Harford Chamber Celebrates Our Chamber Members; Announces FY2026 Board of Directors, Hall of Fame Award, and Member of the Year

    Bel Air, MD – The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Dinner and Gavel Exchange on Wednesday, June 18th at Maryland Golf & Country Clubs presented by University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.

    Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone of E-Moxie, welcomed attendees and recognized Harford County community leaders in attendance.

    President & CEO of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Elizabeth Wise, spoke to attendees, sharing a new strategic plan for Upper Chesapeake Health. Elizabeth Wise was thanked for her over 3 years of service as President & CEO and recognized as she steps down from her role in the coming months.

    Angela Rose, Harford County Chamber President & CEO, and Chris Stone recognized the 2025 Member of the Year recipient, Kelley Pugh, APGFCU. Kelley is an active Chamber member and highlights the Chamber at every possible opportunity. She co-chairs the Membership Development Committee, welcomes new members, and celebrates with us at ribbon cuttings and events. Thank you, Kelley, for your dedication to the Chamber.

    Lee Tayson, Comparison Insurance Agency, was recognized as the 2025 Harford Chamber Hall of Fame recipient. Lee served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for several years and served 2 years as Board Chair, volunteering for another year to help guide the Chamber through the COVID-19 pandemic. Lee also serves on the Chamber’s Membership Development Committee and was a founding member of the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. Thank you, Lee, for your years of service and dedication.

    With a tough race for the Member of the Year award, the Chamber also awarded Chris and Lacey Rives the Chamber Cheerleader award, recognizing their dedication to the Chamber and its members. Thank you Chris and Lacey for being great connectors of the community and going above and beyond to support local business.

    Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone, reflected on the highlights of his first term. Throughout FY 25, the Harford Chamber continued to provide its members with a voice in advocacy efforts, unparalleled opportunities to make meaningful connections, educational and professional development tools, and cost-savings programs. The members in attendance voted to elect the FY 26 Officers and Board. In addition to Chris Stone, the FY 26 elected Officers include Chair-Elect: Monica Worrell, APG Federal Credit Union; Vice-Chair of Finance: Mike Maxwell, Maxed Out Home Group; and Vice-Chair of Administration: Meghan Jack, MedStar Health. Tracy Batman, Veritech; Samantha Boylan, Albers & Associates; Pamela Craig, Harford Community Action Agency; Ryan Del Gallo, The Del Gallo Group; and Steve Overbay, Harford County Department of Economic Development, were elected to their first, three-year term. Robert Wehland, Freedom Federal Credit Union, was elected to his second three-year term.

    In-Term Board Members are: Dr. Sean Bulson, Harford County Public Schools; Anthony DiPaula, DiPaula Law; Dr. Theresa Felder, Harford Community College; Ron Fisher, Harford County Caucus of African American Leaders; Terry Grant, Katz Abosch; Stephanie Giordano, MacGregor’s Restaurant; Andy Guckert, M&T Bank; Mary Hastler, Harford County Public Library; Sarah Karantonis, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health; Dave Karczeski, BCV Realty; Mike Ray, SURVICE Engineering; Claudia Nachtigal, The Highlands School; Len Parrish, Gemcraft Homes/Freedom Land Development; Eric Rebbert, Peak Partners; and Channel Rhoads Reed, Baltimore Gas & Electric.

    Josh Nelson, Chesapeake Environmental Management, and Eric Rebbert, Peak Partners, were recognized for their service on the Chamber Board as they both step down after the completion of their 2 terms at the end of FY25. Thank you for your years of service and commitment.

    As renewing Board Chair for FY 26, Chris Stone, shared his vision for the Chamber in the year ahead as we celebrate 50 years of advocating for Harford County business. Chris shared his gratitude for the Chamber staff, board of directors, and membership as he recounted the growth and involvement of the Chamber’s membership this past year and emphasized the importance and lasting impact of the Chamber. “If you own a business or a part of a business that operates in this county, it is your DUTY to be a member of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce…Our 50th birthday will increase value for our members, redefine some of our signature events, and help immortalize the efforts of our business community through the Chamber.”

    In fiscal year 2026, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce celebrates 50 years as the premier advocate for local business. The Chamber unveiled its new 50-year anniversary branding and theme: 50 Years Strong: Building Business, Building Community. The Harford Chamber invites all local businesses to join, adding their voice to Harford County’s voice for business and encourages current members to get involved and invest in our business community.

    The Harford Chamber would like to thank our evening’s sponsors: University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, Harford Community College, APG Federal Credit Union, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Medstar Health, Harford Bank, Towson University in Northeastern Maryland, Law Offices of Anthony J. DiPaula, P.A., Jarrettsville Federal Savings & Loan, The Kelly Group, MB Homecare, The Highlands School, KatzAbosch, Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra, William H. Cox, Jr. Real Estate, Inc., Harford County Public Library, Demitriou Insurance Services, Sheariah Yousefi for Delegate, MidAtlantic Photographic, and Accent Printers.

Photos of the event were generously donated by MidAtlantic Photographic. You can view all event photos here.

    About the Harford County Chamber of Commerce: The Harford County Chamber of Commerce has worked continually as the recognized voice of business in Harford County since 1976. The Harford Chamber is the premier business advocate in the county, helping members connect and thrive to create a vibrant economy across all sectors. For more information or become a Harford County Chamber member, please contact Natalie Pixley at natalie@harfordchamber.org