Sam is an integral part of the community in Baltimore County. His efforts to improve the area shine through his contributions to Essex CDC and many more organizations throughout the county. An avid waterman, Sam co-founded the Maryland Waterways Foundation (MWF) MWF works to help clean up the Maryland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. No wonder Sam was awarded the Volunteer of the Year distinction in 2018 by PropTalk magazine, which focuses on Chesapeake Bay boating. Sam continues a family legacy of ensuring clean, safe waterways.
Lisa Harlow
Board Secretary
President, Heritage Society of Essex-Middle River
Lisa has lived in Essex for decades and is committed to serving the Essex community. She volunteers her support to the Heritage Society of Essex-Middle River and the Essex Day Festival. Lisa wanted to join the Board, be a part of the excitement, and play a more active role in the Essex renaissance. She actively participates in the many opportunities there are to reinvigorate Essex. She appreciates being a positive voice both in and for the community. Her goal is to pitch in, work with the team, and play a role in shaping the future of Essex.
Nathan Barbo
Board Treasurer
Sr. VP of Operations, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Nathan is thankful for the opportunity to support the exciting work happening in Essex, both personally and professionally. MedStar Franklin Square serves patients from throughout the Essex community while also employing a large number of Essex residents. Outside of work, Nathan and his wife love visiting Essex shops and restaurants. They especially enjoy golfing at Rocky Point Golf Course and grabbing a bite to eat on the Essex waterfront.
Shannon Ament
Board Member
Community Schools Facilitator, Sandalwood Elementary School
Shannon is a lifelong resident of Eastern Baltimore County with many fond memories of growing up in Essex, especially along the Eastern Boulevard corridor. Since 2003, she has been a dedicated staff member at Sandalwood Elementary, spending 19 years as a classroom teacher before becoming the school’s Community School Facilitator in 2021. In this role, she works to remove barriers to learning for students and their families and has gained a deeper understanding of how vital it is for all community members to be supported and thriving. Shannon is excited to serve on the Essex CDC Board, where she hopes to strengthen connections between schools and local businesses to create greater opportunities and positivity for the entire community.
Sharon Kihn
Board Member (Ex Officio)
President, Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce
Sharon has had the pleasure of getting to know and work beside a wonderful group of community leaders from Essex since area revitalization efforts were renewed in 2017. She is excited to work alongside Essex CDC’s Executive Director and other “Champions of Essex” as a new chapter begins with the formation of Essex CDC. There still is so much work to do in Essex, but the vision of a vibrant and sustainable Essex is clear and within reach.
Clifford O’Connell
Board Member
Owner/Operator, Cliff’s Hi-Tech Body Shop and Cliff’s Direct Effect
Cliff, a long-time Essex resident and community activist, has owned and operated Cliff’s Hi-Tech Body Shop and Cliff’s Direct Effect in Essex for 35 years. One day, as he walked down Eastern Boulevard, he realized just how much the area had declined over the years. He was motivated to join the Essex CDC Board because of his unwavering commitment to revitalizing the Essex Business District. Cliff’s vision and dedication to making Essex a thriving business community again makes a real difference in the board’s efforts, and we’re glad to have him.
Robert Romadka
Board Member
Retired Attorney at Law
In 1952, Bob began practicing law full-time in Baltimore County and established his sole practice in Essex. At that time, the Essex Business District was fully developed with commercial, professional, industrial, and educational employers. You could also stroll and visit noteworthy retail and dining establishments in downtown Essex. Over 70 years later, much has changed, and the community is again growing and changing. Bob remains steadfast in his efforts to continue building momentum and revitalize the Essex Business District for the good of the community.
Kelly Slocum
Board Member
Real Estate Agent, RE/MAX
Kelly is no stranger to Essex. In fact, she grew up in Essex and has lived here for most of her life. Her connection with the community runs deep. Her career as a working Realtor® for over thirty years has given her keen insight into real estate trends and local growth. In addition to her sales knowledge, Kelly is a licensed real estate appraiser. You might get the impression that she’s all business. Still, she loves to be on the waterfront and indulge in all the available activities there. Her passion for positively impacting the community through the CDC board is evident.
Todd Schuler
Board Member
Injury Lawyer, Blondell Miller Schuler
Todd is a co-owner, along with partner Mark Miller, of Blondell, Miller & Schuler Injury Lawyers, an Essex business since 1970. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2006-2010. He is a former member of the Maryland Association For Justice’s Board of Governors and served as the Chair of that organization’s Workers’ Compensation Section. Todd is a graduate of Calvert Hall, Spring Hill College and Tulane University Law School. He resides in Baltimore County with his wife Colleen and their two children.
ABOUT US
Essex Community Development Corporation is a 501c3 organization. The organization includes Essex business and property owners, school and community leaders, representatives from area institutions, and Baltimore County Government staff. We are working together and ready to do the necessary hard work to bring lasting change to the Essex area. Learn More
Essex CDC is a proud member of Maryland Nonprofits
