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Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors incorporates strong national representation and with our Board’s commitment to service and youth development, we are truly able to make a difference in communities throughout the nation.


Founding Chairwoman:  
Vi Ripken  
     
Chairman: Honorable Francis X. Kelly, Jr.   
     
Immediate Past Chairman: Robbie Callaway  
     
Chairman Elect: Jay Baker
     
Vice Chairmen: Bill Ripken  
  Cal Ripken, Jr.  
     
Members: Michael B. Adams Mark McNaughton
  Terry Arenson Robert G. Merrick
  Kenny Baldwin Honorable Mike Moore
  Warren Bischoff Jord Poster
  Irvin H. Bisnov Roger Ralph
  Mark Butler Alan M. Rifkin, Esq.
  Douglas Collins, M.D. Lonnie Ritzer, Esq.
  Manus Cooney John D. Ryan
  Frank Culotta Paul M. Sandler
  Chris Flannery Regina B. Schofield
  Gus Kalaris Mark Shriver
  John Karas, Esq. Jim Stratton
  Honorable Laura S. Kiessling Woody Talcove
  Donald H. Kirk, Jr. Carl J. Truscott
  Lainy LeBow-Sachs Larry E. Walton



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Vi Ripken

Born and raised in the Aberdeen, Maryland area, Vi Ripken has not only nurtured a bedrock of a family and a whole generation of great athletes – she has also been an integral part of her community.  The former Violet Gross married Cal Ripken, Sr. in 1957.  She has truly made her mark in Harford County – applying her abundant energy and organizational skills to many different community organizations.  She has been involved with the Harford County Boys & Girls Club since its inception more than a decade ago, serving in a variety of capacities on the Board and volunteering her time.  Her annual ladies-only golf tournament, Vi Ripken’s Diamonds in the Rough, has raised many thousands of dollars for the Club and has become a fundraising institution in Harford County.  Along with Cal Sr., she was also involved for many years with the Special Olympics.

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brown_box.gifThe Honorable Francis X. Kelly
Founder & Chairman, Kelly & Associates Insurance Group, Inc.

Guided by a deep commitment to his community, his family, and his faith, Francis X. Kelly has carved a history of public service, business success, and civic involvement.  Senator Kelly was elected to represent the citizens of northern Baltimore County in the Maryland State Senate for a 12-year tenure defined by leadership, effectiveness, and compassion.  He led legislative efforts to create the University of Maryland Medical System, which includes six hospitals in Maryland, namely Shock Trauma, as well as the University System of Maryland, which includes College Park and 13 other state colleges and universities.  Senator Kelly was instrumental in the creation of the Maryland Stadium Authority, which amongst its many accomplishments was responsible for building Oriole Park and Ravens Stadium.  Senator Kelly's leading role in the creation of the Maryland Spending Affordability Committee has saved state taxpayers billions of dollars since its creation.

Senator Kelly has earned countless honors and recognition including being recognized as one of the top 100 Irish business leaders in the United States by Irish America magazine.  Most recently, he was named to the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce's Business Hall of Fame and was the 2006 recipient of the Community Service Award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  He was also recently inducted into the Monsignor Bonner High School Hall of Fame.

Senator Kelly remains heavily involved in the community and has been a member of the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors, since its inception in 1984, as well as being Chairman of the Shock Trauma Center Board for the last 20 years.  He was also appointed to the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.  He serves on the Cal Ripken, Sr. Board of Directors and along with his wife, Janet, has been the chair of the Ripken Aspire Gala for the past three years.

He is the Founder and Chairman of Kelly & Associates Insurance Group, which he and his wife, Janet, started in the basement of their Timonium, Maryland, home in 1976.  Now, over 30 years later, he proudly works every day with his four sons - Frank III, John, David, and Bryan - who have helped him take Kelly & Associates Insurance Group to a level never dreamed possible.  He is most grateful for his faith and his family, which has grown to include four daughters-in-law and 18 grandchildren.

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brown_box.gifRobbie Callaway
Vice President for Government Services, First Pic, Inc.

Robbie Callaway is a lifelong advocate for child safety and opportunity, especially for children from the most disadvantaged circumstances.  From his early days directing group homes for juvenile delinquents to leading a national effort to promote juvenile justice reform, he has always focused on youth-related issues.  His early efforts laid the groundwork for his future national accomplishments.  During his 24-year career at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Callaway led a Government Relations team who, with very supportive relationships on Capitol Hill, raised over $1 Billion for the organization.  He was also instrumental in expanding the number of Clubs in public housing communities from 25 to over 450 Clubs and was the driving force in BGCA’s expansion onto over 220 Indian reservations across the nation.  As a mark of their respect for his deep commitment to Native American children, Callaway was adopted into the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota during a sacred Hunka ceremony.

He is a founding Board Member of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Past Chairman and currently serves as a NCMEC Board Member.  In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, an organization committed to serving youth nationwide through character building programs.  He is also a Board Member of Hearts and Homes of Maryland – the organization with which he began his career.  Throughout his career, Callaway has and continues to play a pivotal role in the development and passage of several key pieces of national legislation including the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act; and the 2003 passage of the National Amber Alert legislation.  Continuing the national effort, he joined forces in 2006 with longtime friend, John Walsh, to help spearhead the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, the most comprehensive piece of child safety legislation in 25 years.  He also advocated early on for eliminating the “digital apartheid” faced by America’s most disadvantaged children and played a pivotal role in the creation of NCMEC’s national child internet safety program NetSmartz.

Over the years, Callaway has received numerous notable awards such as the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Outstanding Service to President Reagan’s Child Safety Partnership,” the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, The Thomas G. Garth Character and Courage Award, and the John Walsh Outstanding Child Advocate Award.  Callaway is Vice President for Government Services with FirstPic, Inc., a consulting firm in the Washington, DC area where he is continuing his advocacy for youth.  Callaway received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.

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brown_box.gifJay Baker
Retired President, Kohl's Department Stores

Jay Baker is a member of the Board of Directors of Kohl's Department Stores.  He served as President of Kohl's Department Stores from 1986-1999.  Previously, he was CEO of Thimbles, a ready-to-wear specialty division of BATUS.  Baker also was the Senior Vice President-softlines of the BATUS Retail Group, and he held the senior position of General Merchandise Manager of ready-to-wear and Director of Stores of Saks Fifth Avenue.  In addition, he served as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of the budget store of Famous-Barr.  Baker also has worked for Ohrbach's and Macy's.

He is a member of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Board of Overseers, Penn Jay H. Baker Retailing Initiative, a Director of Kohl's Department Stores, Briggs & Stratton Corporation, and the Philharmonic Board of Naples, Florida.  Baker and his wife, Patty, have been longtime supporters of the performing arts and New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, which awarded Baker an honorary doctorate.

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Bill Ripken
Vice President, Ripken Baseball, Inc.

The youngest child of Vi and Cal Sr., Bill Ripken became the third member of the family to don the Baltimore black-and-orange after he was drafted by the Orioles in June of 1982.  He made the major leagues in 1987, and along with Cal Ripken, Jr., became part of the fifth set of brothers to form a shortstop-second base duo.  Cal and Bill ended up playing in 663 games together.  In all, Bill played in 912 major league games over 12 seasons for the Orioles, Rangers, Indians, and Tigers.  Always a sound fundamental player, he led the league in sacrifices in 1990.  Known as a great fielder, he also hit 20 homeruns in his career, including one – as he is quick to remind everyone – off of Randy Johnson.  Today, Bill is active in many community and charitable ventures and is the Director of the Ripken Baseball Camps.  He and his wife Candace have four children: Miranda, Anna, Reese, and Jack.

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Cal Ripken, Jr.
Vice President, Ripken Baseball, Inc.

One of the true legends of baseball, Cal Ripken, Jr. began his professional baseball career in 1978, made it to the majors in 1981, and quickly set a new standard for shortstops.  Big, strong, and durable, he displayed power at the plate, grace in the field, and unrivaled perseverance.  He earned AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1982, and won the MVP award in 1983 and 1991.  In the course of playing in a record 2,632 consecutive games over a 17-year span, Cal amassed 3,184 hits, including 431 homeruns.  He holds many major league records, including most homeruns by a shortstop and highest single season fielding percentage by a shortstop (.996).  Just as important, Cal has been involved with many charitable organizations in his native Maryland and across the country -- helping to raise funds for literacy programs, the ALS Foundation, countless programs helping disadvantaged kids, and simply acting as a dignified ambassador of the game by signing countless autographs.  Today Cal runs Ripken Baseball, Inc.; owns and operates the Aberdeen IronBirds, Augusta GreenJackets, and Port Charlotte Stone Crabs; and is the driving force behind the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.  He and his wife Kelly have two children: Rachel and Ryan.

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brown_box.gifMichael B. Adams
President, National Machinery Sales

Michael Adams is the President of National Machinery Sales in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The business serves as the region's largest Ingersoll Rand Equipment Dealership, and specializes in eqipment, parts, service, and rental sales.  Adams is also the President of JON Properties, a firm that specializes in land acquisition, real estate development, and property management. 

Michael served as a Past President of the Commonwealth Club of Virginia, and enjoys membership in the following organizations: Virginia Leaders in Export Trade, Rotary Club of Fredericksburg, MCCA, Central Virginia Housing Coalition, and several other groups.  Adams is married with three children, and enjoys skiing, golfing, and traveling.

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Terry Arenson
Vice President & Director of Sales and Marketing, Chicago Title Insurance Company

Terry Arenson is Vice President and Director of Sales and Marketing for Chicago Title Insurance in Maryland, responsible for producing commercial real estate title insurance services in Maryland and across the United States.  He is also the Managing Partner of Tark's Grill, an American Grill Restaurant located in Lutherville, Maryland.  He has served on various committees for organizations such as Coaches versus Cancer, which is made up of The American Cancer Society and The National Association of Basketball Coaches.  He and his wife, Micheline, have a daughter, Lindsay, and reside in Timonium, Maryland.

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brown_box.gifKenny Baldwin

Kenny Baldwin graduated from Rice University in 1980 with Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematical Sciences and Managerial Studies, and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 1979 draft. After graduating from Rice, Kenny continued his brief minor league career, including stints with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers farm teams. In 1981, he joined the consulting division of what was then Arthur Andersen. Kenny recently retired from Accenture, the same consulting organization, which has transformed from a private partnership to a $20 billion corporation.

Over the years, Kenny held several leadership roles at Accenture. He was the lead partner for Accenture’s services to several large global accounts. He also led several practice areas including Accenture’s global Trading and Risk Management practice, Accenture’s North American Independent practice, and Accenture’s South American Energy practices. Kenny retired as the Global Managing Director for Accenture’s Energy practice.

Kenny serves on the board of Tiandi Energy, a Chinese based company focused on delivering value to the global upstream oil and gas sector thru a team of professionals with expertise in the geosciences and petroleum engineering. Kenny has been a volunteer and supporter of Texas Special Olympics, where he
coached (8 years) and served as a Board Member of the local chapter. He has also served as a board member for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Association (MHMRA) and for his church in Argentina. Kenny currently serves on the Board of Stewards of his church, and he chairs the boards of the Houston
chapter of Child Advocates and the Chapelwood Hispanic Ministry.

Kenny and his wife Melissa have two sons, Hunter and Ty, and live in Houston. Kenny enjoys hunting, golfing, and traveling with his family. Kenny and his family are members of Chapelwood United Methodist Church.

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brown_box.gifWarren Bischoff
Senior Managing Director, RBC Wealth Management

Warren Bischoff is a senior managing director with RBC Wealth Management and the Washington, D.C. Complex Director, helping steward over $6 billion in client assets. Recently, Warren was recognized by On Wall Street Magazine as their Branch Manager of the Year for 2009. He was RBC Wealth Management's Volunteer of the Year, both for his personal involvement in many different causes and his leadership in encouraging RBC employees to find and support causes of their own. Warren is the Vice Chairman of Super Leaders, making it the charity of choice for the RBC Washington DC Complex. He is an extremely active board member, raising over $500,000 for Super Leaders.

Bischoff is also on the board of the Jay Bonsalle Heart Foundation, and serves on steering committees for St. Judes Children's Hospital and Autism Speaks. He is also a chapter member of The Lymphoma Research Foundation, an organization whose mission played a direct role in his life when, in 2008, Bischoff received a bone marrow transplant to cure his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Warren and his wife Amy live in Chevy Chase, MD where they are raising 3 young children.  Warren is a graduate of Villanova University.

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Irvin H. Bisnov
Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP

Irvin Bisnov serves as Office Managing Partner for Deloitte & Touche USA LLP's Carolinas practice.  Bisnov is a 20 year veteran of Deloitte, where he has been a leader in the financial services industry with an emphasis in depository institutions.  Bisnov has also served clients engaged in the investment banking, investment management, and broker/dealer sectors of the industry.  Prior to joining the Carolinas practice, he most recently served as the Assurance & Enterprise Risk Services (AERS) leader in the financial services sector for the entire Southeast region.  He has led the Carolinas practice to further support important community efforts.  The firm heads the Minorities Initiative Committee for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and provides leadership and guidance to the North Carolina A&T State University Queen City Alumni, and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.  Bisnov lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Dana, and children, Benji and Ali.

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brown_box.gifMark Butler
President and CEO, Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Mark Butler is one of the Founding Fathers of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, which started business in 1982 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Butler’s entire retail career has been spent building one of the most exciting retail companies in America.  Since being named President of Ollie’s in 2003, the company has grown from 27 stores to 70 stores operating in eight states with nearly 2,200 Associates.  Butler was a 2005 Ernst Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Finalist and a featured guest of PCN Profiles of Prominent Pennsylvanians.  He was also named to the Board of Directors of NASCAR superstar Kasey Kahne’s foundation in 2008.  Butler is a co-owner of the Harrisburg Senators Baseball Club; Eastern League double A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.  Butler resides in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Betty, and three children.

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brown_box.gifDouglas Collins, M.D.
Mayo Clinic

Dr. Collins has been a consultant in Radiology at Mayo Clinic since 1994.  Besides his cancer research, which has focused on improving the detection and treatment of breast tumors by exploiting their underlying aberrant metabolism, he has also served as the Director of the Nuclear Radiology Fellowship and Breast Imaging subsection in the Department of Radiology.  Additionally, he has served as a scientific advisor to several biomedical research companies.  Dr. Collins dedicated many years to the community of Rochester, Minnesota, through coaching his children's (Sarah, Benjamin, and Jacob) baseball and basketball teams.  From this experience and his participation as a coach in the Special Olympics, he understands the importance of sports as an organizing principle for the youth of America, and looks forward to supporting the ideals of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

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brown_box.gifManus Cooney
President & Partner, TCH Group, LLC

Manus Cooney joined the TCH Group as President and Partner in March 2007 bringing with him over a decade of Capitol Hill senior staff experience and several years of public policy consulting experience. His practice specializes in intellectual property, entertainment, tort reform, and antitrust related policy issues. Cooney also represents non-profits seeking federal support for their respective missions. He is a frequent lecturer and is nationally recognized as an expert on intellectual property, competition, and technology policy.

Cooney is also the President & Founder of Potomac Counsel, LLC, a public policy consulting and lobbying firm formed in 2002 which will be combining with the TCH Group.  Cooney also served as Chief Counsel & Staff Director of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, where he was the principal legal and policy advisor to the Committee’s Chairman, Sen. Orrin G. Hatch.  In addition to overseeing the Committee’s day-to-day operations, Cooney was primarily responsible for the development and stewardship of the Committee’s legislative, executive, and oversight agendas.  Upon leaving public service and prior to forming Potomac Counsel, LLC, Cooney served as the Vice President for Corporate and Policy Development for the file-sharing company Napster, Inc.  At Napster, Cooney was responsible for setting the company's strategic course on legislative policy issues that affected the company, its users, and artists. Cooney is active in the community and volunteers his time to several national and local civic organizations: Board of Directors, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; Board of Directors, Our Lady of Mercy School; Board Member, Council for Court Excellence; Member, Federal City Council; Member, Economic Club of Washington D.C.; Member, Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick; Player, Potomac Athletic Club Rugby (1995 National Champions).  He is married to Theresa Hatfield Cooney and together, they have three daughters – Caitlin, Claire, and Tara. They live in Potomac, Maryland.


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Frank Culotta
Managing Partner, DEX Imaging, Inc.

Frank Culotta is a Managing Partner for DEX Imaging, Inc., an award winning document solutions company. DEX has been recognized by JD Powers and Associates for Best Customer Experience and prides itself on donating one third of its profits to local charities.  Culotta embraces his company’s philanthropy.  Along with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, he sits on the Board of Directors for the University of Maryland’s R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Building Men & Women for Others, and the Baltimore County Police Foundation.  Frank graduated with a B.S. in Economics after playing four years of football for the Villanova Wildcats.  He and his wife, Debi, reside in Sparks, Maryland.  They have four children and six grandchildren.

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Chris Flannery
President, Ripken Baseball, Inc.

A native of London, England, Flannery joined Ripken Baseball, Inc. in 2002 as Chief Operating Officer, bringing with him a wealth of business experience to the Baltimore-based company.  With more than 16 years of executive management, marketing and business development skills, Flannery runs the day to day operations of all divisions of the Ripken Baseball Group, including both the Professional and Amateur Baseball divisions.  Under his watch, Ripken Baseball has grown from a start-up entity to
a force to be reckoned in the youth baseball and minor league arenas.  Prior to joining Ripken Baseball, Flannery most recently served as Vice-President of Marketing for CatalogCity.com in Monterey, California, where he managed all customer and partner relationships, as well as marketing and merchandising for the major internet shopping portal.  Flannery also served in an executive capacity with West Marine in Watsonville, California, the largest supplier of boating equipment in the world.  While there, he developed and managed international strategic growth for West Marine catalog and retail operations.  From 1993-1996 he served as Vice-President of Olwen International Direct Mail in Baltimore.  He was responsible for the U.S. operations of the England-based full service direct mail company.

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brown_box.gifGus Kalaris
Founder & Owner, AXIOS and Constantine Wines, Inc.

Gus Kalaris is the founder and owner of Constantine Wines, Inc., a 16 year-old wine distribution and import company that has enjoyed a great reputation for premium offerings.  Under his leadership, Constantine Wines has enjoy uninterrupted growth. Mr. Kalaris has over 20 years of extensive experience building wine lines that compete in all ranges.  Prior to starting Constantine, he held consulting positions with Mar-Salle Imports and Washington Wholesalers.  In addition to his ownership responsibilities at Constantine, Kalaris also owns AXIOS, a Super Premium Napa Valley wine brand.  Gus' proudest achievement is his family.  He, his wife, Lynne, and their two children reside in Highland, Maryland.

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John Karas, Esq.
Partner, Karas & Bradford

John Karas is an attorney and has been a partner in Karas & Bradford since 1989.  Prior to that he was a partner with Tanner, Livezey, Karas, & Bradford.  Very active in the community, he is Chairman of the Board of Harford Bank, a Director of the Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, and a member of the Board of Trustees at the John Carroll School.  Karas is also a member and Past President of the Aberdeen Rotary Club, a past member and President of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and a past recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award.  He is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Law.  Karas lives in Havre de Grace, Maryland with his wife, Belinda, and children Bethany, Aimee, and Andy.

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The Honorable Laura S. Kiessling
Associate Judge, Anne Arundel County Circuit Court


Laura S. Kiessling is an associate judge for the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Maryland, representing the 5th Judicial Circuit.  Previously serving as Deputy State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County, Kiessling has made a difference in the lives of countless victims of crime.  Known for her tenacious efforts in handling some of the state’s and nation’s most complex and publicized crimes, Kiessling has dedicated her career to criminal justice.  A graduate of the Catholic University School of Law, she clerked for the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County prior to joining the State’s Attorney’s Office in 1991.  She served as a senior attorney on the office’s trial team dedicated to child abuse, sex offenses, and homicides until she was made Deputy State’s Attorney in December 2006.  Kiessling has served as the head of the Hate Crimes Prosecution Team, as well as served on the Child Fatality Review Team, and worked with Leadership Anne Arundel performing training for the their Mock Trial Program.  Additionally, Kiessling has instructed new police recruits and seasoned officers as to the law for the Anne Arundel County Police Academy.  Since 2003, she has served on the core team for "Finding Words", a program through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention that teaches forensic interviewing techniques of abused children to people who play integral roles in these matters.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.  Kiessling and her husband, Trevor, reside in Edgewater, Maryland, with their two young children, Madison and Trey.

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Donald H. Kirk, Jr.
President and CEO, Windsor Electric Co., Inc.

Donald Kirk is president and CEO of Windsor Electric Co., Inc. which was founded in 1955 by Donald Kirk, Sr.  Kirk manages a workforce of 150 employees who work on various commercial projects throughout Central Maryland including Sheppard Pratt Health System, 750 Pratt Street, Hard Rock Café, and various hospitals and schools throughout Maryland.

Kirk has served on several boards including the Association of Builders and Contractors, the Building Congress Exchange, and the Electric League of Maryland.  He was recently honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Association of Builders and Contractors.

Kirk was the volunteer manager for the construction of Cal Sr.’s Yard in Aberdeen, Maryland and serves as the Baltimore Swing for the Future Campaign Vice-Chair with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.  He has served as Honorary Board Member of The Family Tree (Child Abuse Prevention) for over 10 years and currently serves as buildings chairperson.  Don and his wife, Pat, manage the Kirk Family Foundation.

Kirk graduated from McDonogh School and has many degrees in the electrical field.  He served for 10 years in the Maryland National Guard.

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brown_box.gifLainy LeBow-Sachs
Executive Vice President for External Relations, Kennedy Krieger Institute

Lainy LeBow-Sachs has served as the Executive Vice President for External Relations for the Kennedy Krieger Institute since 1996.  Prior to joining Kennedy Krieger, she worked as a long-time aide to former Baltimore Mayor, Maryland Governor, and Maryland Comptroller, William Donald Schaefer.

LeBow-Sachs currently serves on several boards, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Maryland Zoo, Beth Am Synagogue, Associated Federation of Jewish Charities, and the Baltimore Jewish Council.  In recognition of her work, both professional and volunteer, LeBow-Sachs has been honored with numerous awards, including Maryland’s Top 100 Women, United Way’s Clementine Award, and Woman of the Year by Hadassah.  LeBow-Sachs received a Bachelor of Science from Boston University and a Masters in Education from Loyola College.

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Mark McNaughton
President, The McNaughton Group

Mark McNaughton, founder of the McNaughton Group, is a native of the Northwest and has always had a passion for land development.  He began building residential properties in 1979 and never looked back, continuing to expand his business as his success grew.  Combining his knowledge of property management and years of construction experience, he built the company with a business philosophy of hiring only the best, most talented people available and conducting business in the utmost principled style.

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brown_box.gifRobert G. Merrick
Senior Partner, Alphametrix, LLC.

Bobby is pursuing a balanced life between non-profit and for-profit endeavors. On the latter side, he works for a Chicago-based company, Alphametrix. The firm specializes in due diligence, research and managed account investing in hedge funds around the globe. His non-profit work centers mainly around the France Merrick foundation. The foundation focuses on education, civic, cultural and family initiatives in the Maryland area. Bobby is an active trustee for the Hippodrome Foundation, UMBC Board of Visitors, St. Mary’s Seminary and University and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Maryland Chapter.  He has been happily married to Tricia, his wife of 24 years and they have 3 children: Carter, Catie and Sam. They live in Owings Mills, MD.

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brown_box.gifThe Honorable Mike Moore
Former Attorney General, State of Mississippi
Private Practice, Mike Moore Law Firm


Mike Moore was Attorney General of the State of Mississippi from 1988 – 2004 and now practices law in the areas of dispute resolution and governmental relations with his own firm, Mike Moore Law Firm, LLC, in Flowood, Mississippi.  Before his 16 years as Mississippi’s Attorney General, he served as District Attorney on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for two terms.  In 1992, Moore became the first resident Mississippian to be selected as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Americans by the National Jaycees.  In 1994, his fellow Attorneys General bestowed upon him the prestigious Wyman Award, naming him the most outstanding Attorney General in the Nation.  He also served as president of the National Association of Attorneys General.  In 1998, the National Law Journal named him “Lawyer of the Year,” and Governing Magazine named him “Public Official of the Year.”  In May of 2003, the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids presented him with their “Champion Award” for a decade of service in protecting America’s young people from tobacco addiction and his role in protecting the nation’s health.  In 2004, Moore was the recipient of the Julius Richmond Award which is the highest award given by the Harvard School of Public Health.  Moore still chairs The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, the state’s tobacco prevention program that he founded after the settlement in 1998.  He serves on the National Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, works with Boys & Girls Clubs nationally, and assists many other children’s programs.  Moore is married to his wife, Letitia, and has one son, Kyle.

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brown_box.gifJord Poster
Chairman and CEO, Charity Partners, LLC

Jord Poster is currently Chairman and CEO of Charity Partners, LLC, which develops high-impact fundraising platforms for public charities throughout the world.  Beginning with the $25 billion U.S. ticket industry, the company formed Tickets for Charity, LLC and launched the website in 2005.  Through this website, people can make a donation to any one of numerous partner charities (including the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation) when buying tickets for concerts and shows. Previously, as co-founder of Priceline.com, Poster helped shape the original vision and strategic direction of the pioneering online travel company.  Today, Priceline.com remains an industry leader.  Simultaneous with his work at Priceline.com, Poster was co-founder and President of the American Express VIP Subscription Service from 1996 through 2000.

Poster has been active in program development and fundraising support for numerous charitable organizations, using his expertise with business and communications strategy.  The organizations he has worked with include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Habitat for Humanity, The Boston Museum of Fine Art, The American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many, many more.

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Roger Ralph
Principal, Hockessin Athletic Club and Roger Ralph, LLC

Roger Ralph currently is a Principal in the 110,000 sq. ft. Hockessin Athletic Club in Wilmington, Deleware which opened in June 2007.  He is also the Principal in Roger Ralph, LLC, a consulting company to the sports, fitness, and recreation industries.  Prior to that, Ralph was the developer and owner of the Bel Air Athletic Club in Harford County, Maryland, ranked by the Health Club Industry Association as one of the top five health clubs in the United States.  He has been recognized by Ernst and Young as an Entrepreneur of the Year in the State of Maryland.  Ralph has served on the boards of the Family Life Center, Harford Community College Foundation, The Experiment in International Living, The Columbia Foundation, The Boys & Girls Club of Harford County, and the Maryland Mentoring Partnership.  He is a graduate of Middlebury College, holds a master’s degree from Columbia University, and was a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University.  He lives in Stevensville, Maryland, with his wife, Elaine.

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Alan M. Rifkin, Esq.
Managing Partner, Rifkin, Livingston, Levitan & Silver, LLC

Alan M. Rifkin, Managing Partner of the firm Rifkin, Livingston, Levitan & Silver, LLC, is a well recognized commercial and business attorney who has represented many national and international corporations and institutions.  In the area of sports law, Rifkin has been outside counsel to the Baltimore Orioles in a wide variety of matters, including rights fee agreements, licensing agreements, telecast contracts, naming rights and sponsorship agreements and litigation matters.  Rifkin also represented the Baltimore Orioles and its regional sports network, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, LLP (MASN®) in negotiations with Major League Baseball resulting from the relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington, D.C.  Rifkin now serves as counsel to the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.  Rifkin previously has represented the Washington Redskins on a variety of matters, including the relocation of the franchise from Washington, D.C. to Maryland.  He also represents the Maryland Jockey Club, owners of the Preakness® Stakes and Pimlico Racecourse.  Rifkin was recently recognized by The Daily Record as one of the “50 Influential Marylanders” for 2007.

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Lonnie Ritzer, Esq.
Partner, Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler

Lonnie Ritzer is an attorney who for the past 20 years has been a partner at Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.  Prior to joining Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, he was a partner in a regional law firm.  Ritzer is a director of InCharge Institute of America, Inc., Profina Debt Solutions, Inc., National Credit Counseling Services, Inc., InCharge Debt Solutions Canada, and Accredited Bankruptcy Services, Inc.  He also serves on the Ripken Stadium Management Board.  Ritzer is a past president of the Baltimore Association of Tax Council, and is co-author of a variety of publications.

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John D. Ryan
Senior Vice President, Public Safety and Criminal Investigations, AOL

John Ryan is Senior Vice President, Public Safety and Crimuinal Investigations, with AOL.  Four years ago, Ryan brought in a newspaper article that discussed the increasing need for a hot meals delivery service to the elderly shut-in.  He approached AOL’s Community Investment team and within days was recruiting volunteers for a Loudoun County route.  Today, thanks to Ryan’s initiative and passion, AOL has two teams of volunteers who deliver hot meals Monday through Friday to residents in Ashburn and Sterling.  Starting a partnership and sticking with it is all in a day’s work for Ryan.  A catalyst and key broker of AOL’s longstanding relationship with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Ryan played a crucial role in the development of the nation’s Cyber Tipline and the first online Amber Alert system.  He also serves on the NCMEC Board of Directors.

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brown_box.gifPaul M. Sandler
Partner, Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler

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brown_box.gifRegina B. Schofield
Managing Director for Public Policy, Casey Family Programs

Regina B. Schofield serves as Casey Family Programs’ Managing Director for Public Policy.  As Managing Director, she is primarily responsible for developing national programs and overseeing foster care reduction with state and federal policy makers.  Schofield was most recently the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), where she served as the nation’s AMBER Alert Coordinator and oversaw activities related to major Bush Administration and Department of Justice initiatives including Project Safe Neighborhoods, Project Safe Childhood, the President’s DNA Initiative, the Prisoner Reentry Initiative, and Helping America’s Youth.  Before her appointment as Assistant Attorney General, Schofield was Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Schofield has also worked in the private sector.  She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi College and an M.B.A. from Jackson State University.

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brown_box.gifMark Shriver
Managing Director, Save the Children USA

Mark Shriver serves as the Managing Director for Save the Children USA, leading Save the Children’s programs and advocacy efforts for children living in impoverished rural communities across the United States.  A champion for vulnerable children and families for more than 17 years, Shriver served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and was Maryland’s first-ever Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Youth and Families.  He also founded and led the innovative Choice Program, a public/private partnership that serves at-risk youth through intensive, community-based counseling and job training services.  Shriver received a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a M.P.A. from Harvard University.

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Jim Stratton
Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Foundation

Jim Stratton currently serves as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He has served the Boys & Girls Club movement in various leadership capacities for more than 30 years, doing so with great distinction at each stop along the way.  Most recently, Stratton served as the President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale from 1995 – 2006.  On the national level, Stratton has served as the Regional Vice President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America in both the Southwest and Pacific Regions, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of key strategic initiatives.  He is viewed as a national leader and expert in the area of youth service, and his guidance and advice is a highly sought commodity.

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brown_box.gifWoody Talcove
LexisNexis

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Carl J. Truscott
Sr. Vice President, ASERO Worldwide

Carl Truscott is the former Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Appointed by the United States Attorney General, Truscott served in this capacity from 2004 – 2006.  Prior to that, he served as head of presidential protection and Assistant Director of the United States Secret Service, where he served with great honor.  Currently, Truscott serves as Senior Vice President of ASERO Worldwide, where he advises clients on strategic plans for security preparedness, identifies alternative uses for technology solutions to enhance homeland security, and integrates them into the security marketplace.  Truscott’s volunteer service has included the Executive Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as the Board of Directors of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.  His numerous honors throughout his law enforcement career include the Presidential Rank Award as Meritorious Executive in 2003.

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Larry E. Walton
Senior Advisor, United Way of Central Maryland


Larry Walton provides overall leadership and direction as President & Chief Professional Officer to all of United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM), the 16th largest United Way in the country.  He oversees the development and management of a $70 million organization, which supports more than 250 programs at 118 funded agencies.  Walton's career spans more than 35 years in nonprofit management and development.  He is very active both in the community and on national committees of the United Way system where he has made numerous contributions to the career development and training of United Way professionals nationwide.  Walton chaired Maryland Gives!, the Governor’s Task Force on Charitable Giving, and is a graduate of the 1997 class of Leadership Maryland.  He also serves on the Board of St. Joseph Medical Center, Safe and Sound Campaign Board and the Mayor’s Workforce Investment Board.  Prior to becoming UWCM’s President and CPO in January 1996, Walton spent 15 years as President of United Way Services in Richmond, VA.  From 1978-1981 he was Executive Director of United Way of Erie, Pennsylvania.  Prior to his United Way career, Mr. Walton was a Director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Milwaukee; Huntington, Wisconsin; West Virginia; and Erie, Pennsylvania.

Walton holds a B.S. from Fairmont State College and has done graduate work at the University of Wisconsin and New York University in Urban Planning.  His special professional interests are in developing the talents of his staff and assisting in the development of foreign United Ways.  He has played key roles in assisting United Way International with the creation and development of United Ways in Europe, Asia, and New Zealand.  He and his wife, Connie, are the parents of three and have one grandchild.

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