Class notes featured were received from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.
Several UBalt graduates were recently appointed to positions by Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Congratulations are extended to:
Peter S. O’Neill, J.D. ’84, Leslie Florestano Peek, J.D. ’91, Nicole D. Love-Kelly, J.D. ’95, and Liset Collazo-Dingle, J.D. ’03, who now serve on the statewide Appellate Courts Judicial Nominating Commission.
Julia A. Minner, J.D. ’90, and Joanie Raymond Brubaker, J.D. ’95, who were named judges for the Frederick County Circuit Court.
Jennifer Sue Hollander Fairfax, J.D. ’97, who serves as a judge in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Ginina A. Jackson-Stevenson, J.D. ’01, who was appointed a magistrate in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Jason G. Downs, B.A. ’04, who was named to the Howard County Trial Court Judicial Nominating Committee.
Erika Garrott Johnson, J.D. ’08, who was appointed to the Washington County Trial Court Judicial Nominating Commission.
Levi Stuart Zaslow, J.D. ’08, who was named as a judge on the Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Alan Carl Lazerow, J.D. ’10, who was appointed a magistrate in the Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Malcolm P. Ruff, J.D. ’11, who replaced former Del. Tony Bridges in the Maryland House of Delegates to represent the 41st district. Bridges accepted a position in the Moore administration.
Emmanuel “Manny” M. Welsh, M.P.A. ’16, who was appointed the governor’s deputy chief of staff.
1950s
The National Fire Heritage Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, inducted Robert A. Burke, B.S. ’50, into the Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders (HLLL) Class of 2023.
1960s
David W. Richardson, B.S. ’64, lives in Oregon and reports that this past spring he coached his 13-year-old granddaughter’s rec club soccer team in addition to playing tennis three mornings a week.
1970s
Maryland Governor Wes Moore recognized Stuart M. Goldberg, B.A. ’70, J.D. ’74, for his longtime service as a board member for Alumni Association-International (AA-I), a University System of Maryland (USM)-affiliated organization that provided annual student scholarships and alumni outreach grants to each campus within the USM. Goldberg represented UBalt on the board from 2010 until its dissolution in 2023.
R. Alan Streett, B.A. ’70, released his sixth non-fiction book, Exploring the Paranormal: Miracles, Magic, and the Mysterious, on October 31.
Dalton A. Tong, B.S. ’73, MBA ’75, a senior lecturer at The Johns Hopkins University and a former executive in residence at UBalt’s Merrick School of Business, was awarded Lifetime Fellowship status in the American College of Healthcare Executives in January.
Shannon B. Bohrer, B.S. ’76, used the case of United States of America v. Heath Patrick Thomas to explore the need for criminal justice reform in his book, Judicial Soup: One Man’s Wrongful Conviction and What It Means for Criminal Justice Reform, released in May.
Former Portage County, Ohio, Juvenile Probate court judge Robert W. Berger, J.D. ’77, shares that he retired as a visiting judge in February 2021.
The American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession selected Pamila J. Brown, J.D. ’79, as an honoree for the 2024 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award in April.
1980s
Donald C. Fry, J.D. ’80, was elected chair of the board of directors of Harford Mutual Insurance Group in May 2023. He has served as a board member since 2005.
Andrew S. Hament, J.D. ’81, joined ADRsource as a mediator and arbitrator in 2023 for business disputes throughout the state of Florida. He previously practiced labor and employment law.
The Maryland Public Service Commission swore in Frederick H. Hoover Jr., J.D. ’82, as its chair in July 2023.
H. Gregory Nelch, J.D. ’83, joined Hinshaw & Culbertson in January as part of the Washington, D.C., law firm’s insurance services industry group.
Murphy Tuomey Wilson, M.P.A. ’83, was a recipient of the 2023 Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award in June 2023.
The Arnold P. Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) announced that Patricia C. McMullen, J.D. ’86, was named a recipient of the inaugural AACN-Gold Interprofessional Humanism in Healthcare Award in January. The award celebrates collaboration between physicians and nurses. McMullen was recognized for her work to support comprehensive women’s health care at The Institute for Gynecological Care at Annapolis, Maryland.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, accounting firm DGPerry welcomed Daniel N. Porter, B.S. ’87, in February as the director of audit and advisory services.
Emmanuel M. Skevofilax, B.S. ’87, M.S. ’93, wrote a book entitled Ultimate Profit Management: Maximizing Profitability as You Grow Your Business which was published by Taylor & Francis in June.
Bruce T. Miller, MBA ’88, was appointed the county government director of the Department of Finance & Budget for Calvert County, Maryland.
1990s
The University of Baltimore is grateful to Bryon S. Bereano, J.D. ’99, and his father, Bruce C. Bereano, for establishing the incredibly generous Bereano Family Scholarship Fund last year. The scholarship supports a law student with financial need who has committed to remaining and working in Maryland for at least five years after graduation and would not be able to attend the School of Law without it. The first scholar, a former Afghan refugee, received scholarship assistance for the 2023-2024 academic year. Visit the April 2024 issue of Baltimore Magazine to read more.
Prince William County Virginia Public Schools appointed Gregory S. Hood, B.S. ’91, as associate superintendent for high schools in June 2023.
Retired judge Catherine “Katie” Curran O’Malley, J.D. ’91, became executive director of the legal nonprofit Women’s Law Center of Maryland in January.
Kevin Shea, J.D. ’91, was named senior advisor in the Office of the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in January.
Sweet Briar College elected Katherine A. “Katie” Hearn, J.D. ’92, senior vice president at Redgate Real Estate Advisors, LLC, to its board of directors in November 2023.
Shaun L. Gabbidon, M.S. ’93, distinguished professor of criminal justice in the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs, was named a fellow of the American Society of Criminology in November 2023. He also received the 2024 Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement in April. This was the first time the award was given to a professor from a Commonwealth Campus.
Jennifer M. Gilsenan, J.D. ’93, who has worked on satellite and spectrum regulatory issues for over two decades, was named a deputy chief with the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau in July 2023.
The Federal Motor Carrier Administration named Sue Lawless, J.D. ’93, assistant administrator and chief safety officer, effective September 2023.
Gina A. Norton, B.S. ’93, reported in January that she retired from the federal government after 41 years of service, which included time in the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and ended with the Department of Homeland Security as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s deputy director for the Audit Liaison Office.
Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea welcomed Gloria A. Worch, J.D. ’93, in December 2023 as of counsel, specializing in the practice areas of medical malpractice and wrongful death.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance promoted Jeffrey S. Jubera, J.D. ’94, in December 2023 from vice president of surety claims to head of surety claims.
Tonya D. McClary, J.D. ’94, was appointed executive director of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 2, by a unanimous vote. Her tenure began in May.
Lisa Y. Settles, M.P.A./J.D. ’94, was installed as the 105th president of the Baltimore County Bar Association in August 2023.
Unified Community Connections, a nonprofit agency serving individuals with disabilities throughout Maryland, welcomed Robert A. Freedman, MBA ’95, as chair of their board of directors in February.
Steven J. Fisher, B.S. ’96, joined FTI Consulting’s blockchain practice as a managing director in July 2023.
Jeffrey C. Jockel, MBA ’96, published his debut novel, eFish, in October 2023. The novel follows a U.S. Navy ensign whose ambitions are curtailed by a medical condition, as he embarks on an unexpected adventure aboard a navy salvage ship.
Albers & Associates welcomed Holly A. Musselman, J.D. ’96, as a partner in April 2023.
Jay Spies, M.P.A./ J.D. ’96, joined Heritage Financial Consultants LLC as a financial planning professional in the organization’s Hunt Valley, Maryland, office in July 2023.
Phaedra R. Stewart, MBA ’96, a real estate fellow in the Merrick School of Business, won the 2024 Pitch for a Million Competition in February for her plan to renovate three affordable townhomes in Baltimore’s Oliver neighborhood.
Susan Paige Sunderland, M.P.A. ’96, was promoted to deputy director of the Carroll County (Maryland) Department of Economic Development in January.
Anthony M. Humphries, B.A. ’97, joined the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in May 2023. He is based in the Camp Springs (Maryland) office as branch chief, Reimbursable and Overhead Branch.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) named Jason S. Kunzman, MBA ’97, president and chief executive officer in September 2023.
BlueRio Institute, the educational arm of BlueRio Strategies, LLC, founded by Jessi LaCosta, M.A. ’97, is now an Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line provider. The partnership allows Army, National Guard and Reserve soldiers to earn industry-recognized professional and technical credentials.
Capella University named Constance A. St. Germain, J.D. ’97, as its next president in September 2023. St. Germain, who joined Capella as its chief academic officer in 2017 and served as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs since 2019, is Capella’s first female president.
Monica M. Windley Walker, M.P.A. ’97, received the 2023 Anna Julia Cooper Excellence Award from the Society of Experiential Education in November 2023 in recognition of her work implementing a partnership between Community College of Baltimore County and Johns Hopkins University to create conditions where diversity, equity and inclusion thrive, and students connect the humanities and experiential learning with their academic and personal success.
Judith L. Jimenez, B.A. ’98, wrote and self-published a book in January, entitled While You Are Still Here, about resilience and triumph over hardship and trauma and honoring family members who have influenced her life.
Chris Sherman, B.S. ’98, was promoted to president of the Commercial Division of SP Plus Corporation in September. The company delivers mobility solutions for the efficient movement of people, vehicles and personal belongings.
2000s
Domonique A. Flowers, B.A. ’05, took part in a joint initiative, which included José F. Anderson, Dean Joseph Curtis Professor of Law at UBalt, to successfully petition the Supreme Court of Maryland to posthumously admit Edward Garrison Draper, the state’s first Black lawyer, to the Maryland Bar. Draper, who was also possibly the state’s first Black college graduate, had his application to become a lawyer denied in 1857 because of the color of his skin. During a special session in October 2023, Flowers recited the attorney’s oath on behalf of Draper.
Bradley W. Bloodworth, J.D. ’00, was named the chief prosecutor in Summit County, Utah, in March.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Nefretiri S. Cooley, M.A. ’00, in July 2023 as deputy secretary, Communications and External Affairs, at the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Shirley J. Mohammadi, B.A. ’00, was promoted in March to director of user support services at The University of Baltimore.
Alfred J. Williams, MBA ’00, was appointed to the Marblehead School Committee in February, to serve the Massachusetts public school district.
Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp appointed Joyette Marie Holmes, J.D. ’01, to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in January.
Melodie C. Hengerer, J.D. ’02, a shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Baltimore office, was appointed to the advisory board for the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT) in November 2023. AMAT is an organization dedicated to supporting partners in the transplant field and healing and saving lives in diverse communities. See the fall 2023 issue of The University of Baltimore Magazine for the profile on Ms. Hengerer.
Aisha N. Hilliard, J.D. ’02, serves on the 2023–2024 board of the Junior League of Annapolis as the diversity and inclusion officer.
Dennis M. Robinson Jr., J.D. ’02, was appointed county administrative judge for the Circuit Court of Baltimore County by Maryland Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader in May 2023.
Burgan Bank promoted Mohammed Najeeb Al-Zanki, B.S. ’03, to general manager of corporate banking in August 2023 after receiving the required approvals from the Central Bank of Kuwait.
The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, welcomed Tarikul Islam, M.S. ’03, M.S. ’05, as the senior associate dean for finance and administration in the Arts & Sciences’ Dean’s office in February.
Orlando D. Lilly, B.S. ’03, was sworn in in April as the 11th superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. He is a former major with the Baltimore County police and a Navy veteran. As superintendent, he assumed the rank of colonel.
Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia named Thomas L. Ransom, MBA ’03, currently Virginia region president at Truist Financial, to its Board of Trustees in February.
Helen M. Smith, J.D. ’03, LL.M. ’07, was elected a member of Pessin Katz Law, P.A., in June 2023.
Georgette D. Kiser, MBA ’04, was elected to the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation’s Board of Trustees in June 2023.
Loyola University Maryland named Arun Subhas, M.S. ’04, as one of six new trustees in September 2023.
Laura M. Gaba, J.D. ’05, was recognized as a finalist for Best Fitness Instructor in Baltimore Magazine’s 2023 Best of Baltimore issue.
Attorney Intel, a comprehensive source for research and information related to the legal industry, named Jonathan S. Isaac, J.D. ’05, as one of the Top 50 Attorneys of Jacksonville (Florida) for 2023.
The University of Maryland School of Nursing named Crystal L. DeVance-Wilson, MBA ’06, the new director of the Maryland Nursing Workforce Center in October 2023.
Jai V. Kulkarni, LL.M. ’07, joined Stein Sperling in May 2023 as an estate and trust paralegal in the firm’s estate planning department.
Allegany County (Maryland) District Court Judge Erich M. Bean, J.D. ’08, was named administrative judge for District 12 of the District Court of Maryland in March.
Ryan A. Mitchell, J.D. ’08, joined Nexion Health Management as vice president and general counsel in February.
Mindy F. Saler, J.D. ’08, was promoted in October 2023 to assistant vice president, legal at St. John Properties.
Womble Bond Dickinson welcomed Keith O. Hinder Jr., J.D. ’09, in June 2023 as part of the real estate group in the Baltimore office.
Matthew D. Jacobson, J.D. ’09, rejoined Reed Smith LLP in February as a partner in the product liability practice of the Life Sciences Health Industry Group.
Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig in Leesburg, Virginia, promoted Ryan T. Kennedy, J.D. ’09, to partner in January.
Evolution Energy Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of Evolution Energy Minerals Ltd, appointed Stacy Y. Newstead, MBA ’09, as chief executive officer.
Ryan R. Supler, B.A. ’09, was elected in November 2023 to the School District of the City of York (Pennsylvania) Board of Directors as a school director for a four-year term.
D. Watkins, B.A. ’09, M.F.A. ’14, was named the 2024 Genevieve Young Fellow in Writing by the Gordon Parks Foundation in January. The award aids new and ongoing projects centered around representation and social justice.
2010s
The Jennifer Hudson Show surprised superfan Antieris Johnson, B.A. ’15, M.S. ’17, in February with a trip to see the show. Johnson was recognized for her work with iMentor Baltimore. iMentor harnesses the power of longterm relationships to help high school students succeed.
Kriss Law/Atlantic Closing & Escrow appointed Andrew Bramhall, J.D. ’09, to serve as senior vice president and national commercial underwriting counsel in June 2023.
Coppin State University named Dorothy Parrish-Harris, J.D. ’10, as assistant vice president and dean of students in April 2023.
Resource Innovation Institute, an energy and water benchmarking not-for-profit organization based in Oregon, welcomed Shanita R. Penny, MBA ’10, to its Board of Directors in April 2023.
Aaron S. Poynton, D.P.A. ’10, was elected president of the Harford County (Maryland) Board of Education in July 2023.
Juanita Banks-Washington, B.S. ’11, published a children’s book called I Love My Daddy in December 2023. She also established Diverse Children’s Book Matter, an organization which promotes diversity and inclusivity in children’s literature.
Kevin A. Fields, M.P.A. ’11, a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, was appointed administrator of both the Holy Angels and Sacred Heart parishes in Avenue and Bushwood, Maryland, respectively, in July 2023. He was previously parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth Parish in Rockville, Maryland.
Baker Donelson welcomed Matthew G. Huddle, J.D. ’11, in August 2023 as a shareholder in the firm’s Baltimore office.
Zachary J. Kieffer, J.D. ’11, was appointed as county attorney for Washington County, Maryland, in March.
Courtney L. Trang, B.S. ’11, M.S. ’15, former assistant director for Alumni Relations at UBalt, started a new role in January as product coordinator at Maryland Lottery and Gaming.
Carmen Cabassa, B.S. ’12, became the grants and contracts manager at Johns Hopkins Center for Communications Programs in Baltimore in 2023.
Baltimore Sun columnist Dan Rodericks declared the lemonade at Deddle’s Donuts as “perfect” in his September 8, 2023, commentary on the new Lexington Market. Deddle’s Donuts is owned and operated by Robin Holmes, B.A. ’12. See the fall 2023 issue of The University of Baltimore Magazine for the piece on Deddle’s Donuts.
Richard D. Mestas, D.P.A. ’12, retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency (United States Space Command J27) in December 2022 and started as city manager of Raton City, New Mexico, in October 2023.
Marquis Who’s Who recognized Gregg H. Mosson, J.D. ’12, in February for his work in law and journalism.
Greta Stetson, B.S. ’12, MBA ’14, was promoted to senior manager, client solutions, at Cox Automotive in April.
Kimberley Lynne, M.F.A. ’13, artistic director at the Fells Point Corner Theatre in Baltimore, received a Freefall Baltimore grant in October 2023 and created a salon series at the theater featuring an original play entitled Never Say Die.
Selisa Jefferson, B.A. ’14, M.P.A. ’19, joined the West North Avenue Development Authority in Baltimore in February as the economic development officer.
The Calvert County (Maryland) Optimist Club awarded Allison S. Walton, J.D. ’14, with the Respect for Law Award in July 2023 in recognition of her involvement and success with the Circuit Court Adult Treatment Program, also known as the drug court.
Shelby Blondell, B.S. ’15, MBA ’18, received a grant from the USM Launch Fund in September 2023 for her invention, The Sheller. The Launch Fund connects early-stage USM-affiliated entrepreneurs to resources, mentorship and capital. The Sheller is a multi-tool that functions as a crab mallet, crab picker, and a bottle opener.
Juarez R. Lee-Shelton, B.A. ’15, M.A. ’18, joined the faculty of Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Maryland, in May 2023 as an adjunct professor of history.
Justin E. Tepe, J.D. ’15, joined the Baltimore office of Baker Donelsen in August 2023 as of counsel.
Continental Realty Corporation promoted Kara Brogden, B.S. ’16, to asset manager in May 2023. She joined the company as an asset management associate in 2019.
Paul W. Diggs, B.A. ’16, M.P.A. ’21, was named executive director of the Housing Authority of Chester County, Pennsylvania, in February.
Tracy C. Gold, M.F.A. ’16, published her most recent picture book, Call Your Mother, in March 2024.
Shannon M. McKenna, M.A. ’16, married Vince Winik on April 26, in Texas. Marion Winik, mother of the groom and a professor at the Klein Family School of Communications Design in UBalt’s College of Arts and Sciences, celebrated the couple in her May 10 piece for Baltimore Fishbowl, “A Wedding Toast for Pood and Naynay.”
The city of Frederick, Maryland, welcomed back Ashley Waters, D.P.A. ’16, as senior assistant director in the Department of Housing and Human Services in July 2023. She previously served as the city’s communications manager from 2019 to 2021.
Halle P. Gray, J.D. ’17, an associate with Pessin Katz Law, P.A., was one of 24 women selected in April to the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel Ladder Down Class of 2024. Ladder Down is a year-long program dedicated to business development, leadership empowerment and mentorship.
Aaron Robinson, MBA ’17, was named the head coach of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s softball program in October 2023.
Megan E. Tanabe, B.S. ’18, MBA ’20, was promoted in February to manager of the Common Interest Realty Association industry team at UHY LLP office in Columbia, Maryland.
St. Johns Properties selected Bryan Cyphers, MBA ’19, in August 2023 to participate in the Partnerin- Training Program which is designed to prepare participants to open and oversee all operations for a new regional office in a section of the United States identified as a growth market.
Grace E. Doyle, MBA ’19, was selected as one of nine finalists for the 2023 Bethesda Painting Awards, hosted by the Bethesda (Maryland) Arts & Entertainment District.
Kiara N. Hughes, B.A. ’19, joined TRĒ AI in San Antonio, Texas, in April as director of business development.
Azarvand Tax Law in Silver Spring, Maryland, welcomed Candice K. Miller, B.A. ’19, J.D. ’21, in April as a partner.
Tyeisha Pinnock, MBA ’19, of Dip’t, and Angel Wilson, M.F.A. ’19, of Silent Books Publishing, split the “Most Promising Business” award at the 2023 “Rise to the Challenge” business pitch competition held by UBalt’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Dip’t is a line of locally made vegetarian snacks, while Silent Books Publishing offers self-publishing services to aspiring authors.
In June 2023, Crystal Wamalwa, B.A. ’19, started AudaCITY, a nonprofit organization focused on highlighting Black artists in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Richmond, Virginia. She was also a finalist in UBalt’s 2024 “Rise to the Challenge” competition.
2020s
Pessin Katz Law, P.A., welcomed Nathan H. Adams, J.D. ’20, as an associate in June 2023.
Ellin & Tucker promoted Mark Burney, B.S. ’20, to supervisor in the audit and accounting department in February.
Melvin Clark III, B.S. ’20, founded AMJ Fishing Gloves in 2018 and recently sold his design to Under Armour.
Emily S. DiBenedetto, J.D. ’20, joined the executive committee of the Federal Bar Association Delaware Chapter as treasurer in June 2023.
Kondwani Fidel, M.F.A. ’20, was recognized in Baltimore Magazine’s 2023 Best of Baltimore as Best Poet.
Goodell DeVries welcomed Bryan P. Cleary, J.D. ’21, in December 2023 as an associate in the firm’s Medical Malpractice Practice Group.
R. Stark Merrifield IV, J.D. ’21, joined the firm of Niles, Barton & Wilmer LLP as an associate in December 2023.
Quinn Law Group in Annapolis, Maryland, hired Katherine Costain Patton, J.D. ’21, in May 2023 as an associate attorney.
Lamar R. Robinson, M.P.A. ’21, reports that he was selected for the Class of 2022 Presidential Management Fellowship in the Executive Office of the President of the United of States.
Zachary T. Babo, J.D. ’22, joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in September 2023 as a legal fellow. He supports the organization by providing free legal services to journalists and news outlets.
Matthew Graham, J.D. ’22, joined McNees Wallace & Nurick in July 2023 as a litigating attorney in their Frederick, Maryland, office.
McDonald Hopkins in Cleveland, Ohio, welcomed Arriana M. Sajjad, J.D. ’22, as an associate in the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group in November 2023.
Austin R. Scott, J.D. ’22, joined the workers’ compensation team at Franklin & Prokopik’s Baltimore office in May 2023.
Brian T. Sessions, B.S. ’22, is the chief executive officer of The ROC Enrichment Program which provides K-12 students with a healthy social outlet for entertainment and education in Baltimore City.
David A. Byrd, D.S. ’23, is the editor in chief of Naval Aviation News for the United States Navy and publications manager for NAVAIR.
After earning a full scholarship to the University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law School in Baltimore, Estrada R. Yarsay, B.A. ’23, began his studies in August 2023.
Baby Bees
Ming L. Lu, J.D. ’22, welcomed a daughter, Avani Liu Lu, in May 2023. She is pictured here with her older sister, Vivienne.
Submitting a Class Note is easy. Just visit ubalt.edu/classnotes.