Leadership
Board of Directors that Guide Our Mission
Jeremy Irons
Chair
Vice President, The Belt Group
Jeremy G. Irons is a Vice President at The Belt Group of Companies, with experience in commercial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. A former Allegany County Chamber of Commerce chairman, he is active in local business, athletics, and community organizations.
About Jeremy Irons
Jeremy G. Irons is a Vice President for The Belt Group of Companies. He began his career with Carl Belt, Inc. as an accountant; performing payroll & job costing duties. In 2009, he transitioned from the accounting department to project management, eventually becoming a Vice President in the company. His experience includes work in commercial, education, health care, historical renovation, utilities & heavy highway.
Jeremy is a Past Chairman of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and is also a member and Chair of the Legislative Committee and Co-Chair of the Crab Feast committee. He is a member of the Western Maryland Jaycees and received the 2016 Outstanding Young Professional Award. Jeremy is also the Co-Chair of the Mountain Maryland PACE Reception held annually in Annapolis and serves on the Frostburg State University College of Business Advisory Board.
A lifelong Allegany County resident, he is actively involved in local athletics serving as an Executive Board member, baseball coach for the Cumberland Dapper Dan Club and was the 2018 Dapper Dan Man of the Year. Jeremy also serves on the board of CASL (Child Adaptative Sports League) and previously served as the JV baseball coach at Allegany High School.
Jeremy currently resides in LaVale, MD with his wife of 12 years, Meredith and sons Bryson and Brennan.
Brad Hindman
Vice Chair
Founder, Apricity Advisors & Partners
Brad Hindman is the Founder & Managing Director of Apricity Advisors & Partners, with offices in Maryland and Pennsylvania. A certified Financial Planner and University of Pittsburgh graduate, he is committed to connecting communities with resources to drive economic growth.
About Brad Hindman
Brad Hindman is the Founder & Managing Director of Apricity Advisors & Partners, and has offices in Cumberland, Maryland, and Johnstown & Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Brad started his career as a Financial Advisor in 2000. He has a strong desire to link communities with resources from both within and outside the area to promote economic development. Brad is an active member of the community, serving a wide variety of organizations. He is a member of the Wells Fargo Advisors Speakers Bureau and provides content to several national financial publications.
Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh and is a certified Financial Planner professional. He is a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America and often finds himself helping with youth sports and participating in outdoor recreational activities, including skiing, backpacking, and enjoying the area. Brad and his wife Jen reside in Johnstown with their four children.
Phil Rodeheaver
Treasurer
Vice President, First United Bank & Trust
Philip L. Rodeheaver, CAFP, has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years, and is a Vice President and Managing Director of Risk at First United Bank and Trust, a community bank headquartered in Oakland MD. He oversees the compliance, fraud, and Bank Secrecy Act areas for the organization.
About Philip Rodeheaver
Philip L. Rodeheaver, CAFP, has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years, and is a Vice President and Managing Director of Risk at First United Bank and Trust, a community bank headquartered in Oakland MD. He oversees the compliance, fraud, and Bank Secrecy Act areas for the organization. In addition to his banking career, he serves the community through his involvement as a board member (past Chairman and Treasurer) of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, and as Treasurer of the Tri-State Growth & Commerce Coalition. He previously served on the board of Garrett County Community Action Committee, Garrett County United Way, and as a member of the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club. He is a member of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. A Northern High School and Garrett College Graduate, Phil has his Bachelor of Science degree and his MBA from Frostburg State University. Phil attended the Maryland Bankers Association Emerging Leaders program and graduated from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking where he also earned a Wharton Leadership Certificate. Phil is a certified Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud professional. He resides in Oakland with his wife, Sherry.
Michele R. Martz
Secretary
President, UPMC Western Maryland
Michele Martz is the President of UPMC Western Maryland, with over 33 years in healthcare leadership. A Certified Public Accountant, she previously served as CFO and Vice President of Physician Enterprise. She is active in community organizations, including Allegany College of Maryland and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
About Michele R. Martz
Michele Martz has been part of the Maryland healthcare delivery system since 1989, when she began her career in finance at Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Cumberland. Michele was named Vice President, Financial Services of the Western Maryland Health System in 2002. She moved into operations in 2012, serving as Vice President of Physician Enterprise. In January 2020, Michele was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of UPMC Western Maryland, and in January 2021, Michele was named President of UPMC Western Maryland, a 201-bed acute care facility with $340 million in operating revenues.
Michele has 33 years of healthcare experience and began her career in public accounting at Deloitte LLP in Pittsburgh, PA. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Accounting from West Virginia University. Michele is a Certified Public Accountant and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. She has completed training in both the ACHE Senior Executive Program, as well as the Baldrige Executive Fellows Program.
Michele is an active member of her community, serving on a wide variety of community organizations, including Treasurer of the County United Way, and the boards of directors at Allegany College of Maryland, the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, and the Greater Cumberland Committee. She also serves on the national board of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Shawn Bender
Immediate Past Chair
CEO, Beitzel Corporation/Pillar Innovations
Shawn is the Chief Operating Officer of Beitzel Corporation and Pillar Innovations, overseeing industrial construction and support services nationwide. Since joining in 2003, he has played a key role in the company’s growth. He has also contributed to state and local advisory committees on shale gas development.
About Shawn Bender
Shawn is the Chief Operating Officer of Beitzel Corporation and Pillar Innovations. Operating out of various locations across the United States, Beitzel and Pillar provide construction, service, and support to the industrial sector, including energy, mining, and manufacturing. Shawn joined the Beitzel Corporation team in 2003 to develop the excavation side of the business. Since then, he has held various roles in the Beitzel/Pillar team, as it has grown to employ over 500.
Shawn was a member of Governor Martin O’Malley’s Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative (2011-14) and also served on various local advisory committees focused on shale gas development. Shawn and his wife Sarah have four daughters and live on a small farm north of Accident Maryland.
Timi Hadra
Governance Chair, Immediate Past Chair
Federal Partner, IBM
Timi Hadra is a Partner at IBM and Senior State Executive for West Virginia, leading IBM’s regional client innovation center in Rocket Center. She focuses on workforce development, STEM opportunities, and government digital transformation, with over 17 years of experience serving federal clients.
About Timi Hadra
Timi Hadra is a Partner at IBM and serves as IBM’s Senior State Executive for West Virginia. She leads IBM’s regional client innovation center in Rocket Center, West Virginia, where she led the expansion of the workforce by more than 47% in just over three years. Much of Timi’s work is focused on creating STEM and workforce development opportunities in under-served regions. In 2018, Timi led IBM’s launch of the first Application Developer Apprenticeship program in West Virginia. In addition to workforce issues, Ms. Hadra is a transformational leader providing relevant and compelling solutions to government clients’ missions in the areas of agile transformations, application innovation, and cloud migration. She has over 17 years of experience serving our Federal Government clients in various capacities including contract management, program management and business development.
Timi was born and raised in the Rocket Center region and is committed to supporting its economic revitalization. She is active in the economic development and education communities and serves on several local community organization boards. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Frostburg State University, a Master’s of Science in Regional Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Masters of Contract Management from the American Graduate University.
Dr. Tom Striplin
Education and Workforce Development Chair
President, Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College
Dr. Tom Striplin is the President of Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College and a former Allegany County Board of Education member. With a background in higher education leadership, he is dedicated to advancing learning opportunities.
About Dr. Tom Striplin
Dr. Tom Striplin currently serves as the President of Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College in Moorefield, WV. Prior to this role, he held various higher education positions at Allegany College of Maryland. He is also a former elected member of the Allegany County Board of Education (2004-2010). Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Striplin spends much of his time with his wife Jaime, their son, and two wonderful grandchildren.
Jared Fike
Energy & Natural Resources Chair
Executive Vice President, Beitzel Corporation
Jared is the Vice President of Operations for Beitzel Corporation’s Field Services Division, overseeing multi-state construction projects in energy, mining, and infrastructure. Since joining in 2012, he has expanded the company’s presence in oil, gas, and renewable energy markets.
About Jared Fike
Jared is the Vice President of Operations for the Field Services Division of Beitzel Corporation where he oversees the company’s multi-state construction activities that focus primarily in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Jared joined Beitzel in 2012 to help the Company’s growth into the oil and gas market and has since helped the Company become established in the renewable energy market. Prior to joining Beitzel, Jared had a 10 year career in residential construction in the suburbs of Washington, DC.
Jared has a BS in Economics and Finance from Bridgewater College and an MBA from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Jared Lives in McHenry, MD with his wife Laura and 3 Yorkshire terriers.
David Turnbull
Founding Member
President, Turnbull, Hoover, & Kahl
David W. Turnbull is a Certified Public Accountant and President of Turnbull, Hoover & Kahl, P.A., bringing over 35 years of experience in tax planning, auditing, and business consulting. He has served in leadership roles across 25+ community organizations, including the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and Frostburg State University Board of Visitors.
About David Turnbull
David W. Turnbull, graduated summa cum laude from Frostburg State University in May, 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration. That same year he obtained his license as a CPA. David served in the audit and tax departments of an international accounting and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. before returning to Turnbull, Hoover & Kahl, P.A. where he currently serves as President of the company. David has been actively involved in over 25 community organizations including leadership roles in Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Cumberland Committee, Fidelity Bank (now PNC Bank), church council, Greater Allegany County Business Foundation, City of Cumberland Economic Development Commission, Frostburg State University Board of Visitors and MACPA Western MD Chapter.
David utilizes over 35 years of experience to review and deliver individual and corporate income tax planning and related return preparation engagements, direct audits in the governmental, nonprofit, and ERISA plan industries, supervise the preparation of interim and year end financial statements, and consult with small and medium sized businesses including business formation, ownership transitions, and business development.
Kim Leonard
Founding Member
Retired
Kim Barclay Leonard is a veteran, business leader, and community advocate. A Bronze Star recipient, he served as a U.S. Army captain in Vietnam before leading Aircon Engineering Inc. for 30 years. He has chaired numerous organizations, including Allegany College of Maryland, UMPC Western Maryland, and the Greater Cumberland Committee.
About Kim Leonard
He served as president of the Cumberland Rotary Club, The Western Maryland Health System (WMHS), the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, the Potomac Council Boy Scouts of America, the WMHS Foundation Board, and still continues his active participation in these organizations. Kim played a pivotal role in local health care, serving on the Board at Memorial Hospital and as chairperson helped forge the Western Maryland Health System and now serves on the UMPC Western Maryland board. While busy with the WMHS, he also became a trustee of Allegany college of Maryland and now chairs the Allegany College Board of Trustees. Kim also chaired the Greater Cumberland Committee pursuing regional economic growth and most recently been involved in the North South Highway project. In 1996 Aircon Engineering was recognized by the Chamber as The Business of the Year. Then in 2003 the Chamber recognized Kim as the “Individual of the Year.” In 2006, Kim was honored with the Henrietta Schwarzenbach Community Service award. In 2008 the Potomac Council Boy Scouts of America, recognized Kim’s dedication to the Scouts with the Silver Beaver Award representing the highest volunteer award in Scouting. In 2011 Kim and Marion Leonard were honored by the Allegany County Chamber for the Community Service Award. In 2016 Kim and Marion Leonard were honored by the Community Trust Foundation for the Humanitarian Leadership Award. At this time Kim continues to dedicate his time and energy to UMPC Western Maryland, Allegany College of Maryland, Cumberland Rotary Club, Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Cumberland Committee and the Boy Scouts.
Bill Meagher
Member-at-Large
Owner, Lakeside Creamery
Bill Meagher is the Past Chairman of The Greater Cumberland Committee, focusing on regional economic development, broadband expansion, and community revitalization. A serial entrepreneur, he founded multiple businesses in Garrett County, including Lakeside Creamery. He also teaches entrepreneurship at universities nationwide.
About Bill Meagher
Bill Meagher is the current Past Chairman of The Greater Cumberland Committee, a business-based organization serving three states and five counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia on long-term projects of regional relevance in areas of economic development, transportation, education, energy and next generation leadership. He is currently focusing on several new initiatives specifically, a regional asset map from Morgantown WV to Cumberland MD, A Tri-State Addiction Symposium and Broadband to the underserved Appalachian Region.
Bill has served as a Board Member on the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and active member on the legislative committee. He is a Board Member of the Garrett County Economic Development Corporation and worked on the current Economic Development Plan. Bill is a founding member of the Oakland Revitalization Committee, which is helping bring businesses and economic development back to small town America. Bill is the past Chairman of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce where he served on various committees.
Since 1995 Bill has opened several businesses in Garrett County. Lakeside Creamery is a homemade ice cream shop and is Bill’s first business in Deep Creek Lake MD. He has also opened several other businesses such as: The Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory, a gourmet popcorn and chocolate shop; Funtime Water Sports, a jet ski and pontoon boat rental service; Deep Creek Donuts, a made to order donut shop; Lakeside Commercial Properties which develops and manages commercial properties; Oakland Commercial Properties, that restores and manages commercial buildings; and Mountain Maryland Enterprises that develops residential homes.
Bill also teaches entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has also taught at the University of Maryland, University of Florida, Penn State and the University of Guelph. He has been a key note speaker at various trade organizations and trade shows. Bill is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also a graduate of Leadership Maryland, class of 2011.
John Smyth, CPA/PFS, CFP, RFC
Member-at-Large
Senior Managing Director, CBIZ/Smyth & Pyles
John R. Smyth, Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner with over 40 years of experience in business valuation, taxation, and financial planning. A Managing Director at CBIZ MHM, LLC, he has served as an expert witness and consultant on business acquisitions, valuations, and succession planning.
About John Smyth, CPA/PFS, CFP, RFC
John R. Smyth, Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist, a Certified Financial Planner, and a Registered Financial Consultant. He has received a Certificate of Educational Achievement in Business Valuation from the AICPA. Mr. Smyth has prepared business appraisals for the past thirty-three years and has consulted with business clients regarding acquisitions and dispositions for small business interests for the past forty-four years. In addition to business appraisals, he specializes in taxation, business consulting, succession planning, litigation support, financial planning, and wealth management. His formal education includes a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Frostburg State University (1975). He has attended special training in financial management, financial analysis, personal and corporate income taxes, appraisal techniques, and methodology, and numerous other business and accounting related subjects. He has been a frequent speaker and lecturer on various tax and financial related subjects. Mr. Smyth has written many newsletters on business and tax matters. Mr. Smyth has appeared numerous times as an “expert witness” regarding business valuations and accounting related issues and has acted as a valuation arbitrator in a dissenting shareholder case.
Mr. Smyth is employed as a managing director for CBIZ MHM, LLC and is a shareholder in Smyth & Pyles, LLC (an independent CPA firm). Mr. Smyth is a member in good standing of: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, The Institute of Business Appraisers, Inc., The Institute of Certified Financial Planners, and The International Association of Financial Planners. He is a member of The National Association of Securities Dealers and holds a Series 7, 65, and 66 licenses with the organization. In addition, he is a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. He holds a variable and fixed-life insurance license and is registered as such in various states.
Ardon Hall
Member-at-Large
CEO & Founder, Clean Compost
Ardon Hall is a senior product and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in software development, data strategy, and creative innovation. Currently he is Director of Development at Who What Wear and Marie Claire and founded Clean Compost, a Western Maryland–based company that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment to restore farmland biodiversity and reduce landfill use.
About Ardon Hall
Ardon Hall is a senior product and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in software development, data strategy, and creative innovation. Currently Director of Development at Who What Wear and Marie Claire, he has led transformative digital projects for brands such as Cartier, Gucci, Disney, and Netflix. His work has driven measurable results—such as a 180% year-over-year increase in branded content sales and the development of first-in-class digital experiences including video chat shopping platforms and personalized commerce tools.
With a career rooted in full-stack engineering and creative development, Ardon Hall has transitioned into data-focused product leadership, spearheading the creation of cloud-based data warehouses and decision intelligence systems that inform product strategy and advertising at scale. Paralleling his industry work and driven by a passion for sustainability, Hall founded Clean Compost, a Western Maryland–based company that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment to restore farmland biodiversity and reduce landfill use. By combining his background in data systems with environmental innovation, he’s building scalable technology to support a cleaner, circular economy.
In addition to his industry work, Ardon Hall serves on multiple state-level committees, including the Maryland State Technical Committee, NRCS Outreach and Education Subcommittee, and NRCS Nutrient Management Subcommittee, contributing to agricultural and environmental innovation. He also holds numerous certifications in AI, cloud technologies, and product management.
Rob Reckart
Member-at-Large
Council Representative, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Rob Reckart is a Council Representative for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, a role he has held for the past ten years. He brings more than three decades of union experience to this position, having been a proud member of the Carpenters Union for 32 years and spending 22 years working in the field prior to serving on the Council.
About Rob Reckart
Rob Reckart is a Council Representative for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of
Carpenters, a role he has held for the past ten years. He brings more than three decades of union
experience to this position, having been a proud member of the Carpenters Union for 32 years
and spending 22 years working in the field prior to serving on the Council. Rob is deeply
committed to the labor movement and takes great pride in mentoring the next generation, finding
fulfillment in creating opportunities that offer young people not just jobs, but lifelong careers
that can truly change their lives.
In addition to his work with the Carpenters, Rob has a long and distinguished record of public
service. He was first elected to the Kitzmiller, Maryland Town Council in 2002 and has served as
Mayor of Kitzmiller in Garrett County since 2013. His dedication to municipal leadership has
been recognized through his induction into the Maryland Municipal League Hall of Fame. Rob is
also an active member of the Kitzmiller Lions Club, where he currently serves as President, and
has previously held leadership roles as both Zone Chair and Region Chair within the Lions
District. A lifelong community advocate, Rob values the opportunity to make a meaningful
difference in the town he lives in and loves. He has been married to his wife, Becky, for 35 years
and is the proud father of four children and grandfather to eleven grandchildren, including two
bonus grandchildren
Daniel B. Harshberger
Member-at-Large
Vice President, Somerset Trust Co.
Daniel B. Harshberger is an Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Somerset Trust Company, providing business financing across Western Pennsylvania and Western Maryland. With a background in politics and judiciary work, he previously served as a Constituent Services Liaison for U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. and later worked in political communications and the criminal court system.
About Daniel B. Harshberger
Daniel B. Harshberger has been an Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer with Somerset Trust Company since 2018. Dan provides business financing throughout Western Pennsylvania and Western Maryland. Before banking, he worked as a Constituent Services Liaison for U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. in his Pittsburgh field office. There, he worked with the Reginal Director and supported the office of Constituency Services. After his work with Senator Casey, Dan worked in Political Communications and Fundraising for two years throughout Western Pennsylvania. After his time in Politics, Dan worked for Westmoreland County President Judge Rita D. Hathaway, where he spent a year in the Criminal Court Division.
Dan attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and majored in Political Science. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Fort Ligonier, a historic British Fortification from the French and Indian War and renowned Museum. Dan now resides in Somerset County and is also an active member of his local Rotary Club.
Jeff Baker
Member-at-Large
Plant Manager, Northrop Grumman at ABL
Jeff Baker is the Plant Manager of Allegany Ballistics Laboratory and Senior Director for Northrop Grumman’s Tactical Propulsion and Ordinance Operating Unit, after previously leading business management for their Missile Products division. A long-time employee of Northrop Grumman and ATK, he returned to his native Mountain Maryland in 2023 with his family. Baker, an alumnus of Frostburg State University, is committed to strengthening local partnerships and fostering economic growth.