TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, recently announced the newly appointed Equitech Growth Commission that manages the
Cultivate Maryland initiative.
The Cultivate Maryland initiative was established by the Maryland General Assembly as the Equitech Growth Fund and Commission during the 2023 legislative session to increase Maryland’s competitiveness as an innovation economy. This decision was made in response to a recent study outlining the need to promote more diversity and inclusion in Maryland’s technology ecosystem.
As established, the Cultivate Maryland initiative is managed by a 24-member commission—the Equitech Growth Commission. Ten of these individuals are appointed by the Governor, three by the Speaker of the House, and three by the President of the Senate.
“Maryland needs more strategies to support the growth and development of our economy,” said Governor Wes Moore. “The Equitech Growth Commission is one of the many new strategies in place to bring Maryland to the forefront of the competition, and we are excited to see the positive change they bring.”
Kevin Kinnally, the legislative director at the Maryland Association of Counties, has been appointed to the commission. Counties stand to gain from these developments through increased economic activity, a more competitive workforce, and a thriving innovation ecosystem that supports local businesses and communities. Kevin Kinnally’s role on the Equitech Growth Commission ensures that county interests are represented in shaping these benefits for Maryland’s counties.
The Equitech Growth Commission also includes:
- Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO
- Tom Sadowski, Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO)
- Heather Gramm, Department of Commerce
- Rachael Parker, Department of Labor
- Richard Kincaid, Office of College and Career Pathways, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
- Christy Wyskiel, Johns Hopkins University
- Michele Masucci, University System of Maryland
- Anthony Jenkins, Coppin State University
- Jermaine Williams, Montgomery College
- Rodney Williams, Maryland Technology Council
- Kory Bailey, Upsurge
- Gwen Greene, AiTech
- David White, Tomorrow’s Bio Today
- Jonathan Horowitz, Washington County Maryland Department of Business Development
- Saman Qadeer Ahmad, Esq., Qade Law
- Kendra Parlock, NPower
“The appointment of the Equitech Growth Commission brings us one step closer to establishing a strong strategy that will stitch together Maryland’s innovation ecosystem, creating a more sustainable and competitive ecosystem for businesses to thrive,” said Mindy Lehman, Chief Government Relations & Policy Officer, TEDCO. “These seats have 2-year tenures, bringing together Maryland’s thought-leaders, allowing opportunities to bring in different perspectives and allowing for more collaboration across the state to bring about a more competitive, inclusive ecosystem.”
For more information about TEDCO and its commitment to supporting Maryland’s economic growth and development, visit their website at https://www.tedcomd.com/.
