2011 TWIN Awards

TWIN is more than an awards event.  It is an ongoing program which:

- Encourages women and girls to consider and to prepare for a wide range of career opportunities in business and industry.

- Helps women fulfill their potential, make significant contributions to the workplace, and maintain their family responsibilities successfully.

- Stimulates an increased awareness, by more companies, of the untapped source of managerial and professional women in the corporate world.

- Provides direction and funding for YWCA training and services for women, men, and young adults.

- Establishes networking and community service opportunities for TWIN Honorees.

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The TWIN Award is a nationally recognized honor for women.  TWIN programs are sponsored by YWCAs across the country, including the YWCA USA, which sponsors a Tribute to Women in International INdustry.

All resources garnered through the generous support of corporations and organizations make TWIN and other YWCA programs possible and allow us to continue preparing women, men and young adults for the 21st century work force.

Twin Award Honoree profiles

Esther A. Leslie Avery

Financial Compliance Specialist
Anne Arundel County Public Schools

As the Manager of AACPS’s Minority and Small Business Program, Leslie’s responsibilities include a variety of tasks including accountability for the procurement card program, American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Minority Business Enterprise reporting and she has undertaken the leadership of the Minority and Small Business Program.  Her role also includes developing outreach to community, acting as liaison to state and monitoring program compliance while performing financial analysis for a variety of programs.  Esther’s zeal and determination has made the program a “best practice” in the State of Maryland and her passion is to see all people succeed.  She’s determined to unite groups of people, often coming from different backgrounds and economic means, for a common cause.  She brings a sense of reasonableness that invites, encourages, troubleshoots and rewards program participation and success.  Under her leadership, the construction program is leading Maryland with 38% participation from minority firms in Maryland funded construction projects.  This exceeds the State’s goal of 25% by 13%.  Esther received her BS in Business Administration-Finance from the University of Tennessee and her MBA in Finance from Central Michigan University.  Leslie serves as a Board Member of the YWCA of Greater Baltimore.

Kulley A. W. Bancroft

Vice President
Sandy Springs Bank

In her role as Vice President, many business lines and managers rely on Kulley for her ability to pull events, sponsorships and charitable giving opportunities together in support of the bank's mission of enriching the lives of their clients, employees and shareholders.  Her natural ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external partners has helped move the Bank to the spotlight of many community events and sponsorships within the SSB footprint.  Besides managing the Community and Public Relations activities for SSB, Kulley continues to manage a portion of vendor management. She frequently meets with vendors throughout the year to look for ways to reduce cost and consolidate processes.  Kulley represents the Bank at numerous community events during the year.  As a result of Kulley's active involvement in the community, she was appointed to the Governor's Financial Literacy Task Force - making Sandy Spring Bank the only financial institution represented.  Kulley's hard-work and dedication was instrumental in Sandy Spring Bank winning the Maryland Banker's Association’s financial literacy award for the 7th year in a row.  Kully is extraordinarily active in professional activities and projects such as Maryland Governor’s Financial Literacy Task Force, serving on Maryland State Board of Education Financial Literacy Advisory Council,  Maryland Bankers Association Consumer Education Council, Maryland Bankers Association Communications Council, Maryland Bankers Association Leadership Development Council and American Bankers Association Communications Council.  She’s also very active in numerous community activities.

Victoria Bayless

President
Anne Arundel Health System

As President of AAHS, Tori is responsible for the daily operations of one of Maryland’s fastest growing health systems.  She has spearheaded “Vision 2020”, the new Vision for the health system.  This includes multi-focuses on prevention, wellness and going beyond the walls of the hospital.  Tori has been instrumental in leading major change through the implementation of the electronic medical record system, overseeing expansion of hospital facilities and the establishment of a new community health center.  Tori holds a Master of Human Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health as well as a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University’s Center for Professional Development.  She has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 12 national healthcare leaders in the 2007 “Up and Comers” report and by Baltimore Business Journal as one of the “40 under 40” business leaders in the region.  She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several community boards.

Juli Blanton

Realtor
Keller Williams Flagship (sponsored by Pasadena Business Association)

As a realtor, Juli assists buyers in matching the perfect property for their needs.  She has been active in developing buyers’ listings by building rapport and reaching out to potential buyers through community activities.  When working with sellers, she advertises the property, sets up open houses and screens potential buyers.  Juli provides her clients with her expert knowledge of market trends, zoning regulations, tax laws and obtains quotes from appraisers.  Juli was a top producer at Keller Williams Crossroads in 2008.  She obtained her Certified Rental Specialist certification in 2007 and the Certified Distressed Properties Expert certification in 2009.

Marky Campbell

Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
University of Maryland University College

Marky serves UMUC through promoting and developing strategic growth opportunities throughout Maryland and the nation with specialized services for community college and military students.  She has implemented a state-of-the-art contact center, enhanced university communication channels to create interdepartmental synergies, created a customer service model, implemented a quality assurance model to enhance the student experience and has supported initiatives to help UMUC become the number 1 transfer choice among Maryland Community college students.  Marky holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Kentucky and has completed graduate courses in Human Resources as well as a National Leadership program at UMUC.  She is active in programs that support military, military families and wounded soldiers as well as supporting the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Loraine Carroll (Nominated by Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce)

Vice President
BB&T Bank

As Vice President, Loraine uses her diverse capabilities and experience to lead and develop her team of 15 Financial Center Leaders and their staff in 16 BB&T branches located in the Baltimore/Baltimore County and Howard County markets.  She is responsible for leading their activities around wealth management, trust, mortgage and small business products and services.  Most importantly, she is responsible for ensuring that each client’s financial well being is addressed thoroughly in each office that she oversees.  Day to day activities include coaching of direct reports and participating in meetings with existing small business clients and prospects.  Loraine also spends time representing BB&T in various civic and community functions to further enhance the image of the bank.   Loraine also promotes excellent client relations by consistently providing premier client service and has developed a rapport with the BB&T client base.  She also actively promotes the bank’s products and services.  Within her role, she oversees the administrative aspects of the bank and insures the proper functioning of the day-to-day operations while providing opportunities for continuous education of policies and procedures to staff.  Loraine was awarded the “Business Person of the Year” by NAACCC and also was awarded the Million Dollar producer from BB&T.  She’s actively involved in many community activities including Mission of Mercy, Habitat for Humanity, JA Biztown, Rhonda’s House of Hope Womens Shelter and fund raising for Cystic Fibrosis.

Andrea E. Colender, Esquire

Vice President/General Counsel
Severn Savings Bank

Andrea, who has been with Severn Savings Bank over two years, entered the banking world during one of the worst financial crises in decades.  She immediately rolled up her sleeves and dove into the long process of resolving problem assets and moving the company toward relationship banking, thus proving her ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.   Andrea’s day-to-day responsibilities include drafting and reviewing loan documents, assisting with collecting delinquent loans, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, drafting and reviewing contracts and providing legal counsel in driving strategies and initiatives to achieve business objectives.  Having received her J.D. with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law, she served as a law clerk to the Hon. Judge Robert Heller before entering private practice.  Andrea has provided many pro bono services for individuals with limited means.  She received an award for providing services for the YWCA.

Joan Decker

Vice President and Controller
ARINC, Inc.

In her role as Vice President and Controller, Joan, who has a BS in Mathematics, with a Minor in Accounting from Towson University as well as an MBS in Finance from Loyola College in Baltimore, has a very active role in the financial leadership of ARINC.  Her span of responsibility runs from the preparation of financial statements to working with auditors and assisting the Board of Directors and Senior Management in making investor decisions.  Joan also manages a staff of over 50 accountants.  Joan and her staff are involved in the development or review of all critical financial information required to manage ARINC.  Joan’s daily tasks range from managing accounting, billing, accounts receivable and payable, time collection, accounting system departments and all other related accounting functions.  Her skills are required to manage complex accounting operations in over 30 countries.  She is also responsible for the development, review and enforcement of most accounting policies and procedures used throughout the company.  Joan is a founding member of ARINC Women in Leadership, and is a committed supporter of ARINC’s Charitable TEAM. 

Angela Dennis

Branch Manager
PNC Bank

Angela, Branch Manager of PNC Bank, leads and directs all sales, service and business development activities at the branch in order to achieve desired results.  She continuously works to motivate and coach the branch team to ensure the successful development and performance of all employees in areas such as customer experience, sales goals and leadership.  Angela is accountable for the acquisition, retention and growth of the branch and its team as well as the growth within Business Banking, Workplace on-sites and Investment opportunities.  She has been a 2009 Gallup Great Workplace Award winner, recipient of the PNC Achievement Award 2011 and has received many letters and acknowledgments of appreciation from bank customers.  As Branch Manager, she is also responsible for demonstrating PNC’s commitment to the community by becoming actively involved in organizations such as Financial Outreach, March of Dimes, Susan Komen Race for the Cure and Union United Methodist Church Outreach.  She’s also active in the Annapolis Business Association, Sister on the Go and PNC Grow Up Great.

Deborah DiNenna

Director of Clinical Services
Hospice of the Chesapeake

Deborah’s primary responsibilities include the daily field clinical operations for approximately 275 hospice patients as well as the management of the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center and the Tate Residential Hospice House.  She leads a team of close to 80 hospice professionals who provide physical, psychosocial and spiritual support to those living with advanced illness and their families in Anne Arundel and Prince Georges Counties.  While serving as team leader for the recent conversion of the Mandrin Residential Hospice House to a new Inpatient Care Center providing an alternative setting for patients who require advanced care, Deb has demonstrated her leadership abilities, clinical knowledge and strong communication skills.

Pamela Duffy

Executive Vice President and COO
Insurance Solutions

As Executive Vice President, COO and Partner of Insurance Solutions, Pam is a licensed Life, Accident and Health Insurance broker/consultant.  She works with employers on all aspects of their health and welfare plans.  Pam has designed and developed the proprietary online enrollment systems, developed cost analysis and cost monitoring tools and acts as the key account executive for all of Insurance Solutions’ largest clients.  She also works with clients and insurance carriers in resolving claims issues and negotiates client contracts with insurance vendors as well as supports Human Resources personnel.  Pam, a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and the Institute for Organizational Development serves as a board member for the Y of Central Maryland-Anne Arundel chapter and serves on the Leadership Anne Arundel Flagship Class Selection Committee. Pam is also a member of a number of leading local and state organizations. 

Jessica Gates

Bakery Manager
Main Ingredient

Jessica’s day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the production of the bakery and ensuring that the quality meets the exceptionally high standards that The Main Ingredient has set.  As a manager, she displays strong leadership and decision-making skills while working with the bakery staff encouraging them to be the best that they can be.  She has had a positive impact on Main Ingredient’s business.  She also assists the head chef with all pricing and inventory of menu items.  Jessica is creative and meticulous and has an eye for detail, which she applies to make sure that all of the wedding cakes and potential designs meet with her approval.  She insists on meeting with clients to ensure that their vision is being met.  She recently designed Main Ingredient’s new cake “gallery” and is truly a leader amongst the staff members.  Among Jessica’s awards are “Best Desserts” by What’s Up Magazine. 

Melanie Graw

Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker

Melanie wears many hats while helping her clients purchase the home of their dreams.  Included within her responsibilities are locating properties that match her clients’ parameters with respect to size, cost and location.  She schedules appointments with the sellers or their agents to view the properties and assists with the preparation of an offer.  Melanie offers her guidance and reassurance to her clients during the trying times of waiting to see if their offer has been accepted or if further negotiations need to be entered into.  Melanie is much more than a real estate professional; she also develops a personal relationship with her clients, giving them a service beyond description.  In addition to her realtor career, Melanie has taken on volunteer community roles as chair or co-chair of numerous fund-raising events.

Lisa Hart

Asst. Vice President/Branch Manager
Arundel Federal Savings Bank

Lisa is responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of a one of Arundel Federal Savings bank’s largest offices.  Her responsibilities include operations and compliance with aspects of consumer regulation, while providing a superior level of customer relations.   She establishes internal performance objectives for the branch office and promotes the sales and service culture through coaching, guidance and staff motivation. One of Lisa’s roles is to increase the Bank's visibility and to enhance new and existing business opportunities of the bank to the community through good customer relations and community involvement.  Lisa participated in the 100th Anniversary Committee for the bank, which advised Arundel’s management and Board of Directors on a yearlong celebration of the banks commitment to customers, community, education and employees.  She has chaired the Annual Charity Gold Tournament and has raised $69,000 for Anne Arundel Community College.  Lisa is currently a Vice-President in the Pasadena Business Association and will become president in 2012.

Mary Lynn Johnson

Relationship Manager
M&T Bank

Mary Lynn manages ongoing relations by servicing the existing customer base as well as seeking new business banking customers.  Within this role, she delivers ongoing relationships through providing information and a variety of multi-functional services. Through her highly customer-focused performance with skills in negotiation and leadership, she’s been able to implement action plans to build and expand client relationships while developing new business.  Mary Lynn’s high levels of energy and enthusiasm helps her to provide outstanding customer service to a wide array of business customers and has developed an exceptional professional network inside and outside of M&T Bank.  She brings a vast wealth of knowledge regarding the customer base and exceeds her annual performance goals. 

Carolyn Lindsey

Director, Member Services
TRACE International, Inc.

Carolyn works with Fortune 500 and 100 companies in over 110 countries providing them with anti-bribery compliance guidance as they conduct business internationally.  Carolyn, through her research on anti-bribery compliance guidance, manages benchmarking projects on behalf of multi-national companies.  Receiving her JD with honors in 2004 from George Washington University School of Law, she returned in 2005 to teach a class on scholarly writing to 2nd year law students.  Carolyn has authored numerous publications on anti-corruption and is a member of the Virginia and District of Columbia Bars, a Steering Committee Member of the Anti-Corruption Committee, a member of the International Section of the American Bar Association and a member of the International Bar Association.

Debra T. Macey

Board Secretary
Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation

Debbie assists will all aspects of fundraising to support the mission of Baltimore Washington Medical Center.  This includes making and soliciting gifts and involvement with all special events.  In her role as Board Secretary, she supports and advocates for community members in their healthcare needs and acts as a front line representative to help people find a path to the appropriate care provider and facility.  She has a deep respect for all people while maintaining a positive attitude and an incredible sense of humor.  Debbie contributes her time and talents to many community and charitable organizations.

Lauren Maddox (sponsored by The Bricks Companies)

Lauren Maddox Consulting

Lauren has been instrumental in the success of several of the county’s charitable organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, the Light house Shelter and the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.  She gives her time and extensive experience to organizations in order to increase their effectiveness in providing the community with much needed services.  The Brick Companies has had the honor of working with Lauren in the refinement of their Good Works’ Mission and Vision.  She has helped align the Company’s commitment to social responsibility with the corporate mission and has developed a strategic plan that will help measure the progress as they seek to give back to the community.

Nadja Maril

Editor-in-Chief
What’s Up, Inc.

Nadja has supervisory authority over 5 magazines, the What’s Up website, videos and 4 editors.  She was instrumental in getting What’s Up Eastern Shore from a fledgling new magazine to a successful publication and also in making a special section in the Annapolis magazine into a full fledged Weddings Magazine that is a popular seller at many stores in the Washington and Baltimore region.  Nadja, who holds a BA in Social Anthropology, with honors, from University of California, Santa Barbara is also a graduate of the Anne Arundel Leadership Flagship Program and studied voice at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins.  In addition to publishing works on historical lighting, numerous community and professional activities fill Nadja’s time outside of What’s Up, Inc.

Jean Runyon

Dean, Virtual Campus
Anne Arundel Community College

Jean, who has brought an innovative energy and drive for excellence as Dean, provides leadership and direction in the planning, development, implementation, management and support of distance and off-campus programs and scheduling with an emphasis on online learning for both credit and non-credit courses.  She is also responsible for AACC’s weekend college, prior learning assessment, learning outcomes assessment, and military/veterans initiatives.  Jean also currently serves as the chair of the Instructional Technology Council, President of the Maryland Distance Learning Association and is Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, for Maryland Online. Amongst her many awards, Jean received the Distance Educator of the Year (2006) award and she was the recipient of an Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development and the Maryland Distance Learning Associations Course of the Year Award.  She is a member of the delta Kappa Gamma Society International and actively supports military and veterans’ outreach initiatives.

Sandra Gourley

Sandra Schultz Gourley, CPA

As a CPA, Sandra performs several responsibilities, including business and tax planning for small businesses as well as income tax preparation for businesses and individuals, retirement and estate planning and personal and business budgeting services.  In addition, she provides management advisory services, assisting in decision making for small business owners regarding personnel management and compensation, retirement planning and estate planning and personal and business budgeting services.  Sandra was named a 2011 Five Star Wealth Manager by Baltimore Magazine, received the Sidney Weinberg Service Award from the Maryland Society of Accountants and also received an Outstanding Service Award from the Maryland Lupus Foundation.  She is very active in numerous other community activities and clubs including the Arundel House of Hope Winter Relief Homeless Program.

Ann Swanson (sponsored by The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment)

Executive Director
Chesapeake Bay Commission

Ann, who received her Master of Environmental Studies, with Honors, from Yale University, is Chief Executive Officer of the Chesapeake Bay tri-State Legislative Authority, composed of legislators, governors and prominent citizens from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. She is a top leader in the world’s largest estuarine restoration project.  Ann’s responsibility is to identify critical environmental needs and devices, evaluate public concerns and ensure state and federal actions to sustain the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay. She is also a skilled communicator with established ties to governors, legislators, high-level government officials, journalists and news organizations within the Bay states.  As a nationally recognized environmental leader, Ann has received numerous awards, including Resolutions Honoring Outstanding Contribution: Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, University of Vermont Alumni of the Year, Conservationist of the Year and Chesapeake Executive Council Recognition as well as many others.

Christine Waring

Director, SEC Financial Reporting
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

Christine is responsible for SEC reporting and manages the accounts payable process including disbursements for TCS.  She has been a dedicated employee for seven years, in particular during a rapid growth period over the past three years.  Christine has independently managed complex SEC Public Company reporting and Technical Accounting Research.  She effectively leads her team of five and works well with other departments while consistently going the extra mile to meet critical deadlines to get the job done.

Lisa Weber

Chief Financial Officer
Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC

As Chief Financial Officer, Lisa’s responsibilities include all financial aspects of the medical practice and its management company as well as overseeing the overall financial strategy of the companies and managing the operations of the accounting and accounts receivable departments.  She is a board member of Physicians Management Group, LLC, the management company for Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC.  She is also an ex-officio executive advisor to the MPCP Board of Directors.  Lisa holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business.  She has been a tireless supporter of a number of domestic and international charitable missionary initiatives through her church in addition to providing support to the Wellness House in Annapolis and WomenAid in Severna Park.

Angela White

Branch Director/Area Director
Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Freetown Village Unit

Angela, who is the Behavior Management Training and MDPC Literacy Director, is inexhaustible in the number of community activities in which she’s involved.  These activities include arranging one of the largest food give always in Anne Arundel County, feeding homeless, taking food to Senior Communities, Angel Tree for Christmas and IMPACT (inspiring and Motivating Public Service Advocates for Community Transformations.  She has received citations from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Maryland House of Delegates.  She was named NAACP Freedom Award winner of 2010 and has received a proclamation from Delta Sigma Theta.  Her day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the planning, marketing and delivery of the core BGCA mission and programs as well as developing a safe and positive climate for youth staff and volunteers.  As the Keystone Advisor, Angela has helped her Keystone Leadership program reach Gold Level three consecutive years.

Joan Williams

Director of Marketing
Annapolis Life Care (Ginger Cove)

Joan’s responsibilities include the marketing and communications plans, public relations and residential sales for Ginger Cove.  She possesses an open personality and has the ability to connect with people and maintain working relationships with a positive attitude.  She’s a highly motivated team player and is very service oriented with strong organizational skills.  During her time at Ginger Cover, she has revised the company’s marketing and communications plan to focus on the wide array of wellness programs and activities made possible by a recently completed $30 million repositioning project.  She has overseen the development and implementation of a new, comprehensive website that emphasizes the extensive benefits of active living at Ginger Cove.  Joan has succeeded in maintaining occupancy levels that far surpass national averages.

Karen Williams

Executive Chef
Ken’s Creative Kitchen

Chef Karen Williams, who graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Business Administration, Personnel and Labor Relations, has always had an intense interest in cooking since a very young age.  Her Italian grandmother and aunts would cook with her all day making pasta and sauces from scratch so her love of cooking is deeply rooted in her Italian heritage.  Her Armenian grandmother also influenced her love of cooking.  She has been with Ken’s Creative Kitchens for 19 years.  During her time there, she has been a proven leader while inspiring everyone around her and during her time off she reads cook books like novels.  Karen operates with tremendous professionalism, while demonstrating her creativity.  Chef Karen is loyal, committed to excellence and has a dedication and drive for perfection. 

Theresa Winslow

Staff Writer
Capital Gazette Communications

Teri writes features for The Capital Gazette and is responsible for two sections in the newspaper weekly.  She is a great public face for The Capital in a time when public skepticism of the media is rampant.  While serving as a liaison between The Capital and the arts community, Teri makes everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.  When she’s doing a news story, she leaves all those involved with a feeling of respect.  She’s widely known for her fairness and accuracy.  Having received her Bachelor’s degree from Bates College with a major in History, plus additional class work at Anne Arundel Community College, Teri has received some 45 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Maryland, Delaware D.L Press Association, Associated Press and the Automobile Association for her work in both features and news.  Teri is an avid golfer and has volunteered for the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Boys and Girls Clubs.  She’s been honored for her work with their annual golf tournament.

Cynthia Wray

Treasurer
McLean Contracting Company

Cynthia, who is Treasurer of McLean Contracting Company and the first female executive in the company’s 107-year history, manages the daily Accounting and Payroll Departments.  She also deals directly with various government agencies and independent auditors, prepares all of the financial statements and presents annual reports to the Board of Directors, the Bonding Company and other financial institutions.  She is a Certified Public Accountant, obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury State.  Cynthia is also the Captain of the Salisbury State Swim Team, a YMCA Body Pump teacher, a triathlete and a Women’s Giving Circle member.  Her professional affiliation contributions include member of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Treasurer of the Chesapeake Chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society and member of the Construction Financial Management Association.