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December 15, 2025

Cambridge Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Cambridge

1C Commerce

Will Mapp Graduates from Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program

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Leadership Maryland announced today that Will Mapp, CTO at Qlarant, Inc., has completed Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program, a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Leadership Maryland honored Mapp, a resident of Springdale, MD, and the entire Executive Program Class of 2025 at its 32nd graduation ceremony held December 2 at the Westin Annapolis. He is now a member of Leadership Maryland’s powerful alumni network, consisting of more than 1,600 esteemed leaders from all over the state.

Mapp was one of 51 individuals chosen by a committee to complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program. The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that book-ended five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions. Topics of discussion and review included the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities served as panelists and guest speakers.

“On behalf of our staff, board, and membership, I congratulate the Executive Program Class of 2025 and Emerging Leader 2nd Class on their incredible achievement,” said David Fike ’16 (LM), president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “The graduates of both programs have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, and I am confident they will continue to drive meaningful change in their communities and across Maryland as part of our alumni network.”

The Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state.

“What a terrific experience it is to be part of this program,” noted Mr. Mapp. “Qlarant has been a strong supporter of Leadership Maryland through the years, and I personally was impressed by the quality of the team, the leaders, and the participants.”

About Qlarant

About Qlarant: Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation — the mission arm of the organization —has provided over $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 600 people and has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Top Workplaces award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program selects as many as 53 diverse and accomplished senior-level leaders from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. And new in 2024, Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program brings together a class of 30-40 of the state’s rising stars and gives them the skills and tools they need to advance in their careers. With an alumni network comprised of leaders from all industries and regions of the state, Leadership Maryland has established thousands of Marylanders on their career leadership path, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence positive change. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101 or email [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Mid-Shore Real Estate with Chuck Mangold: 2025 Still Looking Pretty Darn Good

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Eastern Shore real estate continues to surprise. In this quarter’s Spy interview, Chuck Mangold of Benson & Mangold Realty sits down to share why 2025 has been another strong year—despite national uncertainty in housing and the economy. From retirees and remote workers rediscovering the Mid-Shore to the growing presence of younger, affluent buyers, Mangold describes a market still fueled by migration and lifestyle choices rather than speculation.

He also weighs in on Easton’s commercial evolution, where triple-net leases and a maturing business mix reflect a more “urban” market reality. The conversation turns to local affordability challenges, shifting inventory levels, and what’s next for key parcels such as the current hospital site.

For those tracking how prosperity, planning, and small-town character intersect on the Mid-Shore, Mangold’s perspective offers a grounded snapshot of where the market stands—and what’s likely ahead for the region.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length. For more information about Chuck Mangold, please go to his website here. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Junkin Recognized as CFO of the Year

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From left — Isabel Hardesty, ShoreRivers’ Executive Director; Tim Junkin, founder of one of ShoreRivers’ legacy organization and its former Executive Director; Kristin Junkin, ShoreRivers’ Director of Operations & Finance; and Scott Budden, ShoreRivers’ Deputy Director of Finance — are pictured at the Nonprofit CFO of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, where Kristin Junkin was honored as the group’s 2025 Philanthropic CFO of the Year.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce that Kristin Junkin — the organization’s Director of Operations & Finance and a founder of one of its legacy organizations — was recognized at the Nonprofit CFO of the Year Awards, an event recognizing excellence in nonprofit financial leadership, during its annual reception on October 8.

The annual Nonprofit CFO Awards honor exceptional financial executives whose vision, operational excellence, and leadership have made a significant impact on the missions and sustainability of nonprofit organizations. Junkin was honored as the group’s 2025 Philanthropic CFO of the Year for her fiscal leadership, her key role in expanding ShoreRivers’ profile in the environmental restoration industry, and her meticulous oversight of the organization’s finances, grant work, and general operations.

“Whether it is through dogged perseverance, or working creatively with both public and private partners to accomplish goals of financial viability and improved water quality, Kristin is a shining example of how someone can serve as a catalyst for action,” said ShoreRivers’ Executive Director Isabel Hardesty. “She has been a driving force in sustaining and growing funding for ShoreRivers, and key to ensuring all grants and donations are stewarded in the best possible way for our Eastern Shore rivers and creeks. We’re eternally grateful for her leadership and hard work.”

Under Junkin’s financial leadership, ShoreRivers has grown since 2018 from $3.9M in annual revenues to $7.7M (nearly 100% growth in eight years), from 21 employees to 33; and from $1.6M in assets to $4.4M (a 175% increase). Her expert financial management has led to staff and asset growth, and has better allowed the organization to serve the public in meeting its vision of thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities.

Kristin Junkin began her career as a lawyer for a large Washington, D.C., firm and then for many years co-owned a federal government contracting company. She was the founder and president of Outside Counsel, a legal personnel service in Washington, D.C.  She is a summa cum laude graduate of Howard University where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and she has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

ShoreRivers’ mission is to protect Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement — all of which are possible only through excellent operational leadership and the financial support of our members and other stewards standing strong for clean water.

 

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Shore Legal Access Adds Three New Members to Board of Directors

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Shore Legal Access (SLA) recently welcomed Tom Deliberto, Esq.; Candace Henry; and Kathleen Smith, Esq. to its Board of Directors. Each brings professional expertise and a shared commitment to SLA’s mission of providing free civil legal assistance and connecting clients to essential community services on the Eastern Shore.
“We are honored and delighted to have these talented leaders joining our Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq. “Each brings vital perspectives, insights, and skills to our organization.”
Deliberto, a practicing attorney and certified public accountant, lives in Kent County. He has served on many nonprofit, for-profit, and foundation boards, including, currently, the Shelter Alliance in Chestertown. Deliberto started his own law firm in 1992 and continues to practice tax, corporate, estate, and gift law in the Baltimore region and on the Eastern Shore. He has also taught at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Loyola University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University Business School.
“I feel very fortunate and see my participation on the Board of Shore Legal Access as another way of giving back to the community, combining my legal expertise with my desire to make a contribution to the lives of others,” Deliberto said.
Henry, of Talbot County, is Director of Salisbury University’s Disability Resource Center, where she has realized innovative programs to support neurodivergent students and enhance student retention. She has extensive experience creating inclusive programs for students with disabilities and improving access for diverse populations. She has also served as Managing Director of the Water’s Edge Museum, Talbot County’s first fully accessible Black history and culture museum.
“I am honored to join the Shore Legal Access Board and support its mission of ensuring equal access to justice for all,” Henry said.
Smith, who lives in Worcester County, is an experienced litigator and mediator with deep roots on the Eastern Shore. After growing up on the Mid-Shore and completing her law degree at University of Maryland School of Law, Smith has practiced on the Lower Shore for almost forty years. She has provided legal services in both public and private sectors and spent many years running her own solo practice in Worcester County. She currently works for the Office of the Public Defender in Wicomico County.
“SLA fills a tremendous void in legal services in the Shore’s underrepresented communities,” Smith said.
SLA Board president Tanisha Armstrong said of the new board members, “Shore Legal Access is pleased and excited to welcome our new Board members. The experience and commitment they bring to this organization will be crucial to our next steps, as we continue providing civil legal services in such a dynamic environment. We are so happy to have them join us.”
Shore Legal Access connects individuals and families with volunteer attorneys to ensure justice is for all. Focus areas include criminal record expungement, economic stability, family law, housing, and life planning. For more information or to support Shore Legal Access, call 410-690-8128 or visit shorelegal.org.

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‘Main Street Maryland’ Takes the Stage: A Chat with Christine McPherson

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While Marylanders are still becoming familiar with their communities’ Main Street program throughout the state, on the Mid-Shore, that’s not an issue.  Over the last twenty years, our largest towns, including Cambridge, Chestertown, Denton, Easton, and Centreville, have all participated in the state’s Main Street program, and each one can point to tangible success stories as a result.

Maryland’s Main Street program is helping small towns across the state rediscover the power of their historic downtowns. Rooted in a national model from Main Street America, the initiative supports communities that want to revitalize their commercial cores while preserving local character, focusing on four key areas—design, promotion, economic vitality, and organization—to create a framework that’s as much about people as it is about place.

Starting next week, Main Street Maryland will take the stage in downtown Easton at the Avalon Theatre for a series of workshops, presentations, and to highlight our regional success for representatives from New Cumberland to Ocean City, and the Spy was curious to talk with Christine McPherson, who leads the Main Street effort in Maryland, to understand better how some of the State’s small towns are making real progress.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about Main Street Maryland, please go here.

 

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Qlarant Foundation Hosts Annual Awards, Celebrates $450,000 Granted to Charitable Organizations

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 Qlarant Foundation, the mission arm of Qlarant, hosted its annual Grantee Celebration on September 24, 2025, at its headquarters in Easton, MD. The event honored 16 nonprofit organizations selected to receive funding this year. Qlarant Foundation recognized these organizations for their efforts to improve health and human services in their communities in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Texas, and the District of Columbia. Since 2008, Qlarant Foundation has awarded $8.15 Million to more than 150 organizations.

Leanne Posko, a respected advocate for nonprofit excellence, served as the event’s keynote speaker, inspiring attendees with a message about resilience, community collaboration, and the transformative power of local organizations.

The program also featured remarks from Danielle Valle Gilchrist of Catchafire, highlighting the successful partnership between Qlarant and Catchafire to provide critical capacity-building support for nonprofit organizations.

“Every one of these organizations is on the front lines of making lives better,” said Amanda Neal, Executive Director of Qlarant Foundation. “Our grantees are addressing health disparities, housing insecurity, food access, and so much more. Their work is not only vital—it is life-changing. Qlarant Foundation is honored to support their missions and amplify their impact.”

Board Chair Dr. Lamont Thompson added: “When we gather each year to celebrate our grantees, it reaffirms why we do this work. These 16 organizations remind us that meaningful change happens at the community level. Their innovation and compassion drive healthier, stronger communities for all of us.”

Each grantee, and their respective program, is profiled on Qlarant’s website with photos videos, and descriptions of the work the Foundation supports:

Brem Foundation – Calvary Women’s Services – Chesapeake College Foundation – Child Resource Connect – Community Free Clinic – Georgia Lions Lighthouse – Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett – Key Point Health Services – Light of the World Clinic – Maryland Foundation of Dentistry – Mission of Mercy, Texas – NAMI Collier County – Partners in Care, Maryland – Pathway Homes – Shepherd’s Hope – Talbot County Empty Bowls

The Grantee Celebration concluded with a reception and networking session, offering an opportunity for nonprofit leaders, community members, and Qlarant staff to connect and share best practices.

Left to right: Qlarant Foundation Executive Director Amanda Neal, Catchafire Sr. Director of Customer Success, Leanne Posko, Community Relations Leader, and Qlarant CEO Dr. Ronald Forsythe, Jr. at the 2025 Qlarant Foundation Awards Celebration.
About Qlarant Foundation
The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of Qlarant—has provided over $8 million in grants to charities around the country. Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation.

Qlarant has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 600 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Top Workplaces award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Daily Record Announces 2025 Most Admired CEOs

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The Daily Record has named David Fike, President & CEO of Leadership Maryland, one of Maryland’s 2025 Most Admired CEOs.

Most Admired CEOs honors talented business CEOs, higher education leaders and nonprofit executive directors throughout Maryland whose leadership and vision are admired by those around them. A panel of judges selects these honorees based on professional accomplishments, community service and letters of reference submitted by co-workers, board members and community leaders showing the CEO’s leadership and vision. 

Three-time winners are inducted into the Circle of Leadership, which honors sustained achievement over a period of at least six-years. This year’s inductees are Greg Abel, Abel Communications; Marco V. Ávila, P.E., Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Franklyn Baker, United Way of Central Maryland; Br. John Kane, FSC, Ed.D., Calvert Hall College High School; and Susan Malone, Wide Angle Youth Media. A listing of all the winners is below.

“The 2025 Most Admired CEOs are extraordinary leaders. They have impressive resumes, work to lead their companies to success and are truly admired by their peers, teams and in the community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record. “They help to grow the next generation of leaders in Maryland by empowering those who work for them, those they work with on community boards and through mentoring. The Daily Record is pleased to recognize these outstanding CEOs.”

This year’s Most Admired CEOs will be honored at a celebration on Nov. 3 at the Hilton BWI, 1739 West Nursery Road in Linthicum Heights. Food stations, drinks and networking begin at 4:30 p.m., with the awards celebration at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:30 p.m. with dessert, drinks and networking. The event hashtag is #TDRevents.

Attendance is limited. This event will sell out. Winners and sponsors receive priority. Sponsorship includes a table for guests, logo usage, multimedia marketing opportunities and more. Only sponsors will be guaranteed a table for their guests. If space is available after the sponsorship deadline, a limited number of individual tickets will go on sale. To secure a sponsorship, contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner at [email protected]. 

Winners will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the Nov. 4 issue of The Daily Record and will be available online at TheDailyRecord.com.

The Supporting Sponsor is Towson University. For more information and updated sponsorship information about The Daily Record’s 2025 Most Admired CEOs, visit thedailyrecord.com/event/most_admired_ceos/.

About The Daily Record 

The Daily Record is a digital first, daily news media company focused on law, government and business at TheDailyRecord.com. The Daily Record publishes a print edition on weekdays in addition to more than 25 special products a year in a variety of industries including Power Lists. The Daily Record hosts 11 annual events to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. These events include Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Most Admired CEOs, Influential Marylanders, Health Care Heroes, Icon Honors and more. The Daily Record’s Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting and email marketing, among other services. The Daily Record, with 137 years of editorial excellence, is part of BridgeTower Media, the authoritative voice for insights and marketing solutions across 40+ brands in five key sectors across the United States.

2025 Most Admired CEOs
***Indicates Circle of Leadership Inductee

Government
Karen Holt, Harford County Office of Economic Development
Brandi Stocksdale, Baltimore City Department of Social Services

Higher Education
Dr. Courtney Overton, University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Falecia D. Williams, Prince George’s Community College

Nonprofit with less than $10 million in annual revenue
***Marco V. Ávila, P.E., Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Kim Callari, The Baltimore Station
Erika Strauss Chavarria, Columbia Community Care
David Fike, Leadership Maryland
Danista E. Hunte, Maryland Philanthropy Network
Mary D. Kane, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Hye Yeong Kwon, Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.
***Susan Malone, Wide Angle Youth Media
Dr. Diandra Poe, Glass Soldier
Eddie Resende, World Trade Center Institute
Robin Rickard, Chrysalis House, Inc.
Michael Sakata, Maryland Transportation Builders & Materials Association
Nico Sanders, Community Housing Associates

Nonprofit with more than $10 million in annual revenue
***Franklyn Baker, United Way of Central Maryland
Tracy Broccolino, Community Action Council of Howard County Inc.
Bob Cohn, The Baltimore Banner
Johnathan Davis, Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc.
John Dumas, Service Coordination, Inc.
Bernard Gyebi-Foster, MBA, LCPC, Tuerk House, Inc.
***Br. John Kane, FSC, Ed.D., Calvert Hall College High School
Gregory T. Miller, Penn-Mar Human Services
Kristen Pironis, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Private company with 50 or fewer employees
***Greg Abel, Abel Communications
Patrick Collins, Greenspring Advisors
Dr. Nkem Okeke, Medicalincs
Stanford Oliver, Camelot Secure
Karen Pecora-Barbour, The Barbour Group, LLC
Kimberly Prescott, Prescott HR, Inc.
Dr. Jennifer Rios, Pinnacle Software Consulting Inc, DBA PSCI-LIA
John J. Scott, Jr., Westminster American Insurance Company

Private company with 51-149 employees
Kristen Valdes, b.well Connected Health

Private company with 150 or more employees
Steven Attman, Acme Paper & Supply Co. Inc.
Jack Dwyer, Capital Funding Group & CFG Bank
Kim Wireman, LCSW-C, LCADC, Powell Recovery Center, Inc.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Fello Communities Opens Leasing Office at Easton Crossing

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On Thursday, Fello Communities hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of 407 Brookletts Avenue, the first completed building of the highly anticipated Easton Crossing community.

Easton Crossing is an ongoing community development project that will transform the 6.5-acre site of the former Perdue AgriBusiness operation into a vibrant, and walkable neighborhood. The development will include 117 new residential units, 30% of which are designated as affordable, and is designed to create an inclusive community where people of all abilities can thrive. Additionally, Easton Crossing will also feature ground-level commercial space and community amenities, such as walking paths and a fishing pond, to enhance the neighborhood’s livability for everyone.

“This ribbon cutting is the start of something bigger,” said Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fello Communities. “Easton Crossing will bring new homes, new opportunities, and new energy to Easton. This is the first step in that journey—and there’s much more to come.”

The opening of 407 Brookletts Avenue marks an important step toward the construction and launch of the Easton Crossing community. This building will serve not only as the leasing hub for both Easton Crossing’s future residents and commercial tenants, but also will support Fello Communities properties across the Mid-Shore.

“At Fello Communities, we believe people deserve more than housing. People deserve homes,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “Housing is the foundation of everything in a person’s life. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in our communities have safe and accessible places to call home.”

Looking ahead, there will be additional progress throughout 2026 as sitework for the entire footprint of Easton Crossing is completed including stormwater management, fiber installation, underground infrastructure, and surface parking, all laying the groundwork for Building 509, a multifamily building and the next milestone in Easton Crossing’s journey.

About Fello:

Fello champions the rights of people with disabilities and invests in what matters most: real opportunities, strong relationships, and inclusive, equitable communities. Fello partners with people with disabilities to provide support services, develop inclusive housing, and create spaces where people feel genuinely connected—not just accommodated. Founded in 1961, Fello continues to lead with heart and purpose, building inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Learn more at www.fello.org.

About Fello Communities:

At Fello Communities, we develop and manage housing that’s built for belonging. Through community development and rental housing, we create inclusive, affordable, and accessible homes where people of all backgrounds and abilities can choose how and where they live. Founded in 2007, Fello Communities was created to offer people more options and better opportunities when it comes to housing. Our work bridges community development and long-term property management to create homes and communities that last. Learn more at fellocommunities.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Qlarant Selected as Agile4Vets Team Member

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Qlarant has been selected, as part of TEAM Agile4Vets (A4V), to participate in the Veterans Health Administration’s Integrated Healthcare Transformation (IHT) 2.0 IDIQ contract.

Through this vehicle, VA Program Offices now have access to a proven, highly qualified pool, and Fully Mission Capable Veteran Integrated Contractor Teams (VITs) ready to deliver best value health system services across 4 Functional Categories (Health System Transformation and Innovation; Implementation and Operations Support; Healthcare Business Enabling Services; and Health Informatics).

This is a gamechanger that offers us all a major step forward in supporting the health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans

Through this contract, Qlarant as a VIT Member will:

✅ Support Veterans by delivering comprehensive, Veteran-centric healthcare solutions that improve quality of care.
✅ Enhance services with expanded capabilities designed specifically for healthcare transformation – enabling VHA to deliver the Best Care Anywhere across every healthcare market in the United States.
✅ Advance the VA mission by contributing directly to positive Veteran experiences while receiving the high-quality health and benefits they have earned.
✅ Partner on significant subcontracting opportunities that drive innovation and ensure highly reliable execution of critical VA initiatives.

This award represents more than a contract – it is a commitment from our Team of Teams to Our Veterans, to taxpayers, and to the core missions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

We look forward to working with our partners and the VA to ensure the best possible outcomes for those who have served, and those who serve them.

About Qlarant

Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. It has a 50-year record of accomplishment of improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important health programs. Qlarant uses subject matter experts plus innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. The company provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. Headquartered in Easton, MD., Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 600 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Best Places to Work award.

The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization, has provided over $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Florida and Texas. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Colen Sisters making their Mark on the Mid-Shore with Hippocratic Growth

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Sisters Paige Colen, left, and Ashley Colen purchased what is now the Hippocratic Growth building in downtown Chestertown in November, 2024. The original structure was completed in 1826 as a Masonic temple. Photos by Dennis Forney

Hippocratic Growth. It’s a philosophy; an intention; a corporation.

And now, in large letters, beneath an iconic Masonic Temple symbol, the simple phrase emblazons the front of one of the most prominent and historic commercial buildings in downtown Chestertown.

The 19th-century red brick building at the corner of Monument and Court streets serves as corporate headquarters for Hippocratic Growth. Its primary business is sales and distribution of cannabis, known most commonly as marijuana, or, in its humblest form, weed.

Ashley and Paige Colen formed the company in 2015.  As chief executive officer and chief operation officer, respectively, the sisters began selling cannabis at its current location in Centreville in 2017, following legalization in Maryland. Ashley says there will be no retail sales at the Hippocratic Growth building in Chestertown.

The name is a play on the Hippocratic Oath title which has guided the medical profession since its earliest times. “When we first started,” said Ashley, “the only legal cannabis sales in Maryland were for medical purposes. The Hippocratic Oath instructs first and foremost to do no harm. Our intention from the start was to grow, process and sell cannabis and to do no harm.  So the name we chose after bouncing lots of ideas around evolved as a hybrid.”

She said they are still in the process of procuring a license from Maryland to grow cannabis. “Our goal is still to grow cannabis, mindfully, ethically and helpfully.”

In the meantime, they acquire all of the 96 different cannabis products they sell at their Ash and Ember Centreville dispensary–from marijuana buds to gummies, tinctures and more–from other Maryland licensed growers and processors. All aspects of cannabis growth and processing in Maryland have to originate within Maryland’s borders. Federal law currently prohibits interstate sales.

Originally a Masonic Lodge completed in 1826, the building has been known by many different names as it nears its 200th anniversary in 2026.  Most recently it was the Hogans Building, and previously the Rasin Building.  In the late 1800s and until 1933, according to a written history, it was known as the Kent News building, owned by the Usilton family. Family members printed and published the Kent News in the building during those years.

“We wanted to make our own mark with the building. Planting, painting, scraping, tearing out walls, strengthening the structure–it’s a good thing, and using cannabis too. Just trying to make a point.  You can do it all.”

This former, now vacant, bank building near exit 43B on the eastbound side of Route 50 in Grasonville will be the new location for Ash and Ember’s cannabis dispensary now located in Centreville. Its opening is scheduled for the end of October.

While the Colen sisters continue to repurpose their entire Chestertown building for administration, conferencing, testing packaging ideas, creative thinking and brainstorming, they have taken their community improvement philosophy to Grasonville as well.

There, at exit 43B on the eastbound side of Route 50, they purchased a vacant bank property where they will relocate their Centreville Ash and Ember dispensary. They have painted the building’s bricks white and are converting the interior for cannabis sales.  “Three drive-through lanes will allow us to run more people through,” said Ashley. “We plan to be open by the end of October.”

She said getting proper permits for the relocation has been laborious. “Permitting is difficult for anything, but with fortitude and determination–and two-plus years–we’re getting it done.  The new location will give us more visibility. We will be our own billboards now.”

To meet state regulations, they are adding a vault to the former bank where products have to be secured when the business is closed. “Everything we’re bringing in has to be tracked,” said Paige. ”The display bins have to be portable and collapsible for putting away, and designed for showing people what they want to see and are interested in. Every single thing matters. And the regulations and how things actually flow in the operation don’t always mesh.”

“We’ve learned a lot about how the government works,” said Ashley. “There’s a lot of streamlining that could be done.  We used to get upset when something didn’t go our way. Now we just pivot and figure out a different way.”

So what does the future hold?

“We’re just going to keep biggering. Expand to other states as that becomes available,” said Ashley.

In Portland, Oregon, the sisters have formed another company called Mush To Do. The state of Oregon has legalized the use of therapeutic psilocybin for medical purposes and Mush To Do–referring to the mushrooms that produce the psychoactive substance psilocybin–focuses on the production and sales of those items.

“The use of psychedelics for medicinal purposes was unfortunately set back for a long time by government restrictions,” said Ashley.  “Now it’s taking off with lots of trials underway again.”

This second floor corner room in the Hippocratic Growth building once was home to the printing operations of the Kent News in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its wooden floor was lined with lead sheets to protect it from molten lead used for setting type in the printing process.

This second floor corner room in the Hippocratic Growth building once was home to the printing operations of the Kent News in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its wooden floor was lined with lead sheets to protect it from molten lead used for setting type in the printing process.

Extensive reporting on the medical use of psychedelics has illuminated their value in helping break drug addictions, addressing PTSD issues, and easing stress in individuals coping with terminal illnesses.

“I have personally witnessed a terminal patient, using these drugs, shifting from terrified and frantic to a sense of it’s going to be OK. It flies in the face of logic not to use these drugs for beneficial purposes,” said Ashley.

She is currently working with state legislators and others on a psychedelics task force exploring their potential as a legal medical option in Maryland.

Dennis Forney has been a publisher, journalist and columnist on the Delmarva Peninsula since 1972.  He writes from his home on Grace Creek in Bozman.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.