Who We Are

Josh serves as Chief Operating Officer at HighGear. He is responsible for the product development and customer support teams, as well as internal operations. He is a gifted manager with a focus on building quality into everything HighGear does.

Josh started his career as a software developer more than 20 years ago. He worked on a veterinary pharmaceutical reference software product and various custom business applications while still in college at UMBC. Along the way he designed and built many of the core features that would eventually become the HighGear platform. When HighGear formally launched in late 2003, Josh joined as a co-founder and helped build the company from the ground up, leading the product design process and taking on more management responsibilities as the team grew.

Josh and his wife Tara have four children under the age of 15. Although work and family keep him busy, Josh carves out time to read a good book as often as he can.

Jon-Mikel Bailey is the Director of Sales and Marketing for 321 Web Marketing, a branding and marketing agency that helps Marketing Managers & Business Development Teams Produce. He has been published in MarketingProfs, MarTech.org, SpinSucks, {Grow}, Social Media Today, and more. He has spoken at the Digital Summit Series, MarketingProfs, ITE, Grant Thornton, and others.

Jeff is the General Manager at DCM BioServices. DCM Bio is a local biotech firm that specializes in laboratory automation service and support. With over 20 years of business experience in finance, operations and business development, Jeff thrives and excels at connecting the dots for people and organizations in his work and community service. Jeff previously served for five years as CFO at Community Living Inc. after an eleven year career in financial services. His time outside of work is spent enjoying life with his wonderful wife, two amazing children, and other family and friends. Jeff is a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, board member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and Maryland Tech Council, and an active supporter of Frederick Health, Mental Health Association of Frederick, and the Frederick County Public Libraries.

Ryan is an experienced professional with a passion for helping organizations achieve their goals. As a Senior Manager at Brown Plus, Ryan leverages his expertise in accounting to deliver top-notch services to a diverse client base, including nonprofits, government entities, and for-profit businesses. With a license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maryland since 2015, Ryan offers a wide range of services, including audits, reviews, compilations, and tax preparation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maryland, positioning him well to offer invaluable guidance and support to nonprofit organizations.

OTHER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center – Board Treasurer
• Grossnickle Church of the Brethren – Treasurer
• Community Foundation of Frederick County – Scholarship Committee Member
• Town of Myersville, Maryland – Budget & CIP Committee Member
• Rotary Club of Carroll Creek – Member

Andres brings over a decade’s worth of experience as a software developer, having worked on various projects ranging from web development to mobile development. Currently, he owns a local tech consulting firm and helps run a significant portion of the local tech community, while also serving on the advisory board of techfrederick. In the past, Andres has co-founded and served as the CTO of an early-stage startup and hosted a tech podcast.

Maria Roat is a Senior Information Technology and Cybersecurity Executive with 3+ decades’ experience driving enterprise-scale digital transformation within Federal Government. Recognized as builder, collaborator, and solutions innovator with vision, audacity, and drive to lead complex multibillion-dollar technology initiatives.

Maria is the CEO of MA Roat Consulting, LLC and the former US Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer with 40 years of executive leadership and professional experience in information technology and cybersecurity for $90B in cross-government enterprise-wide programs in multiple missions and sectors including, but not limited to, transportation, cybersecurity, finance, homeland security, disaster response and recovery, DoD and small business.

Maria was previously the Small Business Administration Chief Information Officer, served at the Department of Transportation, and Department of Homeland Security at Headquarters and technology leadership positions at TSA, USCIS and FEMA. Maria began her career in the United States Navy as a Data Processing Technician and later worked for the Department of the Navy in various technology and engineering positions. She was in the private sector for 5 years deploying and managing global enterprise technology programs.

Maria retired from the U.S. Navy in 2007, with 26 years of active duty and reserve service, in which she obtained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, Information Systems Technician.

Maria is a graduate of the University of Maryland earning a Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems Management, Harvard Business School Executive Education Program for Leadership Development, and the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.

Solash earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico. While in college, she supported research development where she became more interested in the life science industries and how this industry improves the quality of life for the public. After college, Solash moved to Maryland where she worked as a Quality Control Analyst at Sanofi Pasteur Biologics. In addition, she also worked at Emergent BioSolutions, and at Lonza’s Walkersville facility where she gained experience in quality control and compliance issues. Solash joined the Frederick County Office of Economic Development in December of 2019, supporting the biotech and technology industries in the County.

Doug is passionate about the Life Sciences industry, in which he utilizes more than 35 years of operations and warehouse management experience. Doug strives to make a difference in each customer’s experience by helping them achieve success by imparting knowledge and delivering economical solutions.

Jake is a nearly lifelong resident of Frederick, MD. He graduated from Walkersville High School before attending the University of Maryland, and now lives just outside of Downtown Frederick with his wife, son, and dog. Jake is a graduate of the 2023 class of Leadership Frederick County. He runs his own consultancy business, GxP Solutions, where he helps clients ranging from nonprofits to biotech firms with technology and infrastructure needs. Outside of his work and volunteer efforts, you’re likely to find Jake on hiking trails, at the Monocacy River, or playing baseball or tennis or soccer or football or pickleball with his son.

In the last year, Jillian has started a new adventure as a Project Manager for the NIAID Research Technologies Branch (RTB) implementing a new Accessioning system that is being used by over 3000 researchers. Previously she managed a team of 27, comprised of web developers, user experience designers, support team members and project managers. In her time as Applications Manager for the National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Jillian implemented standardized processes while continuing to personally manage web projects for long term clients. Jillian believes in collaboration, communication and transparency when interacting with both employees and clients.

Steve Flook is President and CEO of iHire, a Frederick, MD-based recruitment marketing platform that brings candidates and employers together in 56 industry-focused communities. As a technologist focused on software systems and information architecture, Flook has been at the forefront of the HR and recruitment technology space for nearly a decade. Prior to his role as CEO, Flook served as a change agent with many operational roles at iHire, including president, VP of product development, and director of engineering. He previously spent 11 years at 270net Technologies, serving as CTO and providing technology consulting services in both the public and private sector.

Mary Ford-Naill joined the City of Frederick in 2017 as its Economic Development Manager. With over 30 years’ commercial and residential real estate industry experience, her current role focuses on business attraction and retention initiatives within the City. Mary serves as the Department of Economic Development’s representative to the Tech Frederick Advisory Board and the Golden Mile Alliance Board. Additionally, she was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Review Panel.

Mary is passionate about service to the community and thrives on building long-term collaborative relationships. She has previously served on the board of directors for the Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, and St. John Catholic School. Mary is also a graduate of Leadership Frederick County and has served as President of the LFC Council.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management (Marketing), a minor degree in International Business and Economics and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Hood College. Her previous work experiences include serving as a Vice President for a niche commercial real estate firm as well as owning her own business.

She has received several community awards including the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek Service Above Self Award (2018) and the Leadership Frederick County Outstanding Leadership Award (2015). Mary is a graduate of Leadership Maryland ’23 – an executive program connecting leaders from diverse industries throughout the state.

Carole is the Director of Customer Success at Yakabod, a Frederick-based software company that provides purpose-built case management for security professionals. She has volunteered with Heartly House, The Women’s Giving Circle, Literacy Council, and was the inaugural Director for the Tour de Frederick. She is a proud mother of four children and four grandchildren, with a fifth on the way. She is always game for adventure and loves spending time outdoors. She is proud to be a member of the Frederick community and looks forward to working with the talented techfrederick team.

Wes has been with Frederick County Government for 10 years serving as a Senior Business Development Specialist. In his role, he supports Frederick County employers with various aspects of workforce. Wes is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s and a life-long Frederick County resident.

Kimberly currently serves as the Director of Cybersecurity and Aerospace, Lead for Emerging Technologies at the Maryland Department of Commerce. In her role, she fosters and promotes cybersecurity across all industry sectors in the state of Maryland. In addition, she works with government, commercial, and academic entities to support the state and local cybersecurity education and workforce efforts.

Kimberly has worked in the technology field for over twenty years as an educator and professional in cybersecurity, networking, Linux, and programming. She held positions as an IT manager, network administrator, technology coordinator, programmer, and auditor. She continues to actively teach at the collegiate level, as well as manage the cybersecurity and IT programs at Frederick Community College. Kimberly serves as a member on the MD Cybersecurity Council and as the co-chair for the MD Cyber Education Committee in conjunction with the MD Center for Computing Education (MCCE) Steering Committee. She is also a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys), Cybersecurity Association of Maryland (CAMI), and the Maryland Tech Council, as well as an active attendee and/or speaker at many local, national, and international cybersecurity conferences and events.

Kara has served on the techfrederick Advisory Board since 2017. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the urban planning field, working for nonprofits, government agencies and consultants. In addition to her role on the Advisory Board, Kara serves as the Executive Director of Downtown Frederick Partnership and as a board member at the Tourism Council of Frederick County and East Frederick Rising.

Previously, Kara has worked in a variety of urban planning roles for the City of San Antonio, Durham Community Land Trustees and the City of Des Moines.

Kara has a masters in planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelors from Iowa State University.

Grant Otto is a dynamic technology leader and entrepreneur with a distinguished career spanning roles as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and business owner. As the founder of Sentinel Roof Technologies, Grant has demonstrated his leadership and ability to grow a business both from a technical standpoint and as a leader in business development. The product combines Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Amazon AWS microservices to provide a real time, massively scalable, monitoring solution for commercial roofs.

Prior to founding Sentinel Roof Technologies, Grant held pivotal roles at prominent organizations such as The Weather Channel, MotionSoft, and HealthiNation. At The Weather Channel, he played a key role in the international division leveraging weather data and technology to deliver innovative solutions that empowered businesses and consumers alike. As a strategic leader at MotionSoft, Grant led the development of cutting-edge software solutions for the fitness and wellness industry, helping organizations streamline operations and enhance member experiences.

Valerie Pearson serves as the Associate Director of Recruitment for the Division of Continuing Studies at Mount St. Mary’s University. With nine years of experience in higher education, Valerie specializes in supporting adult undergraduate and graduate students through the admissions process and guiding them toward their academic and professional goals. She also oversees partnerships and outreach initiatives for the Division, fostering connections that benefit the local community and the university alike.

A proud member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2024, Valerie is deeply involved in community engagement. She co-chairs the Generation Connect Steering Committee through the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, where she helps empower emerging professionals and foster leadership development.

Jonathan is the CEO of Bolt Innovations Group, LLC focusing on government services & solutions for digital transformation, cyber security, and program support. He joined the Advisory Board in 2021 as a member of Yakabod’s leadership team focused on the DoD and Federal government. For nearly two decades he has worked with successful small, medium, and large companies supporting federal government contracts and has been a key part of helping companies navigate growing from small to large business in the government contracting arena. He credits ongoing partnerships with established technology firms such as Yakabod and CyberPoint for their support and mentoring. He is currently a PhD candidate in National Security through Liberty University and holds a Certificate in Digital Transformation through Stanford University. Jonathan is a proud Mountaineer with a BS degree from West Virginia University and an MBA from Liberty University.

Jonathan loves to stay active and enjoys cycling, golfing, and catching a variety of live sporting events with his wife. He is also the founder of two successful youth sports programs. The West Carroll Wings Track & Field-(Carroll Co.) and the Blaze United Athletics (basketball & track) – (Greater Baltimore area).

With over 20 years of professional IT experience, Jon has architected technology solutions across many different industries for organizations both large and small. He has an exceptionally broad understanding of technology of all kinds and its place in enabling organizational goals.

Jon started out as a C++ programmer at the tender age of 14 as an intern in New York. He then moved on to building and maintaining high-performance computer systems for a small startup selling things on the newly emerging Internet. He subsequently spent many years as an IT engineer for large corporate environments. Currently, Jon is working to distill big business IT practices into best-of-breed technology for smaller organizations and nonprofits.

When not working or playing with technology, Jon spends his time with his wife and five daughters on the family farm. He is an avid virtual reality enthusiast and soccer player.

With over 20 years of experience in Frederick County Public Schools. Beth is a LYNX (Linking Youth to New Experiences) Advocate at Frederick High School. As a LYNX Advocate, Beth teaches and mentors students, while also leading initiatives to enhance academic and career support in partnership with students, families, and community stakeholders. Beth strong background in project management and school culture initiatives, including serving as an Adjunct Professor at Frederick County Community College and designing school programming such as student orientations and professional learning sessions.

Additionally, Beth has served as the Assistant Site Coordinator for the New Horizons Summer Academy for the last two years. During this time Beth has collaborated with community partners and staff to support students facing housing insecurity, ensuring their academic success and engagement. Beth is a dedicated advocate for student success and educator development and is passionate about creating inclusive, growth-centered educational experiences for all students.

Jeremy S. Scholtes is a principal who co-leads the Frederick office of Miles & Stockbridge. He serves as outside general counsel to numerous companies, primarily in the construction, IT and manufacturing industries, many of which are also government contractors. In this work, he advises clients on the full spectrum of business matters they encounter.

Before joining Miles & Stockbridge, Jeremy had a notable career with the United States Army, first as an infantry officer and then as a Judge Advocate General officer (JAG). After 21 years of combined Army service, Jeremy retired in July 2022. He most recently served as a Lieutenant Colonel and an Adjunct Professor at The Judge Advocate General Legal Center and School in the National Security Department in Charlottesville, VA.

Eric Soter is a land planner with over 25 years of experience in the Baltimore-Washington Region and employed by Rodgers Consulting, Inc., a local land development planning and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Germantown, MD., with offices in Frederick and Prince Georges County. Rodgers Consulting has earned a reputation for providing quality consulting services for clients who recognize the importance of integrity, community responsibility, with a commitment to excellence in planning and design.

As a Client Principal, Eric is part of a team of experts focused on securing and providing value to their client’s project entitlements including annexations, zoning changes, subdivision and site development plan approvals, and other related development plans and permits. He has helped facilitate the planning and approval of a number of Frederick Communities including, Villages of Urbana, Bloomfields, Summervale,
Bloomfields, Cromwell and Linganore Town Center among others.

Prior to joining Rodgers in 2014, Eric served as the Director of Planning and Community Development for Frederick County Maryland as well the Urban Design Director for the City of Gaithersburg. Eric holds Bachelor’s Degrees from Towson University in Geography and Economics. He currently serves on a number of local boards, including the Interfaith Housing Alliance and the Land Use Council of Frederick County Building Industry. He has previously served as Board Member and Chair of the Public Policy Committee of the Frederick County Chamber; Board Member of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County; as well as on the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission.

Cherie Wigfield is the Corporate Operations Director at Edgewater Federal Solutions. She has over 35 years of experience in government and contracting, specializing in strategic planning, quality assurance, contract administration/management, and business operations.

Cherie is also an active member of the community and serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County. She is the Secretary for the Smoketown Rotary Club and facilitated the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and Frederick County Public School STEM center partnership.

Cherie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Asbury University and was a 2022 graduate of Leadership Frederick County.