Our Team

President & CEO Mark Anthony Thomas brings more than two decades of experience leading competitive economic development strategies and public-private partnerships for the nation’s largest and most complex metropolitan areas. 

Chief Operating Officer Cristina Lopez brings a wealth of experience in advancing philanthropy and strategic investments in the Baltimore region. Lopez most recently served as the Chief of Strategy & Operations at Last Mile Education Fund, where she led a $60 million growth plan. Lopez provides valuable operational leadership for GBC and manages key business functions for the organization.

Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Vey has more than 25 years of experience in urban policy research and program management, bringing a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to the connection between place, placemaking, and inclusive economic development.

Chief Economic Officer Lakey Boyd is a Certified Economic Developer (IEDC) with more than two decades of experience in economic development, workforce development, redevelopment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Boyd has worked in more than 50 cities across the United States on multidisciplinary economic development plans. 

Vice President of Partnership and Development Timothy Evans brings over 15 years of experience successfully building, leading and advising national cross-sector executive teams to address complex community and internal business challenges.

Vice President of Communications Nekoro Gomes leads the organization’s events and communications teams, bringing over a decade of experience developing and executing marketing campaigns.

Carter McClure is GBC’s first-ever Regional Innovation Officer, responsible for overseeing leadership, communications and strategy for the Baltimore Region’s Tech Hub Program. McClure brings over 15 years of entrepreneurship, small business and technology startup assistance and incubation, including programming and supporting regional innovation and developing strategic partnerships. 

Erica Myers serves as Director, Regional Innovation Office for the Baltimore Region’s Tech Hub Program, working to shape strategy and relationships for the 48-member consortium involved in our Tech Hub bid. Myers has an extensive background in nonprofit management and individual giving, most recently serving as the Director of Development for Venture for America.

Director of Strategy & Research, Patrick Hosford is an experienced economic developer with a deep understanding of placed-based strategies to spur innovation and bolster urban economies. Patrick has successfully created, proposed, and implemented transformative initiatives and programming that have driven economic growth and job creation throughout multiple US markets.

Director of Accounting Rachel Gray manages the financial operations of the organization. Starting in 2015 as a staff accountant, Rachel has continued to expand her role and assume broader responsibilities within the company.

Director of Events & Business Development Lisa Byrd is responsible for the coordination and execution of events and sponsorships. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in event production, logistics management, development and consensus building.

Director of Partnerships Whit Johnson is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors across the Baltimore region. Whit brings over ten years’ experience in education, civic engagement and community building. 

Creative Branding Director Kelly Tarver leads GBC’s Regional Branding Initiative. Kelly is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a career spanning transportation, global manufacturing, and strategic leadership.

Executive Assistant and Senior Manager of Operations Jean Marie Andrulonis coordinates and directs the flow of meetings and activities related to the Committee’s officers, board members, and operations. A lifelong Baltimorean, she possesses demonstrated expertise in project and process development and implementation. 

Office Manager Tara Harris is one of the longest-tenured employees of the organization at 13 years. She is responsible for helping to coordinate events and managing the front office for GBC.