Maryland Chamber Promotes Abbi Ludwig, Hannah Allen, Sawyer Cornelius to New Roles

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Chamber of Commerce, our state’s leading voice for business, is pleased to announce the promotions of several staff members to new roles, effective immediately. These include Director of Marketing and Communications Abbi Ludwig to vice president of marketing and communications; Government Affairs Associate Hannah Allen to director of government affairs; and Marketing Coordinator Sawyer Cornelius to marketing and brand manager.

“The Board Executive Committee is proud to announce the well-earned promotions of Abbi, Hannah and Sawyer,” said Misty Allen, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The combined contributions of these three individuals, who joined our organization just over a year ago, has better positioned the Chamber to have a seat at the table — allowing for effective partnerships and advocacy on behalf of our 7,000+ members across the state.”

"Our entire team at the Maryland Chamber is incredibly dedicated to serving our members," said Mary Kane, president and CEO. "Abbi, Hannah and Sawyer have been invaluable in strengthening our voice and impact even further. Their strategic thinking, execution of innovative initiatives, and passion for empowering our state's business community have helped strengthen the organization. Combined with the efforts of our full team, we are better positioned than ever to effectively advocate for our members and promote policies that enhance Maryland's economic competitiveness and allow businesses and communities across the state to thrive."

In her new role, Abbi Ludwig will continue to lead the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s marketing, communications and events programs through meaningful storytelling and powerful messaging. Her efforts have been critical in elevating the Chamber’s role as a thought leader for bettering Maryland’s business community and regional economic competitiveness through thorough data analysis of our 2024 Redbook, improving relations with local media by crafting captivating op-eds, and assisting in reimagining our statewide organization’s growing events and annual programming lineup. Abbi continues to be instrumental in leading the charge following the tragic March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge — ensuring that our members and Maryland businesses receive the support they need, and the voice they deserve.

"Businesses are the cornerstone of our state and local communities, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and doing so much good," said Abbi Ludwig. "I'm honored to work alongside this talented team in improving Maryland's business environment, increasing our competitiveness, and telling the powerful stories of the people and companies that make our state thrive.

Abbi grew up in Millsboro, Del. and attended York College of Pennsylvania, graduating in 2003. She earned an M.A. in communications and media relations from The Johns Hopkins University. Abbi has handled marketing and communications for many organizations, including Wicomico County Parks & Tourism, Delaware Technical Community College, Montgomery County Parks Department and Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

Our new Director of Government Affairs Hannah Allen has more than proven herself following the end of a second legislative session as a Maryland Chamber team member last month. Hannah has spearheaded key policy issues and legislation, including energy and environmental matters, addressing threats to Maryland’s cap on noneconomic damages, and much more. Hannah leads many of our in-session policy committee calls, drafts and provides both written and oral testimony, represents the Chamber at member and partner events through speaking engagements, and plays a valuable role in our marketing and communications efforts by helping to ensure accuracy and consistency.

“I am grateful for the continued opportunity to build positive relationships on behalf of the business community, and to expand upon the significant advocacy work at the Chamber,” said Hannah.

Hannah hails from Dover, Del. and, like Abbi, attended York College of Pennsylvania, graduating in 2016. Before joining the Chamber, she served in the Governor’s Office during Gov. Larry Hogan’s second term, working as policy advisor to the deputy chief of staff.

Sawyer Cornelius, promoted to marketing and brand manager, has elevated the Maryland Chamber of Commerce's brand through refreshed visuals, powerful data visualizations that bring the annual Redbook publication to life, as well as the creation of new event identities. He led the project to build and launch the organization's new website last fall, providing a vastly improved user experience. Sawyer's knack for visual storytelling and project management of new marketing initiatives has allowed the Chamber to better engage and communicate with its members and the business community. He oversees the organization's overall brand presence and social media content.

“My time here at the Chamber has been rewarding,” said Sawyer. “I’ve learned lots and enjoy making Maryland a better place for business with our beyond capable team.”

Sawyer was born and raised in Rock Hall on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He is a 2019 graduate of Salisbury University where he majored in marketing and served as an editor for The Flyer student newspaper. Sawyer volunteers as a city counselor at the American Legion Department of Maryland’s Boys State program each summer.