Essex CDC Advisory Committee

In an effort to provide a variety of perspectives, and the experience and expertise needed to help inform our work in Essex, we have developed an Advisory Board for Essex CDC. Members of the Advisory Board include Essex residents, community leaders, educators, administrators, leaders from anchor institutions, local business owners, property owners, leaders of faith communities, and staff members from local government departments. Since 2023, the following individuals have serve on the Essex CDC Advisory Board (also referred to as the TAP Implementation Steering Committee).

Shannon Ament, Community School Coordinator, Sandalwood Elementary School

Doug Anderson, Sr. Council Assistant, Councilman Crandell

Bob Bendler, Chairman, Essex-Middle River Civic Council

David Birkenthal, Lead Planner, Eastern Sector, Baltimore County Dept. of Planning

Tucker Cavanagh, Coordinator, Essex Initiative, Office of County Executive

Luis Contreras, Owner, East Coast Automotive, Inc.; Essex Car Wash

Erica Crouch, District 7 Outreach Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, County Exec.

Dave Frank, Community School Coordinator, Middlesex Elementary School

Doris Franz Poling, Community Liaison, Essex Initiative, Office of County Executive

Captain Joseph Peach, Captain, Essex Precinct, Baltimore County Police Department

Wes Gresham, Worship Pastor, Church of the Harbor

Mike Hager, Director, Essex Senior Center

Lori Hutchison, Principal, Middlesex Elementary School

Ainsley Jacobs, District 7 Planner, Baltimore County Dept. of Planning

Michael McClean, Small Business Economic Incentives Specialist, BC Dept. Econ. & Workforce Dev.

Jim Johnson, Consultant, Hendersen-Webb, Inc.; Board Member, CGCC

Sharon Kihn, President, Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce

Blane Kubin, Senior Pastor, New Life Sanctuary Ministries

George Lang, Founder, Power Factor

Amy Menzer, Sr. Project Manager, Office of the Director, Baltimore County Dept. of Planning

Ken Mills, Chief Executive, Baltimore County Revenue Authority

Shawnya Peace, Community School Facilitator, Sussex Elementary School

Mauro Peralta, Owner, Buon Apettito Restaurant

Woody Powell, Director of Community Relations, CCBC

Paul Stiffler, Owner, Stiffler's Service Center