Easton Utilities named Kelly Simonsen, as the Director of Corporate Communications. This new position will be responsible for developing and implementing the overall communications strategy including  internal and external communications, media relations, branding, advertising, events, and charitable giving.

“Kelly has been a valuable part of the leadership team offering her expertise in how best to share the important information and educational messaging with our employees, customers, and community,” said John J. Horner, President and CEO of Easton Utilities.

In her new role, Simonsen will oversee all communications involving the organization including the development and implementation of a multi-channel communications strategy for the wide range of services provided by Easton Utilities and Easton Velocity.  Working with the Marketing and Communications team, Simonsen will continue to promote and enhance the image of Easton Utilities and Easton Velocity to uphold both customer and employee satisfaction.

“We try to be proactive with our approach to authentic communication using a variety of tools and platforms to ensure all of our customers stay informed and aware ,” said Simonsen. 

Simonsen began her career at Easton Utilities in 2016 as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Prior to joining Easton Utilities, she spent the majority of her career in marketing working for several niche corporations to include a national hotel chain, an international medical device company and a national industrial service provider.  

Simonsen holds a bs in communication from Towson University and is currently working on her master’s in integrated marketing communications at Georgetown University. She is a Graduate of Shore Leadership (2014) and is currently on the board of MD/DC Utilities Association, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and SOS Sink or Swim. Simonsen has lived in Easton since 2013 with her husband and two daughters.    

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit eastonutilities.com for more information.

Qlarant Inc., a health care data science and technology firm headquartered in Easton Md., has selected Anthony “Tony” P. Kern as its new Board Chair. Mr. Kern joined Qlarant as a Board Member in January of 2019 and became Vice Chair in May of 2021. He also has served Qlarant as the Chair of the finance committee and served on the governance committee.

Mr. Kern begins his tenure following the retirement of John H. Murray, Esq. who was Board Chair for the last three years.  “I am honored to be named the next Chair of Qlarant,” said Kern. “I want to thank John Murray for his good advice and steady hand over these last several years. I look forward to continuing work to safeguard and improve the country’s health care system and expand Qlarant’s offerings across a broad range of clients and industries.”

Tony Kern retired as Senior Managing Partner with the global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte & Touche. His experience encompasses a broad range of industries with a concentration in technology, media, telecommunications, energy, and financial services. Throughout his career, Mr. Kern has provided counsel on a wide range of topics including management advice, business strategy, planning, business development, innovation and disruption strategies, corporate finance and re-structuring, and customer experience and retention. He also provides insight into operational optimization, corporate governance and ethics, board of directors’ guidance, and merger and acquisition planning and integration.

Tony Kern also served as U.S. Deputy Managing Partner of the firm’s Technology, Media, and Telecoms practice. He was the Global Managing Partner of Innovation and the Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Fast 50 program (recognizing the fastest growing companies in America). Prior to joining Deloitte & Touche, Kern was an Industry Global Managing Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and before that, a Regional Managing Partner at Arthur Andersen.

“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to manage consulting practices from $20 million to $1.45 billion in revenue,” Kern continued. “I hope that experience will continue to be useful as Qlarant grows. At the end of the day, I maintain a consultative approach to growing companies which can mean a lot of things—but primarily it means LISTEN MORE. It’s critically important to listen to our people, our clients, and the marketplace in order to meet the goals we have set for ourselves over the next few years.”

Kern has lectured on various topics at leading business schools and taught advanced industry seminars on the future of consumer interactions with new technology, customer experience, technology media and telecommunications. He has made legacy predictions and forecasts regarding wireless networks, internet-speed and security, as well as the impact of social media on society, news, and the entertainment industry. Tony is recognized as an expert by U.S. Federal Courts in matters of business management, transactions, and corporate finance. He’s been a frequent speaker at industry gatherings and has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, CNBC, MSNBC, The

New York Times, Dow Jones News-Wire, Fortune Magazine, and other media outlets.

Kern has mentored and counseled entrepreneurs, senior executives, and managers in a wide range of mature businesses and start-ups. He has successfully started and sold several companies in the communications, technology, and energy industries. He serves on several boards, including Qlarant, Inc., the Easton Economic Development Corporation, as President of the Board at the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, Vice President of the Board for Waterfowl Festival, Inc., and Chair of the Talbot County Ethics Commission.

“I see Qlarant as a highly intelligent, dynamic and agile company made possible by the people who make up our team,” added Kern. “It’s this kind of thinking that will keep us growing and keep us innovative. All these attributes are necessary to remain competitive and to provide the types of leading-edge products and services we have become known for in the marketplace.”

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 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 550 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

Annapolis, MD – The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) and its membership convened at the  Yellowfin Steak and Fish House in Annapolis on Wednesday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m. for its  Annual Meeting and Rural Impact Awards Ceremony. This annual event provides an overview of  upcoming events and activities for 2025 and honors advocates for rural Maryland communities.  Board Chair Susan O’Neill was the master of ceremonies for the evening and said, “It was a true  privilege to meet and honor our Rural Community Advocates, each of whom exemplifies the spirit  of service and dedication. Their work uplifts entire communities and motivates us to pursue our  vision of a prosperous Rural Maryland, where resources flourish, economies thrive, and residents  enjoy healthy, connected lives.” 

This year, eight awards were presented for the 2024 Rural Impact Award Ceremony:  

Outstanding Rural Community Volunteer Award to Rick Nelson whose volunteer service and  leadership at Chesapeake Housing Mission (CHM) have transformed lives across Maryland’s Lower  Shore. Rick personally designs and manages wheelchair ramp projects, ensuring accessibility and  independence for those in need. To date, he has led over 120 projects, working with more than  1,800 volunteers to improve the lives of low-income families. 

Outstanding Rural Community Volunteer Award to Sara Visintainer who served as Board  President of Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) from 2018 to 2023. Sara led efforts that  expanded access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care for over 30,000 patients annually. Her  advocacy resulted in new health centers, expanded prenatal and pediatric dental care, mobile health  units, and critical services in Kent County, ensuring broader access to quality care. 

Outstanding Rural Community Development Award to Buck Browning, Executive Director of  the Fort Ritchie Community Center for his exceptional leadership in improving the quality of life in  Cascade, Maryland. Under his guidance, the Center has become a vital community hub, offering programs  that support health, wellness, and recreation, including youth camps, kids’ clubs, and a full-service fitness  center, all reflecting his vision to make it the best community center in America. 

Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award to Maryland Area Health Education Center  West (AHEC West) for their leadership in the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program, which  provided life-changing healthcare services to over 4,000 residents across the Tri-State area. From July  26 to August 7, 2024, AHEC West coordinated a partnership with the Department of Defense and  local agencies, delivering more than 28,000 medical, dental, optometry, and veterinary procedures at no  cost, saving the community an estimated $1.2 million. 

“A Collective Voice for Rural Maryland” 

Rural Champion Award to Senator ‘Jack’ Bailey has championed rural Maryland since joining the  Senate in 2019, leveraging his conservation background to craft policies that balance environmental  protection and community needs. His work with the Southern Maryland Agriculture Development  Commission has strengthened the agriculture industry, including rebranding the Northern Snakehead  to boost conservation and the economy. Through his efforts on the Joint Committee on Ending  Homelessness, he ensures rural voices are heard and meaningful solutions are implemented. 

Rural Champion Award to Mayor Darlene Taylor whose visionary leadership has transformed  Crisfield, securing over $36 million for flood mitigation, $2 million for elevating City Dock, and  $500,000 for a business incubator. As the first African-American woman mayor, she champions youth  engagement through her nonprofit, impacting over 200 children. Her collaborative, community-driven  approach continues to revitalize Crisfield and serve as a model for rural communities. 

Rural Legacy Award to Santo Grande for his twenty-year leadership at Delmarva Community  Services, where he expanded vital support for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and underserved  populations across the Eastern Shore. His visionary approach has introduced innovative solutions in  transportation, housing, and essential services, particularly benefiting rural communities. Santo’s  advocacy at local, state, and national levels has strengthened partnerships and enhanced the quality of  life for residents. His compassion and dedication have made a lasting impact, establishing Delmarva  Community Services as a leader in the nonprofit sector. 

Posthumous Rural Legacy Award to Leanne Dawn Bowman-Bodes (posthumously) whose  visionary leadership as Executive Director of the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland  profoundly impacted our community. Leanne’s dedication, from advocating for key programs in  Washington to her leadership at the national level, ensured vital support for rural communities. Her  legacy of service, commitment, and tireless work will continue to inspire Western Maryland for years  to come. 

The Rural Maryland Council operates under the direction of a 40-member executive board in a  nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. It serves as the state’s federally designated rural  development council and functions as a voice for rural Maryland, advocating for and helping rural  communities and businesses across the state to flourish and to gain equity to its suburban and urban  counterparts. The vision for RMC is the ultimate realization that residents in rural communities are  achieving success in education and employment, have access to affordable, quality health care and  other vital public services, and live in an environment where natural and cultural resources are being  sustained for future generations. 

Easton, Maryland December 9, 2024: Qlarant Inc., a national Program Integrity and Data Analytics Company, has once again been awarded a Top Workplaces honor by The Baltimore Sun. The annual award program is a highly sought competition among a variety of small, medium and large companies, and is ranked solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC. The confidential survey measures work/life balance, pay scale, culture, opportunity for advancement, and community support, as seen through the values of company employees.

“Each year I am eager to hear if we won.” said Pat Boos, Marketing Director for Qlarant. “Like they say, it’s an honor just to be nominated, but it’s a thrill to win!  It’s a badge of honor for Qlarant, especially since it reflects how our employees think about the company”.

Qlarant has won Top Workplaces while also navigating a period of marked growth. Now in its 51^st year of operation, Qlarant has grown its workforce to over 550 employees and has 5 offices throughout the country.  “This type of award is extremely gratifying,” said Dr. Ron Forsythe, Qlarant CEO.   “Earning a Top Workplaces award just once is an honor many companies never receive. To have this recognition awarded five times is a testament to the dedication Qlarant has shown to building an environment and culture where people know they are valued.”

In fact, employees gave Qlarant a 95% satisfaction rating when asked if they felt respected and supported; and a 98% score regarding job satisfaction / alignment of goals.

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 over 550 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]

The members of the Board of Public Works — left to right, Treasurer Dereck Davis, Gov. Wes Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman — listen Wednesday to Attorney General Anthony Brown, who was speaking by video, describe a settlement with the ex-developer of a state property in Baltimore. Photo by Josh Kurtz.

Political leaders said the steep settlement payment the Board of Public Works authorized Wednesday to the former developer of the abandoned State Center redevelopment project in Baltimore is a worthwhile investment and an opportunity to protect the state from potentially greater damages.

The board, consisting of Gov. Wes Moore (D), State Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) and state Treasurer Dereck Davis (D), voted unanimously to pay $58.5 million to State Center LLC, ending a complicated and years-long dispute over the fate of the 25-acre state-owned office complex in Midtown Baltimore.

Officials described the settlement as a chance to take a fresh approach to redeveloping the strategically located property and putting to rest a controversy over a stalled project that has vexed four governors.

“This was not simple,” Moore said. “This has been a long-term challenge. I’m excited about what it’s going to mean for the future of Baltimore City. I’m excited about what it’s going to mean for state residents. I’m excited about what it’s going to mean for Maryland.”

The payment — with $40 million to be delivered to the developer next month and another $18.5 million to be doled out by July 1, 2025 — will settle all claims from a 2016 lawsuit against the Board of Public Works (BPW) and several state agencies. The suit was filed when then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in 2016 announced the state would go to court to terminate the proposed $1.5 billion redevelopment project. State Center LLC then counter-sued.

The redevelopment plan had been floated and debated since 2005, during the administration of then-Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), and the BPW first approved the project in 2009, under Gov. Martin O’Malley (D). State Center, which runs parallel to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard through the spine of the city, consists of five ugly high-rise office buildings built in the middle of the last century that housed several state agencies.

The long-stalled State Center complex in Baltimore has been the subject of false starts, lawsuits – and a $58.5 million settlement Wednesday. Photo by Bruce DePuyt.

Addressing the BPW by video Wednesday, Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) said the state could have been on the hook for more than $200 million in damages if the developers’ case against the government had gone to trial — due in part to “changed circumstances” from recent court decisions on other property disputes.

“This is really a risk-benefit assessment, as are all settlements, of course,” Lierman said. “This could be a much, much higher number if we were to litigate and potentially lose — even partially lose.”

Lierman also took a swipe at Hogan, saying “the high-dollar amount [of the settlement] illustrates the wrong-headedness of the previous administration’s approach.”

Davis, the state treasurer, who routinely asks sharp questions about proposed state settlement payments, said he had no hesitation supporting this one, in part because of the state’s potential legal exposure.

“I think I’ve been a pain about most settlements, but in this case, I’m in favor of what’s been done here,” he said.

Mostly, though, officials sought to emphasize how the settlement now frees the city and state to begin shaping a new vision for the parcel, which Lierman, a Baltimore City resident, repeatedly called “prime real estate,” near academic institutions, cultural centers, medical facilities and residential neighborhoods.

Moore said several state and city agencies will begin meeting regularly, to come up with a plan for the property. Hogan originally envisioned turning the land over to the city government, but that transfer was halted by the litigation. Even so, city officials have hired a planning consulting firm to help them develop a mixed-use plan for the land.

“Today is simply just not about a legal matter,” Marvin James, chief of staff to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D), told the BPW members. “Today is about your commitment to investing in Baltimore City.”

Due to the decaying conditions at the State Center buildings and the expectation that the property would eventually be redeveloped, at least 3,300 state workers have already been moved to offices in downtown Baltimore over the past three years. Fewer than 5,000 government employees remain, spread out over seven state agencies, though they, too, will eventually relocate.

Earlier this month, four State Center office buildings were closed for a few days, and workers told to telework, after elevated levels of legionella, a highly contagious strain of pneumonia, were found in one of the buildings, WBAL-TV reported.

by Josh Kurtz, Maryland Matters
November 20, 2024

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected]. Follow Maryland Matters on Facebook and X.

“Fran does not let any challenge hold her back—she is a fierce advocate for her clients and she gets results,” Girard said. “Her dedication to public service is truly extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful.”

Qlarant announced today that Christine Leister, CPA, CGMA has been promoted to become the company’s Chief Financial Officer. She is a finance, accounting, and business management executive with over 30 years of progressive experience in government contracting. During her career, she has been involved with service providers, product manufacturers, construction firms, and healthcare industries.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead our outstanding Finance team here at Qlarant,” said Leister. “I’ve been lucky to have been a part of a number of impressive organizations during my career, but Qlarant is quite unique. The people and mission-driven culture here make our role in Finance feel that much more vital. It’s not just about keeping the business on track and thriving, it’s about supporting both the business and the Qlarant Foundation’s important work.”

Prior to her promotion, Ms. Leister was Director of Accounting at Qlarant for over 3 years. Before joining Qlarant, she held the position of Controller with multiple firms including Federal Resources where she was involved in a period of major growth going from $72M to over $500M in revenue. She also held the positions of Chief Financial Officer for Jerome Parks Companies in Annapolis, Maryland and President at CCE LLC.

“I look forward to working with all of our leaders in achieving the vision of strategic growth that’s been developed,” said Leister. “We have strong financial and professional controls which makes it not surprising that we’ve been around more than 50 years. Qlarant is truly a company of ‘Best People. Best Solutions. Best Results.’ It is a fantastic place to work and I look forward to continuing my career here.”

“We are excited to promote Christine Leister to our leadership team,” said Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. “Over the course of her career, she has been a major part of enabling companies to take the next step in their growth. We’ve come to rely on her knowledge and perspective during her years with Qlarant and we look forward to what’s coming next for her and the company.”

Ms. Leister holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Delaware. She is also a certified Global Management Accountant and Public Accountant.

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 $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 500 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 Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact [email protected]

Penny Young-Carrasquillo has joined the University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation (UM CRHF) as its first Major Gifts Officer. In this role, Young-Carrasquillo will seek charitable donations and grants from individuals, businesses and foundations to support patient care services at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. 

UM CRHF is the fundraising arm of the Chestertown hospital, which is a member organization of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and University of Maryland Medical System. Gifts to the foundation further the hospital’s mission by supporting needed medical equipment; facility improvements and expansions; community education; and scholarships for nursing and support staff’s continuing education and advanced certifications.    

A Howard County native, Young-Carrasquillo received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her master’s degree in professional writing from Towson University in Towson, Maryland. She has worked in fundraising and communications for more than 20 years in Maryland, Virginia and Florida. Most recently, she spent five years as chief development officer for the Council on Aging of Volusia County, Florida. Young-Carrasquillo and her husband now live in Centreville, Md.

“Penny will play an essential role in advancing our hospital’s mission through philanthropy,” said Libby Woolever, Board Chair, UM CRHF. “Our hospital has achieved accreditation as a geriatric emergency department and an Age-Friendly Health System, and also is a member of the Healthy People 2030 initiative, which sets data driven, national objectives to improve community health.”

For more information about UM CRHF, please contact Penny Young-Carrasquillo at (410) 810-5660 or visit umcrhf.org.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.