Essex CDC Program Committees
There are five (5) non-Executive Committees currently operating under Essex CDC were formed based on findings from the April 2022 Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) conducted by the Urban Land Institute. This study identified several fundamental areas that need to be addressed to promote and encourage economic revitalization in Essex. These areas include:
- Economic Development and Tourism (Joint Committee with the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce)
- Events and Engagement
- Marketing and Communications
- Parking, Traffic, and Safety
- Streetscaping
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 Committee for Essex CDC. Members of the Advisory Committee 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 Committee (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
