Building a Path Forward

Client Executive/Associate General Counsel at RCM&D

MSgt, USAF (Ret.)

Banking Services Analyst/Mid-Atlantic Veterans’ Resource Group President at M&T Bank

Attorney at Angelos Legal Group

Dr. Branville G. Bard, Jr. is a dedicated, reform-minded, public safety & law enforcement professional with a reputation for sound leadership and community service. Currently having more than twenty-nine years of professional experience, he serves as the Vice President for Public Safety at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. He served as the Police Commissioner for the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a position he was selected for after a nationwide search. Prior to that, he was appointed Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Police Department (PHAPD). He began his career as a member of the Philadelphia Police Department where he served more than 21 years, before retiring at the rank of Inspector. Additionally, he was appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney as the Co-Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for his Transition Team.

Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Randolph Cockrell Jr is a walking testament to the work done at the Baltimore Station. Attending local schools such as Roland Park Middle, Baltimore City College High, and Coppin, his roots here run deep. Mr. Cockrell served in the U.S. Army in the early 90’s during the early days of desert conflict in the Middle East. Upon separation, he returned to Baltimore to start college and join the workforce. For 15 years, he worked for the illustrious Johns Hopkins University in their CTY division (Center for Talented Youth.) During that time, he started a beautiful family, eventually welcoming four loving children. Seeking a new challenge, he departed JHU to work in management for Southwest Airlines. Taking the opportunity offered during the tragic and turbulent COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Cockrell accepted an early retirement from the company he loved. This happened during a time of great personal loss, as his father and other family members met untimely ends, due to the street violence that was synonymous with the Baltimore of the past, as well as an emotionally difficult divorce. Reeling from these events, he attempted to change the course of his life by exploring the world of acting, through television and movies. Although he became unexpectedly successful almost immediately, Mr. Cockrell was still fighting the demons that lingered in his mind, from the military and the loss of so many loved ones. Eventually, he succumbed to the effects of anxiety and PTSD, and suffered a severe lapse in his mental health. Surviving a serious suicide attempt, he was directed to the Baltimore Station by the V.A. to recover. While a resident there, Mr. Cockrell persevered through surgeries and physical limitations that resulted from his nearly fatal attempt. Receiving guidance, comprehensive care, and therapy, his time at the Station enabled him to rebuild his life, and thrive once more. Now a published author, voice actor, and full-time dad, Randolph Cockrell has a new lease on life.

Michael Duplechain is a Human Resources Business Partner with a ten-years in human resources who served his country for thirty-years as a National Guardsman retiring at the rank of Colonel.

Michael has decades of leadership experience stemming from his civilian and military careers that have informed his commitment to leading, coaching, teaching, and learning. Prior to his retirement from the Maryland National Guard, he had held several senior leadership positions, commanded at three different levels, and led the Maryland National Guard’s Human Resources Office.

Michael has two deployments outside of the United States (Iraq and Egypt) as part of contingency operations, several mobilizations for domestic emergencies including hurricanes, civil unrest, and COVID response during which he held significant command and staff responsibilities. These experiences honed his abilities as leader, planner, and advisor in organizations executing complex missions in uncertain circumstances.

Prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001, Michael worked in state government and non-profit sectors as a Director of Government Relations and Director of Training and Technical Assistance for the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (renamed The Corps Network) and as Program Officer for the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism. Following 9/11 his work was focused on national security and military service. Michael is looking to reconnect with his passion for serving and strengthening the communities at a more local level.

Michael holds the Senior Certified Professional (SCP) from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), a specialty credential in People Analytics from SHRM, and MA in Policy Studies from the Johns Hopkins University. Although not a practitioner, Michael holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace by the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

Michael is currently employed by M&T Bank as a Human Resources Business Partner where he supports the development of talent, provides strategic advice to business leaders, and contributes to the bank’s human capital strategies. When not working, Michael enjoys playing tennis, hiking, camping, cooking, and eating.

Product Director at T. Rowe Price

Hummel brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the asset management industry, specializing in collective investment trusts, retirement solutions, and business operations. As a product director at T. Rowe Price, she drives business strategy and product development while also leading inclusive programming for the firm’s VALOR veteran business resource group. Her prior positions include senior leadership roles at Legg Mason and Finix Professional Services, where she focused on business operations, product strategy, and technology solutions. A dedicated community advocate, she has been an active volunteer with The Baltimore Station along with the Catch A Lift Fund and the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Grief Ministry. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University and an MBA in Information Technology from Loyola University Maryland.

Shevelle Montgomery is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, bringing a wealth of expertise in advancing fundraising and planning objectives across diverse organizations. With a proven track record in administrative support, data analysis, and reporting, Shevelle excels in evaluating key performance indicators to optimize operational effectiveness.

As the Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships at Associated Black Charities since February 2023, Shevelle has spearheaded initiatives to foster strategic alliances and sponsorships, driving organizational success. Prior to this role, Shevelle served as the Manager of Progress & Partnerships at Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness, Inc., where she made significant contributions in a short span of four months.

With a strong background in development and fundraising events, Shevelle has held pivotal roles at reputable organizations such as The Myositis Association and Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Maryland/Southern Delaware. Her tenure as a Senior Manager and Manager in these organizations underscores her ability to cultivate donor relationships and execute successful fundraising campaigns.

Before transitioning into leadership positions, Shevelle honed her skills as a Development Coordinator and Manager of Fundraising Campaigns & Volunteer Engagement at Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, where she made notable contributions to the organization’s mission.

Earlier in her career, Shevelle served as an Administrative Assistant in Annual Giving and Special Events at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she gained valuable experience in managing diverse administrative tasks and supporting fundraising initiatives.

With her comprehensive skill set and extensive experience in development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships, Shevelle Montgomery continues to make a profound impact on the organizations she serves, driving sustainable growth and advancing their missions with unwavering dedication and expertise.

Owner, Pizza di Joey

Vice President, Strategic Development at Peraton

With over 35 years of experience, Velez is the Peraton Vice President & General Manager responsible for the performance and success of the Cyber Intelligence Solutions Business in Annapolis Junction, MD. Mr. Velez has devoted almost his entire career to being part of or providing support to the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. With extensive experience in leadership, business, program management, his expertise centers around enabling organizations that provide software engineering and capability research support to government customers in the areas of emerging technologies and cybersecurity. Velez is a highly effective, results-oriented leader with expertise in coaching, mentoring, and optimizing employee performance focusing on overall team excellence. He served for 15 years in the United States Navy, working in cryptology and intelligence to run operations throughout the country and the world.

Outside of his professional career, Velez is an avid supporter of veterans. He volunteers his time to Ft. Meade Alliance Foundation (FMAF) as the vice president of the board of directors and the vice president of the Maryland State Chapter of the U.S. Military Vets Non-Profit.

As a U.S. Navy veteran with a deep family legacy of military service, Stacy Wirth is passionate about supporting veterans and strengthening the communities they call home. She has been a dedicated volunteer with The Baltimore Station for several years, serving meals, organizing the annual flag replacement, volunteering at the Stars, Stripes & Chow Chili Cook-Off, and involving her family in volunteer opportunities. Her firsthand experiences with the organization’s staff and resident veterans inspired her to join the Board of Directors.

Professionally, Stacy serves as Principal Environmental Project Manager at BGE, where she leads environmental workforce development, regulatory compliance, and community outreach initiatives. Previously, she founded and led BGE’s Community Engagement team, developing innovative outreach strategies, building strong stakeholder relationships, and managing large-scale projects and budgets. Her background also includes extensive experience in business analytics, project management, financial oversight, and organizational leadership.