Board of Directors
DATES FOR 2011-2012 BOARD MEETINGS
May 27, 2011
June 24, 2011
September 23, 2011
November 18, 2011
January 27, 2012
March 23, 2012
May 18, 2012
June 22, 2012
July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 OFFICERS
Andrew Slutkin, Chair
Dianna Rosborough, Vice Chair
Alan Spero, Treasurer
Sara Palmer, Secretary
Board Members
- Carol Dodson
- Thomas Ellis
- Renee Gordon
- Michael Hettleman
- Janice Jackson
- Suzanne Levin-Lapides
- Rob McFeaters
- Arthur Mehlman, CPA
- John M. Meyer
- Sara Palmer, PhD
- Therese (Terry) Rakosky
- Dianna Rosborough
- Thomas J. Senker
- Frank Settleman
- Natalie Sherman
- Wendy L. Shiff
- Andrew Slutkin
- Alan Spero
- Susan Talles
- Arnie Wallenstein
- Ralign Wells
- Phil Wetzler
- Walter Williams
- Judy Zerwitz
Mrs. Carol Dodson, Senior Vice President-Asset Management Services of Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (BGE), has over 20 years experience in the power engineering industry. Mrs. Dodson holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, and a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
Mrs. Dodson actively supports our local community by volunteering with her church, her children’s school and children’s recreational sports teams. She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Baltimore County.
Thomas J. Ellis is the vice president for human resources at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. In this capacity, Mr. Ellis is responsible for all human resource functions as well as other service oriented departments. He joined Mt. Washington in July of 1986 as Director of Personnel and held previous healthcare positions at Baltimore Washington Medical Center (aka North Arundel Hospital) and Franklin Square Hospital. He holds a master of business administration degree from the University of Baltimore; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees with The League for People with Disabilities and The Maryland Hospital Association Self-Funded Workers Compensation Program. Mr. Ellis is married, wife Monica, and two children, Nicholas and Whitney, and resides in the community of Stoneleigh, in Baltimore County.
Renee Gordon is counsel for the Small Business Investment Company program at the U.S. Small Business Administration. She became involved with The League in 2005 when her son, Alex, who is autistic, started participating in The League’s respite and camping programs. Renee is active in organizations that serve the disabled and sits on the board of Families Together and the Chimes. Renee lives in Baltimore County with her husband and son.
Chairman of the Board of The Southern Galvanizing Company, Michael K. Hettleman, has served as both Board member and Treasurer for The League for People with Disabilities, and is son-in-law to 1970's League Board President, Irvin B. Golboro.
Playing a key role in the development of The League's recently approved 2008-2010 Strategic Plan, Mr. Hettleman holds a Masters of Science from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
Known for his interest and involvement in community concerns, Michael K. Hettleman has served as past president of the Jewish Community Center and past trustee chair of Baltimore Hebrew University and has served on the boards of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital , and the Central Scholarship Bureau, among others.
However, it is his role as husband to League advocate and Fur Sale maven, Barbara Hettleman that is his self-professed claim to fame.
Janice Y. Jackson is the Founder and Executive Director of Woman Embracing Abilities Now (W.E.A.N.) W.E.A.N. created in 2005, is a nonprofit mentoring program servicing women with varying degrees of disabilities. The mission of W.E.A.N. is to "wean" women with disabilities from having their limitations be their focal point, thus having them living "with" their abilities. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Baltimore, where she teaches Psychology and Ethics to undergrad and graduate students.
She entered the disability community in 1984 at the age of 24. She was hit by and car received a spinal cord injury. She spent two years in Baltimore receiving rehabilitation, after which she decided to relocate to Baltimore from Prince George’s County to start her new life.
She holds four degrees; two Associate of Arts degrees, one in Human Services and the other in Mental Health from Baltimore City Community College. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services with a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Master’s of Science degree in Administration both from the University of Baltimore.
She is very active in Baltimore communities. She is a volunteer and peer counselor at Kernan Rehabilitation Hospital. She also serves on The Board of Director at The League for Persons with Disabilities, The Human Rights Committee at The League for Persons with Disabilities, The Community Advisory Council for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger, and The Board of Directors of The Hoffberger Center for Professional Ethics at The University of Baltimore. She held the title of Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 93-94.
Lapides is an interior design associate at Louis Mazor, Inc. She graduated from the Maryland Institute of Art in 1969 with a B.F.A. in Interior Design. Lapides has served on the Maryland Institute Alumni Council and was involved in the AIDS resource group, Lifesongs, from 1988 to 1991.
Rob is the Vice President of Technology Management for PHH Corporation and is responsible for delivering technology strategy and services throughout PHH in North American. Rob holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business and a BA from Towson University in Management. Rob also holds technical certifications from various technology vendors including Cisco, Microsoft, and Novell. Rob is a 2009 graduate of the Leadership Baltimore County program and is active in multiple charitable causes including Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities. Rob is president of Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School Fathers’ Club.
Arthur Mehlman, CPA
Arthur Mehlman currently serves on the board of directors for the Legg Mason Family of Mutual Funds. Prior to his retirement in 2002, Mehlman was a partner at the accounting and business advisory firm of KPMG LLP, in charge of audits for the Washington and Baltimore offices. He was also managing partner for the Baltimore office. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Mehlman is licensed as a CPA in Maryland and Pennsylvania. An active alumni (Class of ’63), he has also been on the board of trustees at the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, and was treasurer for the Executive Committee and chairman of the Audit Committee for the University of Maryland Foundation. In the past, Mehlman has been a trustee at the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Leukemia Society of Maryland, the Maryland Association of CPAs and the Maryland Hospital Association.
Meyer, a principal with KLNB Retail in Towson, coordinates and spearheads the regional entry and expansion programs of national retailers and corporate clients such as Wal-Mart, Men’s Wearhouse, and 24 Hour Fitness. He resides in Towson.
Dr. Sara Palmer is a rehabilitation psychologist and part-time Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the author of a book for people with spinal cord injuries and their families, and co-author of upcoming books for spouse caregivers of stroke survivors and for families raising children with physical disabilities. She gives frequent presentations on psychosocial aspects of disability and chronic illness, and is a long-time member of the Maryland Psychological Association Committee on Disability Issues. She lives in Baltimore County with her husband, Dr. Jeffrey B. Palmer.
Terry Rakosky is the Vice President of Marketing, Art, Architecture, and Design for Laureate Education. She previously was an executive for 24 years at Stanley Black & Decker. In addition, Terry worked in marketing communications for Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., a building-products manufacturer, in Toledo, Ohio. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Terry holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Dianna Rosborough is Vice President of Marketing for Amerigroup, Maryland. Dianna has served as a strategic communication executive in various capacities including marketing, community relations, and public relations positions. In addition to her current position, her experience includes Director of Communications, Governor's Press Secretary, Deputy Administrator, and Public Relations Manager. Her positions involve establishing key stakeholders, communities, elected officials, and individuals as part of an overall effort to inform, educate, and shape opinion.
Thomas J. Senker, FACHE, joined Good Samaritan Hospital in 2008 and currently serves as Vice President of Operations for the hospital. He contributes a significant operations and leadership background. Prior to joining Good Samaritan, T.J. served at Saint Mary's Health System/St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, as Vice President, Operations. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Georgetown University of Southern California. He also is board-certified in healthcare management as a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. As Vice President of operations, T.J. is responsible for each of the clinical support services including imaging, laboratory, pharmacy; patient flow; environmental services and laundry; materials management [supply chain]; clinical engineering; outpatient rehabilitation; pastoral care; as well as security, transportation and telephone services.
Frank A. Settleman is Executive Vice President of Chesapeake Contracting Group.
Gallagher Evelius & Jones Partner Natalie Sherman works with the firm’s tax, transactions, and education groups, concentrating on tax and business matters. She also represents numerous non-profits and provides counseling on fund development programs and other business issues. A resident of Mt. Washington, Sherman also serves on the Boards of numerous regional schools and charities.
Wendy Shiff is a partner in the trial firm of Salsbury, Clements, Bekman, Marder & Adkins, LLC. She represents plaintiffs in medical and professional negligence and automobile liability cases, most of which involve catastrophic injury or wrongful death. She has been a member of the board for The League since 2002 having served as Board Chair from 2006-2008.
Andrew Slutkin is a partner in the law firm of Silverman Thompson Slutkin & White, a Baltimore-Washington litigation firm. He is a trial lawyer who primarily represents plaintiffs in complex civil litigation, usually involving serious injuries. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, on the faculty of the Maryland Trial Advocacy Institute, and has been invited to speak to doctors at the leading hospitals in Maryland on the subject of medical malpractice.
Alan has over 16 years experience in public accounting. He joined Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, P.A. in 1994 and is a principal with the firm. Alan provides individual and corporate tax planning as well as financial statement and tax return preparation.
Throughout his career, Alan has focused on clients in the Construction and Retail, as well as Real Estate (commercial and residential property management companies) industries. Alan has in depth knowledge of these industries, and has served for the last two years as chairman of the Construction Committee at PKF North American Network.
In addition to experience and idustry expertise, Alan's strength as a communicator contributes to the value of a client's financial team.
Alan is a team member of CSG's construction/real estate niche.
Susan Talles was introduced to The League through her nephew, a Day Habilitation participant. Following the completion of her B.S., Susan went on to hold many development and fundraising positions, from President of Infants Fight For Life, to Proprietor of Hands of Man, SG Touch, and Talles Treasures, to Public Relations Coordinator, Centennial Coordinator and Director of Development at Sheppard Pratt. Since retiring, she had devoted her time to volunteering as the Chair for Chimes and Port Discovery events, and was the Chair of The League's Pool Campaign Event Committee.
Arnie Wallenstein is a Principal at Artisan Renovations, Inc., which specializes in high end residential remodeling and additions. Arnie earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Rochester and Masters in Urban Education from Towson University. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees of Chizuk Amuno Congregation and Chair of their House Committee which oversees all maintenance and construction for the entire facility.
On December 2, 2009, Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley appointed Ralign T. Wells as the 10th Administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). Mr. Wells’ career at the MTA spans over 20 years and includes positions at nearly every level in the organization, including bus operator, supervisor, superintendent, deputy director of bus operations and director of Metro Subway operations.
Before being appointed Administrator, Mr. Wells was Deputy Administrator for Transit Operations, leading over 2,200 unionized and management employees. In that capacity, he developed many innovative policies and programs to improve efficiency including: reducing overtime expenditures by more than 26 percent ($7.5 million) while providing a 2.5 percent increase in services with an anticipated two-year savings of $18.5 million; implemented a company-wide absenteeism policy that reduced absenteeism by 18 percent; initiated OpStat, a monthly program that engages middle management in the budgetary process to help them monitor the performance of their departments for maximum efficiency; instituted short and long range goals to increase transit ridership by 10 percent; and worked to improve MTA’s safety culture, implementing a zero-tolerance cell phone policy.
From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Wells was Director of Metro Operations, providing direction to more than 300 staff members and eight departments. While in that capacity, Mr. Wells initiated a comprehensive schedule study to improve on-time performance; instituted a complete Metro station rehabilitation that included new energy efficient lighting and other technological enhancements; and initiated the research and installation of track worker protection that warns train operators of workers on or near tracks, and track workers of approaching trains.
Mr. Wells received an Associate of Arts Degree in Business from Catonsville Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Baltimore. He is a member of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
Phil Wetzler recently retired from his position as National VP/Sales of The Jacob Siegel Co. Phil became involved with The League through a number of sources. His mother was a volunteer during the time of our founder, and Phil has continued the family tradition through his weekly volunteering as a swimming instructor and as a fur sale volunteer. Phil is an active volunteer with Special Olympics and has brokered a partnership with them to use The League's pool for training for the participants of Special Olympics.
Walt Williams graduated from Crossland High in Temple Hills, MD in 1988. He attended the University of Maryland from 1988-1992, where he graduated in four years with a bachelor's degree in Personal Finance. He was a part of the basketball team in both high school and college, and was later part of the 1992 NBA draft where he was picked #7 by the Sacramento Kings. During his 11-year career, he had the privilege of playing for the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, and the Dallas Mavericks; he was the spokesman for just about every team on which he played. He received two awards for his contributions while in the NBA, and has done work for the Cancer Society, Fannie Mae, March of Dimes, and Children's Hospital, among others.
Mr. Williams is often recognized for his achievements on the basketball court, but his proudest moments are when he is thanked for his loyalty to the University of Maryland during troubling times. Walt has established a scholarship fund in his father's name at the University, and has since seen many students graduate with the help of this fund. He has also created "The Walt Williams Foundation", which has put on basketball camps for a number of years for children living in Price Georges County, where Walt was raised. Walt is currently a Financial Adviser for UBS, where he feels blessed to be in a profession where he can continue to help people.
Judy Zerwitz, a resident of Pikesville, is a long-time community advocate and volunteer. She is the current Vice President for Advocates for Communication Technologies and the past President of the Dorothy Friedman Caplan Guild.