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 of Policy & Research 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.

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.

Director of Policy & Research Nick Henninger-Ayoub works alongside partners to develop research-backed policy solutions that move our region forward. His 10 years of policy and research experience includes focuses on housing, transportation, and asset-based development. 

Carter McClure is GBC’s first-ever Regional Innovation Officer, responsible for overseeing leadership, communications and strategy for the Baltimore Region’s Tech Hub Designation 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. 

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.

Communications Manager Haldan Kirsch handles the organization’s social media, newsletters, and visual communications. Kirsch most recently worked as a freelance photojournalist and writer before joining the GBC. He brings more than 10 years of experience as a photographer to his position.  

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.