Queen Anne’s County Economic and Tourism Development (QACETD) extends its gratitude to five departing Economic Development Commission (EDC) members: Ed Beres, Brian DeMoss, Jesse Parks, Jeremy Reynolds, and Jaime Thompson, whose dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to the county’s steady economic growth and the creation of new opportunities.
“As our board evolves, the contributions of our departing members will live on through their impactful direction, innovative ideas, and enduring commitment to QACETD’s shared vision for the future,” shares Heather Tinelli, QACETD Director. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and express our sincere gratitude for their time on the Economic Development Commission.”
The fourteen members of the EDC, appointed by Queen Anne’s Board of County Commissioners, bring diverse expertise in areas such as private enterprise, real estate, finance, and local leadership. As trusted advisors, the commission provides valuable recommendations to both the County Commissioners and the Department of Economic & Tourism Development on a wide range of economic issues. Their role includes offering strategic insight into policies, business development, and community investments. Through their collective knowledge and perspective, the EDC helps advance initiatives that ensure Queen Anne’s County continues to grow while preserving the distinctive qualities that make it special.
With a wealth of real estate expertise, Ed Beres offered critical insights that aligned with the EDC’s focus on smart growth, business attraction, and workforce housing. As a RE/MAX Executive Realtor, Beres played an essential role in helping QACETD stay well-informed about current market trends and future needs of the county. During his six years on the EDC, Ed was particularly proud of his contribution to the county’s strategic plan—an essential tool guiding Queen Anne’s County’s growth and economic development efforts.
“Over the last six years, I have witnessed many discussions regarding the economics of the county and watched as businesses entered our community to achieve great success,” shares Beres. “I think one of the biggest achievements I’ve supported through the EDC was seeing the Strategic Plan evolve and experiencing the effort it takes to create and implement that plan.”
Another key departing member is Brian DeMoss, who recently sold his business, Chesapeake Burial Vaults, and retired after years of successfully growing it into a thriving enterprise. With a background in both public service and private business, DeMoss brought a unique blend of policy and business insights to the EDC, particularly in rural economic development. His decade of service as President of the Town Commission in Barclay, Maryland (2008 to 2018) provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. Brian’s thoughtful contributions and dedication to supporting local businesses and infrastructure have significantly shaped the county’s development policies and initiatives.
Since his appointment to the EDC in 2018, Jesse Parks has made a lasting impact through his vision, leadership, and dedication to Queen Anne’s County. During his tenure as Chair, Jesse spearheaded the revitalization of the Economic & Tourism Development department, expanding its resources and staffing to ensure it could effectively serve the county’s growing needs. This achievement continues to shape the county’s economic landscape today. His leadership was also crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his efforts helped ensure ARPA funding was distributed swiftly and efficiently, allowing businesses to stay open and navigate the challenges of the crisis. As President of KRM Development Corporation and KRM Construction Company, his expertise in real estate, construction, and project management continues to play a key role in the success of the Chesapeake Bay Business Park, which has become one of the county’s most vital business hubs. With over 20 years of experience driving economic growth, Jesse’s legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments. His commitment to serving the residents and businesses of Queen Anne’s County, along with his active involvement in the community, has made him a respected leader and an invaluable asset to the EDC.
Jeremy Reynolds has brought over two decades of experience in forensic engineering and consulting to the Economic Development Commission. As Chief Operations Officer and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Director at RTI Group, LLC, Jeremy leads a global team that specializes in forensic analysis, risk mitigation, and evidence preservation across industries such as aviation, utilities, marine, and construction. His expertise in both the technical and business aspects of forensic engineering has contributed valuable insights to the EDC’s initiatives, particularly in supporting Queen Anne’s County’s growing professional services industry.
Jaime Thompson, the final member departing this year, contributed vital entrepreneurial expertise and financial insight to the group. As owner and CFO of Nicholynn Advisors Accounting, a strategic financial consulting firm that supports small- to mid-sized businesses, Jaime’s nearly 20 years of experience in accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and management offered the EDC an important financial perspective. Her expertise helped ensure resources were allocated effectively to support the county’s economic goals.
Looking ahead, the arrival of new board members in January will bring fresh energy and ideas to the EDC. Tinelli shares, “Our departing members leave a legacy of progress and innovation that has set a strong foundation for the future. We’re thrilled to welcome new members to build on this momentum and continue driving economic growth and opportunity!”
Learn more about the Economic Development Commission here.
