Qlarant Chief Technology Officer Will Mapp, III joins the Leadership Maryland Executive Program class of 2025. As a member of the 32^nd class, Mapp joins 53 other executives from across the state to complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program.

Leadership Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. 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.

As Chief Technology Officer, Will Mapp keeps a constant eye on the future and ensures Qlarant is at the forefront of the latest and emerging technologies. He has an extensive background in software product development and building new, innovative technologies. His focus is on delivering high customer value by using the right mix of human technique and advanced technology.

I’m excited to spend time with the other people in my class examining challenging issues,” said Mapp. “This allows me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and engage in interesting dialog.”

The program runs from April to December, and includes five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions. Sessions consider the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities will serve as panelists and guest speakers.

Mapp has been with Qlarant since 2020 in the role of Chief Technology Officer and focuses his efforts on the company’s RIViR® technology—a high-powered, artificially intelligent, data analytics platform designed to identify risk and guide users to meaningful resolutions. Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Studio Code Works, a software development and technology solution company located in Silver Spring, Maryland. In that role, he built an IP portfolio spanning mobile, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and web technologies that included contracts with US Census Bureau (2 Patents Pending, Registered Trademarks, and Copyrights).

Mapp is a past Indus Entrepreneurs fellow of the RH Smith School of Business, has specializations in Gamification from the Wharton School of Business, and proven experience using machine learning and artificial intelligence in media.

“We are excited to announce our next class and welcome these accomplished and motivated individuals to the Executive Program,” said David Fike, President and CEO, Leadership Maryland (class of 2016). “After a careful review and interview process, I am confident that this class represents a powerful cross-section of leaders who have a strong desire to make a broader impact within our state.”

Several Qlarant leaders are graduates of the Maryland Leadership Executive Program including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Technology Officer, and the former President of Qlarant Integrity Solutions. “We find the experience impactful for our senior leadership team,” said Qlarant Chief Executive Officer Ron Forsythe, Jr, PhD. “We are proud to continue our participation in this much respected program.”

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]

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), the only premier trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry, awarded LYON RUM gold and silver medals in the 11th Annual American Craft Spirits Competition. Founder Jaime Windon was honored in person at the recent ACSA Convention & Expo in Tucson, AZ. Windon also serves on the board of the association, and although LYON RUM does not generally enter spirits in competitions, she felt compelled to select three LYON RUM expressions for entry this round.

“We’ve always been more focused on collaboration than competition,” says Windon, “However, this year I was inspired to showcase our rums, not only for the judges, but for the reception where hundreds of distillers gather to sample each other’s spirits on the final night of the convention. Being in community with our fellow American craft distillers is paramount, and sharing our spirits with each other is simply the best.”

The ACSA Competition is based purely on numerical scoring rather than typical collaborative discussions. Spirits are scored on appearance, aroma intensity, aroma complexity, palate concentration, palate complexity, body, character and nature of alcohol, texture, and finish.

In addition to Best in Show and the Best of Class distinctions, the judging panel awarded 35 gold, 162 silver, and 114 bronze medals. Only one gold medal was awarded in the rum category, making LYON RUM a true standout among it’s peers. LYON White Rum and Overproof Pineapple both received excellent scores and were awarded silver medals.

The Best of Class Rum distinction, the highest honor, was awarded to LYON RUM for the Sailors Reserve, one of the distillery’s signature rums. Sailors Reserve is double distilled from Louisiana sugar cane and molasses, in traditional pot stills, and aged for 2-years in former bourbon barrels before being bottled at 100 proof. While most people are familiar with LYON Dark Rum, spirits aficionados have always revered the Sailors Reserve. LYON RUM currently offers a variety of expressions, including six year round rums, two seasonal rum liqueurs, and special holiday releases.

“We love rum — and are incredibly proud that a young American rum earned the top honor,” Windon remarked. “After 11 years of being fully committed to producing a true cane-to-glass rum, it’s a wonderful feeling to see this spirit fully appreciated; enjoyed not only by our loyal rum lovers and peers, but also recognized as excellent by a panel of experts.”

Dedicated to improving the reputation of American Rum, Windon and her team are relentless advocates for rum, championing the merits and delights of cane spirits from all over the world.

“Rum is a truly global spirit, and yet it is also uniquely American. As the oldest craft distillery in Maryland, now in our 12th year of making rum, we are proud to reignite an interest in, and passion for, distinctive and delicious American rum,” Windon said.

The distillery is open daily for complimentary samples in the Windon Distilling Spirit Shop & Tasting Room located at 605 S. Talbot Street, Unit #6 in Saint Michaels, Maryland.

For more info visit www.lyonrum.com

Maryland tech and consulting businesses would bear the brunt of a late-filed proposal to subject some business services to a 2.5% sales tax.

Nearly one dozen services would pay $944 million in sales taxes in fiscal 2026, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the Department of Legislative Services. In that first year, technology and consulting services would pay nearly $625 million.

Kelly Schulz, chief executive officer of the Maryland Tech Council, said the tax will force businesses in her industry to close or leave the state at a time when growing the private sector has become a focus of Gov. Wes Moore (D).

“Governor Moore has repeatedly spoken about making life science and IT strategic industry sectors for investment and the need to have a strategy to grow these sectors,” Schulz said in written testimony that will be delivered at a House hearing Wednesday. “We agree with the governor’s sentiment. However, the additional 2.5% B2B sales tax is in direct contrast to that goal and risks to undermine efforts to support these industries.”

Moore this year made diversifying the state economy and easing the state’s dependence on federal employment a top priority. He has not said whether he will support the service sales tax, which was introduced only last week as lawmakers scramble to close a $3 billion budget gap.

“We’re going through it and looking at it now, but I had three principles that I laid out when we first introduced our budget,” Moore told reporters last week. “And that was we had to be able to give middle class families a bit of relief, and we had to be able to make sure that we weren’t going to build the economy on their backs. The second was that we had to make it easier for businesses to be able to come here and grow and scale in Maryland. The third was that we have to invest in our people whatever proposals come out of this.

“If it meets those criteria, that’s a proposal that I will work with and I’m good with, but if it does not, that’s not a proposal that I am good with,” he said.

Ferguson warns of ‘Maryland recession’ as report says state has greatest risk from federal cuts

Schulz wrote that the General Assembly should “view its actions through a lens of economic competitiveness.”

The legislative analysis characterizes the effect on small business as “potentially meaningful.”

Schulz, in her testimony, is more blunt.

“This proposal will put Maryland at a disadvantage in growing, attracting, and retaining businesses, including those in the life sciences and technology sectors. Maryland is already a costly state to conduct business; this proposal would further exacerbate those operating costs,” she said.

Schulz is one of more than 400 businesses signed up to testify against the House version of the bill at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing Wednesday. The businesses, ranging from small companies such as Chick & Ruth’s Delly in Annapolis and Phillips Seafood, to Under Armour and Northrop Grumman, will be limited to 90 seconds of testimony each.

The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee will hold a hearing later on Wednesday afternoon on the identical Senate Bill 1045.

Analysts project that the tax, as currently drafted, could generate more than $1.4 billion by fiscal 2030.

House Majority Leader Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery), lead sponsor of the House bill, said “the starting point for this year’s discussion was a much narrower bill” than the sales tax on all services he unsuccessfully proposed last year.

“Whether every category in here stays, I can’t tell you, because the committee is going to have to take a look at and figure out what they what they want,” said Moon.

Moon said he didn’t draft this year’s bill with a revenue target in mind.

“I think the hope is, and whether it’s this tax proposal or more cuts or additional different revenues than what this one’s proposed, I think the hope is to, obviously, we have to deal with the current $3 billion (deficit), and to try and leave some cushion for additional hits from the federal government,” Moon said. “The Board of Revenue Estimates write-down of $280 million or so was a floor. I think many of us are looking at what’s going on and anticipating significant additional revenue drops to be announced in the coming months.”

On Monday, Moody’s Ratings released a report  that said Maryland was the most vulnerable state in the nation to ongoing federal budget cuts and employee layoffs. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) warned of the potential for a “Maryland recession” because of the cuts.

Maryland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mary D. Kane said the service tax proposal has united the business community.

“The overwhelming opposition from the business community isn’t about avoiding responsibility — it’s about preventing a policy that will do more harm than good,” Kane said in a statement. “A strong economy is the foundation for sustainable funding, and we remain committed to working on solutions that address the budget deficit without driving businesses, jobs, and investment out of Maryland.”

The proposal appears to have some support in both the House and Senate. Ferguson, speaking to reporters Tuesday, said the bill deserves serious consider

ation.

Both Ferguson and Moon said the legislature will likely reach a compromise on a budget with more than $2 billion in cuts.

“This is one of the tougher parts of this job is when you have a deficit like this and trying to figure out how to get out of it,” Moon said. “We said at the beginning of this session, not everyone was going to be happy. Someone was going to have to take a haircut on the policy decisions coming out of here.”

He warned that failing to find revenues would result in important services being cut.

“If they’re ready to line up for a billion in additional cuts — we’re talking about DDA [Development Disabilities Administration], health care, things like that, things that people currently don’t seem to have an appetite for cutting — certainly they’re welcome to put things back in that posture,” Moon said. “Alternatively, we had all sorts of other tax proposals, itemized deductions, combined reporting, I-gaming. Those are all in the same committee.

“That same committee has heard all of these proposals,” he said. “Every single one of them is going to bring out different people who really don’t want it. So, I just think that’s where we are.”

by Bryan P. Sears, Maryland Matters
March 11, 2025

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].

Qlarant Foundation announced that they have selected Lamont Thompson, DPT as the 2025 Board Chair, replacing Amanda Neal who has joined Qlarant as Qlarant Foundation Executive Director. Dr. Thompson was most recently Vice Chair of the Foundation and has been on the Board since January 1, 2019.

“As I become Chair, I hope to facilitate a continued focus toward Qlarant’s mission of individuals and communities in each of the areas we serve,” said Thompson.

Dr. Thompson has been a Physical Therapist with Amedisys Home Health Care since January 2023 and is certified as an Orthopedic Manual Therapist. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association participating in home health section of the APTA, as well. He has treated patients in home health, outpatient, and acute-care inpatient rehabilitation environments under an extensive variety of diagnoses. From 2008 to 2023 he worked as a Physical Therapist for University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Health. From 2007 to 2008 he worked at Chesapeake Physical and Aquatic Therapy in Laurel, Maryland as a Physical Therapist.

From October 2007 to March 2008, Dr. Thompson was with Chesapeake Physical and Aquatic Therapy in Laurel, Maryland as a Physical Therapist. He is a Licensed Physical Therapist by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist by Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars, and a Certified Sportsmetrics™ Trainer focusing on ACL injury prevention.

Dr. Thompson joined Qlarant Foundation after meeting with then Chair, Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian and retired Program Coordinator Glennda Moragne El. “They extended an invitation for me to be a part of this tremendous team,” added Thompson. “I was attracted to the organization by the amazing work that the Board supports throughout the region. I see so many opportunities for improvement and maintenance of healthy lifestyles in our region, especially with regard to exercise. I see the work that is already being done, and it’s exciting to be a part of the transformation.”

In 2025, Qlarant Foundation began accepting grants from Texas, Florida, and Georgia. “I’m hoping the expansion will drive growth within our organization celebrate and walk alongside all areas of the country that we serve,” he continued. “We want to let each of them know we see them and want to support their continued drive to have a long-standing impact in the community.”

“We are driven to identify organizations that are focused on improving the quality of life of their surrounding communities. We are passionate about supporting and propping up those members of our society who are looking to create an overall movement toward equitable access to healthy living.”

Dr. Thompson earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2007 from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

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]

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]