nuanced understanding of complex global and local issues. At the Asian American Center, Maria leverages her extensive experience to enhance healthcare access, workforce development, and cultural enrichment in Maryland. Through her leadership and commitment, she empowers individuals and strengthens communities, inspiring lasting positive change.
Elizabeth Chung, originally from Hong Kong, immigrated to the United States in 1970. For over 45 years, she has championed the health of minority communities. After earning a graduate degree in public health from Penn State, Chung dedicated her career to health equity. She has helped found four community-based agencies and is the founder and Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF), which assists immigrants in developing the skills necessary for independence. Under her leadership, AACF addresses health disparities through partnerships, with a focus on cultural competency and language access. Chung has served on multiple advisory boards and commissions, earning awards such as the Jefferson Award and the Love Takes Action Award. She recently launched the Community Health Worker Program in western Maryland and has devoted much of her career to volunteerism and improving the lives of immigrants.
Woody DeLauder is a first-generation farmer and entrepreneur who transitioned from being a public school teacher after 18 years to focus on farming full-time in 2021. Rootbound Farms LLC, a 3/4-acre regenerative suburban farm, offers in-season produce grown from seed and all-natural skin products crafted by Woody. These are available at The La Plata Farmers Market, online, and at their retail store in downtown La Plata. Their motto is SIMPLE, NATURAL, CLEAN. Woody employs a minimalist farming approach, utilizing no-till methods and a diverse range of crops. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or visit www.rootboundfarms.com.
Vincent DeMarco is a prominent public health advocate focused on reducing teen smoking, underage drinking, gun violence, and increasing healthcare access. He is featured in Michael Pertschuk’s book “The DeMarco Factor.” Key achievements include Maryland’s tobacco and alcohol tax increases, the Firearm Safety Act, and an anti-price-gouging law for prescription drugs. His work has led to lower smoking rates, reduced drunk driving deaths, and healthcare expansion for over 300,000 people. As National Coordinator of Faith United Against Tobacco, he helped enact FDA regulation of tobacco products. He also chairs the Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Initiative and teaches public health advocacy at Johns Hopkins. DeMarco has received multiple honors, including “Marylander of the Year” in 1988.
Council Member Jerry Donald is a native of Frederick County and recently retired from Frederick County Public Schools, where he taught for 35 years. He is married, has three daughters, and lives in Braddock Heights near his parents. He is a graduate of Middletown High School and Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). Besides teaching, he has worked in sales, coached and officiated high school sports, served as President of the Braddock Heights Community Association, and held various positions at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Kelly Dudeck has over 20 years of experience in agricultural policy, economic development, and food systems. As co-founder of Cultivate + Craft and Executive Director of the Brewers Association of Maryland, she has advanced value-added agriculture and agritourism in the state of Maryland. Previously, she was Howard County’s first Food Policy Director and Executive Director of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council. Kelly serves on various boards, including the Maryland Ag Commission, and is an alumna of LEAD Maryland’s Class VII.
Noemi Giszpenc is a dedicated cooperator, with over twenty years of experience in the field of cooperative development and democratic ownership. Noémi took the helm of the Cooperative Development Institute in 2009 and led the organization through a period of rapid growth until 2022. Her educational background is in cooperative economic development, with a Master’s from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also a certified level II Collab Facilitator. As Executive Director of KDC, Noémi works with the team to deliver high-quality services that further KDC’s vision and mission. She lives in Montclair, NJ, and enjoys cooking, leading her kids’ scout group, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Scott Gottbreht is the Assistant Secretary for the Division of Policy, Strategy, and Research at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Since the division’s establishment in 2023, he has advanced a pro-housing legislative agenda to tackle Maryland’s housing shortage and affordability crisis, supporting the Governor’s Legislative Housing Package in 2024 and the “Housing Starts Here” Executive Order in 2025. He transformed DHCD into a “data-driven and heart-led” agency, developing strategic partnerships for resource development that led to the HUD PRO Housing grant award in early 2025. Previously, Dr. Gottbreht spent 10 years at the United Way of Central Maryland, managing housing stability programs and a team of 40. He brings nearly two decades of experience in policy advocacy, community organizing, and housing program management.
Yvonne Golczewski is the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, which builds affordable homes in Cecil and Harford Counties, Maryland. She began as a volunteer in 2016 and later served as Grants Manager before being appointed Executive Director in February 2022. With a background in leadership, real estate, and fundraising, Yvonne holds an MBA from Loyola University Maryland and was recognized as an Outstanding Past Graduate from the Harford Leadership Academy. Since 1993, Habitat Susquehanna has built or rehabbed 133 homes and provided critical repairs for over 426 homeowners, helping more than 1,000 families through financial education. The organization also recycles furniture and building materials through its ReStore.
Julie Hickey is the VP of Children’s Services at The Benedictine School, a nonprofit for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She oversees educational and residential programs for children, including a school for those with Autism and group homes for individuals under 21. With a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Special Education, Julie has 27 years of experience in various roles within the field of education. She serves on the board of Crossroads Community in Centreville, Maryland, and as a Commissioner for the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES), providing training for educators and parents.
Susan Berry Hill is a retired planner with a strong passion for bringing people together to share ideas about their community, find inspiration, and align their aspirations for the future. She grew up in a small town in Iowa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa. Throughout her career, she held professional planning positions in Wichita Falls, Texas; Overland Park, Kansas; and Loudoun County, Virginia, before concluding her career as the planning director for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia. Now, Susan assists residents, businesses, and town officials in finding the most inclusive path forward for the future by using the Community Heart & Soul engagement process.
Molly Hilligoss has served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County since 2015 and was appointed President and CEO in 2024. She has helped 94 first-time homebuyers and 147 older adults with critical home repairs, enhancing partnerships to aid low-income families. Molly increased ReStore Thrift Shop sales to over $640,000 annually and secured $6.1 million in Covid-19 assistance. In 2024, the agency raised $1.8 million for new offices and a second ReStore in Fruitland, MD. She holds a Bachelor’s from Penn State and an MBA from the University of Maryland and has held various leadership roles, including President of the Wicomico Rotary Club (2023-2024).
Darius Johnson is the Project Director for Chesapeake Heartland, engaging Washington College students and faculty in strategic planning. A 2015 graduate of Washington College and a Kent County native, he serves on the Chesapeake College Foundation Board and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Board. Darius is pursuing a Master’s in Historic Preservation at Goucher College and previously completed the “Homecoming: Kent County” project, which documents Black life through oral histories and photographs. He was also a Digital Justice Fellow focused on equity in digital scholarship.
Jordan Jones-Cordero is an Agriculture Instructor at the College of Southern Maryland with over eight years of experience. She leads the Vertical Agriculture program, helping students grow over 30 pounds of food since 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and a Master’s in Agricultural Education. As a licensed educator, she has taught over 400 students about sustainability and local food systems and has received several awards. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, crafting, reading, and baking.
Dr. Stephanie Lansing is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science & Technology and Special Assistant to the Vice President of Research at the University of Maryland. Dr. Lansing serves as the co-Chair of the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council. She leads the Bioenergy and Biotechnology Laboratory, managing over $20 million in federally funded grants to research food system resiliency, anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells, antimicrobial resistance, and strengthening the circular bioeconomy. She has 20 years of experience in on-farm bioenergy research, extension education, and economic/sustainability analyses of waste-to-energy systems.
William Lantz is the Agricultural and Food Systems Educator for the University of Maryland Extension in Garrett County, where he promotes sustainability and profitability among farmers. He is a founding member and chair of the Western Maryland Food Council and serves as vice chair of the Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance. Willie collaborates with the Garrett Growers Cooperative, which markets fresh produce to local businesses and food access programs. He also operates a family farm, run by his son Levi, which produces fruits and vegetables sold at farmers’ markets and through the cooperative.
Kate Long, Sr. Director of Nutrition for the Maryland Food Bank, works to advance MFB’s mission of distributing healthy food to schools, food pantries, and soup kitchens located in food-insecure communities throughout the state. Her work includes improving the nutritional value of MFB’s menu, increasing access to fresh produce, expanding the cultural diversity of foods distributed, providing nutrition education to youth and adults, and managing the Maryland Food Bank’s Education & Demonstration Garden.
Jaelon T. Moaney is a historic resource steward and civic change agent with roots in the Delmarva Peninsula dating back to the 1770s. He has held senior positions in Congress and the American Institute of Architects, advocating for diverse heritage areas, parks, and preservation policies nationwide. Currently, he serves as Deputy Director of the Starr Center at Washington College and was appointed by Governor Wes Moore in 2023 as the youngest member and Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. Moaney and his wife are proud Williams College graduates living in Chesapeake along the Choptank River.
Rachel Netski is a SHRM-CP Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience. Specializing in the non-profit sector, she has supported international exchange programs and immigrant services. Her expertise includes audits of pay equity, anti-harassment/anti-discrimination training, and advising DEI committees. Rachel’s background in Sociology includes theses on teenage motherhood and the study of gender in adolescence through a Difference Feminism framework. She volunteers with several organizations and co-founded a group for women in recovery with over 500 members. Her dedication to community reflects her belief in collective activism as inspired by the words of Angela Y. Davis: “It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.”
Bronte Nevins serves as a Senior Health Policy Analyst in the Office of Population Health and Strategic Initiatives at the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). In addition to her work on AHEAD at MDH, she also supports the launch of Food Is Medicine and contributed to the development of the Rural Health Transformation Program proposal. Before working at the Department, Brontë implemented and evaluated anti-poverty demonstration programs at the federal Office of Community Services and managed several community health programs at Central Kenilworth Avenue Community Development Corporation in Riverdale, Maryland. Her qualitative research experience includes experiences of disability in Appalachia and the mental health effects of place-based revitalization and housing voucher programs in urban areas. Brontë has a bachelor’s in public health from Johns Hopkins and a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton.
Dr. Patrick Nugent is an urban, environmental, and public historian focusing on twentieth-century America. His current book project is “The Greenlining of Staten Island,” and he teaches at Washington College, where he serves as Deputy Director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. Nugent holds a Ph.D. from George Washington University and has received several awards for his work, including the John Reps Prize for his dissertation. He actively engages diverse audiences through community projects, including African American history tours and initiatives like the National Home Front Project.
Sandra Olek is the Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where she promotes outdoor recreation and partners with various organizations to connect Marylanders with the natural world. With over 28 years of experience at DNR, she has led initiatives in conservation, education, and sustainable planning, focusing on equity, health, and climate resilience. Her notable projects include Project Green Classroom and the Maryland Park Equity analysis. Sandi holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Marine Ecology from Old Dominion University.
Angel Perez is the CEO/Founder of Caroline Pride and Programs, as well as the Events Manager at Chesapeake Culinary Center, with a strong background in community development. He has been recognized as Caroline County Citizen of the Year in 2020 and received multiple awards in 2022. With over 13 years of experience, he has developed workshops that focus on successful partnerships and equity within the community. Additionally, he co-authored “Leadership: Our Journey and Culture” and initiated the Greensboro & Preston Connects Initiative. His service includes participation in multiple committees, highlighting his commitment to enhancing community well-being and fostering collaboration.
Martin Proulx is the Value-Added Agricultural Specialist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, where he supports farmers by providing technical guidance for value-added initiatives. Previously, he served as the Agriculture Business Development Manager for Charles County, focusing on programs that enhance local agriculture. A graduate of LEAD Maryland, Class XI, Martin holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Frostburg State University.
Andrew Rose is an agricultural futurist focused on benefiting future generations. He advises BIO-ISAC on cybersecurity in agriculture and has held leadership roles at the Emerging Technologies Centers and the Maryland Cybersecurity Association. He founded the GIVE Program for emerging professionals and initiated a cybersecurity awareness program in 2016 at an agricultural bank. With expertise in cybersecurity, banking, and risk management, Andrew has also summited 35 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains.
Sarah Seitz is Director of the Maryland State Office of Rural Health at the Maryland Department of Health. The State Office of Rural Health (SORH) operates as a state-level coordinating body, working toward positive health outcomes in rural areas of Maryland. Sara has nearly 20 years of experience engaging stakeholders to expand access to healthcare and to improve health outcomes across Maryland. She has served in program management roles at the local and state health department levels as well as in a Federally Qualified Health Center. She has a particular interest in health equity topics, process and quality improvement, and, of course, rural populations! She earned her undergraduate degree from George Washington University and holds a Master’s of Public Health from Emory University.
Erin Silva received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Salisbury University in 2005 and a Master of Science degree in GIS Management from Salisbury University in 2012. Erin earned her GISP Certification in 2015/re-certified in 2019. As a project manager at the ESRGC, Erin is responsible for managing web development and data visualization projects.
Jeffrey Simcoe is the Executive Director of the Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute (FOREI), where he develops workforce programs in collaboration with regional partners, promotes the economic benefits of outdoor recreation, advocates for sustainable infrastructure, and supports local outdoor businesses. He also serves on several boards, including the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy. Having relocated to Appalachia over 30 years ago to pursue his passion for outdoor adventure, Jeffrey holds a B.S. and M.S. in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from West Virginia University. He joined Frostburg State University in September 2024.
Christa Speicher joined the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in 2023 as the Deputy Director of Payment Reform, where she leads efforts to advance value-based payment models in Maryland’s all-payer system. With over a decade of experience at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), she focused on delivery system reform, aging policy, and payment innovation. After CMS, she worked at Mathematica on projects related to health equity and population health. Christa holds a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and has expertise in value-based care, aging services, and population health strategies.
Jennifer Sulin-Stair started Plot Twist Horse Farm in 2018. After a career in health education, starting this business was a significant “Plot Twist” in her life. With 35 years of experience in the equine world, Jenn started in the Howard County Pony Club. She worked her way up from a “B” rating to professionally grooming and riding for Kimberly Stewart of Glenwillow Farm on the “A” circuit. She is an accomplished rider in the hunter/jumper world and, most recently, was the Reserve Champion in the Green horse division in the BEST show series. Jenn currently lives in Catonsville with her family, including two daughters who both ride.
Casey Townsend has over 22 years of experience supporting adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in achieving independence, inclusion, and meaningful employment. A Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and Mandt Instructor, Casey currently serves as a Discovery/Resource Specialist at The Benedictine School in Ridgely, Md. This role focuses on person-centered career discovery and vocational planning. Casey holds a Master’s in Psychology and is pursuing BCBA certification. Casey is a proud recipient of the Sister Jeannette Murray Award for excellence and advocacy in the field of education.
Joan Wagner is a Senior Associate at Community Heart & Soul, a national organization dedicated to helping small cities and towns discover their vision for the future through a resident-driven, collaborative process. Her work focuses on program design, community and coach training, partnership development, and the use of storytelling in planning efforts. She loves working with rural communities throughout the U.S. She holds a doctorate in Education with a focus on organizational leadership and policy.
Lucille W. Walker led the initiative to designate Southern Maryland as a National Heritage Area, with legislation passed in December 2022 and signed by President Biden in January 2023. The area officially launched on May 25, 2023. As executive director, Ms. Walker is recognized for her strategic management and leadership. She is involved with several organizations, including the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission and the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition. Walker holds degrees from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and St. John’s College, Annapolis, and has received several awards, including the Best of Maryland Leadership Award (2023).
Andrew York, Pharm.D., J.D., is the Executive Director of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, focusing on reducing prescription drug costs. With over ten years of experience in health policy, he previously worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where he advised on drug pricing reform and contributed to the development of policies, including the American Patients First blueprint. York co-led the Most Favored Nation Model and developed the Part D Senior Savings Model for insulin costs. He has also taught at George Washington University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning both his Pharm.D. and J.D. from the University of Maryland.