While Chesapeake College receives funding from the state of Maryland and the five counties of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester, the College and its students have needs that can’t be addressed by the operating budget alone. That’s where the Chesapeake College Foundation comes in.

As a 501c3 non-profit organization, the Foundation’s mission is to build the resources to support scholarships, teaching and learning, innovative projects, and community partnerships at the College. Led by an independent Board of Directors and Executive Director Amber McGinnis, the Chesapeake College Foundation awarded more than $489,000 in student scholarships in FY23. The Foundation has added nine new directors to its ranks:

Douglas Gill began serving on the Board in FY 23 and is a partner and managing director at Snowden Lane Partners, an independent wealth advisory firm located in Bethesda. Raised in Dorchester County, Doug jokes that from the moment he left home, he has been working to get back. He now splits his time between Bethesda and Cambridge. “I want to represent Dorchester County and help to support access to life-changing educational and vocational opportunities for its population.”

Shelly Gross-Wade is a seasoned economic development professional, with more than 40 years in the workforce development world. Until recently, she spent 24 years growing and leading a nonprofit that provides financial service support to small businesses in Prince George’s County. Now the founder and CEO of Bay Crossing Consulting Services, Shelly says “I would like to use my experiences and my networks to volunteer in a tangible way in Queen Anne’s County, where I’ve resided for the past 25 years.”

Brandon Hesson is an alum of Chesapeake College and served as the director of the College’s Cambridge Center from 2019 until January of 2023. When Brandon left the College for a new role as the Assistant Manager of the City of Cambridge, the Foundation Board seized on the opportunity to have him join as a voting director. “I believe Chesapeake College serves an important role in workforce development across the Mid-Shore and beyond. Scholarship opportunities provided by the Foundation help make those opportunities possible for underserved populations

William Krampf represents Queen Anne’s County. Bill sees firsthand the many skills needed in our region — carpentry, metal fabrication, electrical, etc.— in his role as director of business development for TechOps Specialty Vehicles, located in Stevensville. A retired law enforcement professional, Bill said: “I am looking forward to assisting the community where I work.” He is passionate about supporting students who may not have the means to complete certifications that could land them well-paying jobs.

Robin Martin began her service on the Board in FY23 and resides and works in Caroline County as a vice president at regional bank M&T. At home, Robin has four sons, including twins who have taken courses at Chesapeake College. “I have been an advocate for technical training in high schools and college as I lived, first-hand, with a student who was not interested in a ‘typical’ college degree. I believe very strongly in the mission of Chesapeake College, and I was excited to join the Foundation Board.”

Erica Osterhout, a native of Kent County, brings a wealth of community and non-profit management experience to the Foundation. As the current Executive Director of the Kent YMCA, Erica has a unique understanding of area youth and what it takes to develop them. “As a first generation college graduate, I have witnessed that lack of education or training can be, and often is, a life-long barrier to achievement. I am a passionate person that finds great joy and reward in helping others to achieve their potential.”

J. Brian Stitcher has first-hand experience with the value Chesapeake College brings to the region. As owner of the accounting firm JBS & Company LLC, he has hired several Chesapeake College accounting graduates, including those who began work with his firm as part of their degree’s cooperative-learning experience. “I am extremely grateful to Chesapeake College for providing qualified students that enable us to expand our footprint in the community. I welcome the opportunity to give back.” Brian is representing Kent County.

Tracy Williams spent her career as an educator in Kent County and brings to the Foundation Board extensive leadership and previous non-profit/advisory board experiences. Although recently retired from full-time work, she still has her pulse on the needs of area students as a part-time employee in the Kent County school system. “The opportunities available at Chesapeake College, whether credit or non-credit courses for high school or non-traditional students, are vast.”

Danielle Wilson, MSN, RN, NE-BC represents Talbot County on the Foundation Board and is currently the Director of Patient Care Services Operations at University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center. Nursing is one of the most popular degrees to pursue at the College and Danielle is well-poised to be the voice in support of these students. “This is a great opportunity, and I feel that my role and knowledge of healthcare in Maryland will be beneficial to the Board.”