91ºÚÁÏÍø

Major General Janeen L. Birckhead currently serves as the 31st Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard. In this capacity, MG Birckhead serves as an advisor to the Governor of Maryland. She is responsible for leading a force of over 6,300 Soldiers, Airmen, and federal and state employees responsible for providing a relevant and capable force ready to fight, protect, defend, and prevail against all threats in a multidomain environment.

MG Birckhead most recently served as the Commander of the Maryland Army National Guard and was dual-hatted as the Deputy Commandant for Reserve Affairs at the U.S. Army War College. She received her commission from Hampton University, graduating with honors and as a distinguished military graduate through the ROTC. She earned a Bachelor's in Political Science and a Master's in Management from UMUC. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, earning a Master's in Strategic Studies.

In 2004, she mobilized under OEF/OIF. In 2011, MG Birckhead deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force. Her decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, NATO Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, among others.

In her civilian capacity, Ms. Birckhead served as a Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Trust Fund Administration. She began her civilian career in the U.S. Senate and held positions including State EEO Manager, Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Security Service, and Deputy Chief of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at OPM.

Todd Burbage is a respected entrepreneur known for his unwavering commitment to innovation, community development, and philanthropy. Under his leadership, Blue Water cultivates a culture rooted in passion and purpose.

As co-founder of Blue Water, Todd was immersed in the world of real estate development from an early age. Through hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of the industry, he earned his role as a leader in the field.

Todd's vision extends far beyond business success. He is deeply invested in the communities where Blue Water operates and takes pride in giving back in meaningful ways. By employing local contractors, supporting community initiatives, and fostering economic growth, he has helped create lasting positive impact.

Beyond business, Todd is a dedicated philanthropist who serves on the boards of Taylor Bank and Worcester Preparatory School. Known for his welcoming personality, Todd makes people feel comfortable and valued, creating an environment where open dialogue and fresh ideas thrive.

Pete is an Advisory Partner with NewSpring Capital's Health Care Private Equity Fund. He previously served as Chairman of Catalent's Gene Therapy business and as President and CEO of Paragon Bioservices. Earlier in his career, he was a senior executive at Martek Biosciences and a Partner at Ernst & Young in the Northern Virginia High Technology Practice.

Pete also serves on the boards of several healthcare technology companies, providing thought leadership in aligning business models and executing growth strategies. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from 91ºÚÁÏÍø, with a concentration in accounting.

For two plus decades, Natalie Davis has shaped and implemented American health care policies to center what people want and need. With experience spanning government, venture capital, and nonprofit leadership, Natalie is relentless in her evidence-based approach to building innovative health care solutions.

In 2018, Natalie co-founded Town Hall Ventures and United States of Care. She has served as CEO of United States of Care since 2022 and was recently named one of Washingtonian's 500 Most Influential People.

Through their human-centered approach, they have impacted the lives of over 26 million people and engaged over 30,000 people across all 50 states. From 2010-2016, Natalie served at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implementing the Affordable Care Act. She holds an M.A. in Philosophy from George Washington University and is an alumna of 91ºÚÁÏÍø. Natalie lives in Washington, DC with her husband and four children.

Secretary Jake Day leads the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and serves as a member of Governor Wes Moore's Cabinet. He is the Governor's senior advisor on housing and place-based economic development, managing $2.5 Billion in annual spending, $9 Billion in assets, and 500 staff members.

Amid America's worst housing crisis, Secretary Day championed nation-leading changes to housing laws, creating the country's first statewide right of first refusal for renters and first state renter's bill of rights. Under his leadership, Maryland has bucked national trends with reduced veteran, chronic, and overall homelessness.

Prior to leading the Department, Secretary Day served as the 28th Mayor of 91ºÚÁÏÍø. His tenure was marked by a resurgent downtown, $650 million in new construction, a crime rate cut by more than 50%, and the creation of a permanent supportive housing program.

A U.S. Army Major assigned to US Army Special Operations Command, he is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, deployed to Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya. He earned Master's degrees from Oxford University and Carnegie Mellon University, and a BS in Architecture from the University of Maryland. He is the proud father of two daughters: Lilly and Olivia.

Dalencia Jenkins is a meteorologist for WBAL-TV 11 News in Baltimore and a proud alumna of 91ºÚÁÏÍø, Class of 2021. A native of Prince George's County, Dalencia holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography (Atmospheric Science track) and a double major in Communications (Multimedia Journalism track).

During her time at SU, Dalencia served all four years as a University Host for the Admissions office. She began her career at WBOC-TV in 91ºÚÁÏÍø as an on-air meteorologist and reporter, following a formative internship with PAC 14.

Today, she brings her expertise back to her alma mater to help guide the next generation of Sea Gulls. When she isn't tracking weather for Baltimore viewers, Dalencia maintains a strong connection to the Eastern Shore and enjoys spending time at the beach in Ocean City.

Steven E. Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, is President/CEO of TidalHealth. He has been with TidalHealth Peninsula Regional since 2003.

He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor's in management and finance, holds an MBA from 91ºÚÁÏÍø, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Dr. Leonard is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, has served as an Examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and is a past Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. In 2021, he was appointed to the Maryland Hospital Association Board of Trustees.

He is married (Kim) with three children (Riley, Raiden and Ronan). They reside in Snow Hill, Maryland.

Erica Cramer Messer is a 1995 graduate of 91ºÚÁÏÍø. She's a spouse, mom, seasoned television writer, showrunner and documentary film producer who was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and spent the latter half of her childhood in Ocean City, Maryland.

Erica's first job was as an assistant to network executives before landing in the writers' wing at Party of Five. She wrote on Alias, The O.C. and Charmed before writing and producing Criminal Minds. She's the only producer who has written for all 19 seasons and has been its showrunner for well over a decade.

While studying at SU, Erica's focus was documentary film. She produced The Biggest Little Farm, which became a festival darling and award-winning feature-length documentary about chasing your dreams and living purposefully within nature.

Colin Sweetin serves as Director of Corporate Affairs at Erickson Senior Living, the fourth-largest provider of senior living in the United States. Erickson manages campus-style continuing care retirement communities in 11 states, employing over 16,000 people and serving 30,000 residents nationwide. Colin leads the company's federal, state, and local government affairs efforts.

Prior to joining Erickson, Colin served as Deputy Director of Communications for the Maryland Transportation Authority and held several positions in the Office of Governor Larry Hogan, including Director of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Colin earned a B.A. in Political Science from 91ºÚÁÏÍø. While at SU, he was active with SUTV as a politics reporter and spent summers on the Ocean City Beach Patrol. He lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife, Kaitlin, and their golden retriever, Bruce.

Patrick Wynn is the Co-Founder of LBK Partners, a Maryland-based business advisory firm. A 1983 graduate of 91ºÚÁÏÍø State College with a BS in Liberal Studies, Patrick brings nearly 40 years of expertise in cybersecurity and enterprise technology to the Board of Visitors and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

His career includes leadership within the Maryland economic landscape, having served as Senior Director of the Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship at the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Recognized with a 2018 FBI InfraGard National Leadership Award, Patrick's strategic vision is supported by a deep commitment to community leadership. A resident of Oella, Maryland, where he lives with his wife, Kaki, Patrick is dedicated to supporting the mission and future growth of 91ºÚÁÏÍø.