HCEDA Board of Directors
Future-Focused Guidance and Strategic Solutions
Howard County EDA’s private sector-led Board of Directors provides fiduciary oversight and strategic guidance to the organization. The Board also plays a pivotal role in steering the economic trajectory of the region, with several members chairing specialized committees, including:
- Executive Committee
- Governance Committee
- Incentives Committee
- Strategic Planning Committee
Board of Directors meeting is generally held every third Thursday of the month at 8:00 a.m. Location to be announced on Agenda.
Click to see the board meeting agendas.
Click to see recent board meeting minutes.
Incentives Committee meeting is general held every first Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 500, Columbia, MD.
Click to see the HCEDA Incentives Committee Minutes.
Click to see the Incentives Committee Agenda
Marcellous Frye, Jr.
ChairLaura Bacon
Vice ChairWilliam Rovito
Secretary/TreasurerAndrea LeWinter
Dr. Anuja Sonalker
Dan Medinger
Dr. Daria Willis
Jimmy Rhee
Pedro Ramirez
Dr. Sean Stewart, MD, MS
Dr. Shafeeq Ahmed
Patrick Fromal
Ms. Melissa Terlaje
Tools & Resources
About HCEDA
Howard County EDA is more than an economic development organization. We’re your business success partner from site selection to your thirtieth year here.
Our Team
From commercial real estate experts to seasoned entrepreneurs and marketing specialists, Howard County EDA’s staff of over 20 professionals harnesses its collective experience to promote economic growth across the county.
News & Events
Catch up on the latest from Howard County, and find out about grand openings, business development training, networking events and more.
Featured News + Events
NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also
LIFT Fund Helps Candles by Candy Turn Funding Into Business Growth
Access to capital can help a small business move forward. Pairing that capital with the right guidance can help an entrepreneur decide where to go next. For Candles by Candy, support through our LIFT Microloan Fund provided both. Founder Candace Bell has grown Candles by Candy from a passion for candle making into a Howard
What Howard County Businesses Gain from Business Appreciation Week
Running a business comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges. Business Appreciation Week gives Howard County businesses a direct way to share both with the people working to support the local business community. From September 28 through October 2, 2026, Ambassador teams will visit businesses across Howard County during Business Appreciation Week. The goal is simple: