STAFF

Mary D. Kane

President & CEO

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Mary D. Kane is a proven leader in state, federal and global organizations and joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as President & CEO in October 2021. 

Kane has a rich professional history, most recently at the U.S. State Department as Director of the National Museum of American Diplomacy. An attorney, she also served as Secretary of State in Maryland from 2003-2007 and as Executive Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce from 2008-2011. 

During her tenure leading the National Museum of American Diplomacy, Kane repositioned the organization by successfully reviving fundraising efforts and lobbying Congress to re-name and re-brand the museum to increase its public profile and interest in the history and significance of the U.S. State Department. 

Kane also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Mount St. Mary’s University from 2016-2021, and as President and CEO of Sister Cities International from 2011-2017, the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties and states across the United States that promotes citizen diplomacy through partnerships in more than 140 countries. 

“I am honored and excited to lead the Maryland Chamber of Commerce at this critical time,” said Kane. “The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of our community and the need for strategic thinking. With the support of the Chamber’s impressive Board, talented team of professionals and outstanding members, I look forward to strengthening the Chamber’s position as the leading voice for business in Maryland.” 

Whitney Harmel

Executive Vice President, Executive Director of the Maryland Chamber Foundation

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Whitney Harmel is a dedicated philanthropist and volunteer who joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce in December 2017 as the director of strategic partnerships and was promoted to the role of vice president of membership and development in November 2019. In November 2021, she advanced to executive vice president and was simultaneously named executive director of the Maryland Chamber Foundation.

Her career lends her expertise in small, large, local and international business.

As a sales executive for NAPC, Inc. she handled national business development for a marketing platform and a cybersecurity software solution. She was also integral in launching a new brand and product for NAPC.

Harmel previously served as an associate vice president of business development at Intero Advisory, business development manager at Experis IT and sales supervisor and executive at Advance Business Systems.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech.

“I’m excited to share the Maryland Chamber mission with both new and existing members,” Harmel said. “They are the pulse of Maryland’s business economy, and I’m ready to work with them to make Maryland stronger for everyone.”

Andrew Griffin

Vice President of Government Affairs

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Andrew Griffin is the vice president of government affairs at the Maryland Chamber and leads advocacy efforts on behalf of the 5,500+ members of the Chamber before the Maryland General Assembly and on a federal level. He develops, leads and executes the legislative strategy of the organization and maintains the Chamber’s positive working relationships with key elected officials and members of the administration to build a better understanding of and appreciation for business issues. Andrew joined the Chamber in 2019 as the senior policy analyst.

Andrew grew up on the Eastern Shore and has worked on multiple local, state and federal political campaigns. Prior to joining the Chamber, he was the Director of Advocacy for the University of Maryland, College Park. In that role, Andrew managed the grassroots outreach supporting the most pressing policy and budgetary issues that impact the state’s flagship university. Andrew also served in Governor Hogan’s administration, both in the Appointments Office, where he oversaw gubernatorial appointments to over 500 state boards and commissions, and as Assistant Director of Government Affairs at the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Andrew is an avid outdoorsman and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Eleanor Goedeke

Director of Marketing & Communication

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Eleanor Goedeke is a seasoned marketing and communication strategist who joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce in January 2021. As the marketing and communication manager, Eleanor leads the Chamber’s strategic marketing efforts and brand identity, cultivates dynamic communications and engaging content and orchestrates unique Chamber events.

Eleanor spent the last seven years driving growth in the nonprofit sector in St. Louis, Missouri. Most recently, she led marketing and communications efforts at Pedal the Cause, providing a distinctive voice for the organization through their event and brand experience. During her five years at Pedal the Cause, the organization raised over $20 million to fund vital cancer research.

Prior to her career in nonprofits, Eleanor launched and managed a stationery company and worked for several national publications for women. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from New York University, as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Illustration and Design from F.I.T. in New York.

“After many years away from Maryland, I am delighted to return to my home state,” Goedeke said. “Through my work, I hope to empower Maryland business leaders with the information, inspiration and opportunities they need to prosper, and to strengthen the Chamber’s critical messaging in the community and beyond.”

Laura Gordon

Director of Operations

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Laura Gordon is the Director of Operations at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Laura manages all day-to-day office and administrative operations for the Maryland Chamber. Prior to joining the Chamber in January 2018, she worked in the insurance, staffing and manufacturing industries.

Laura is a United States Navy Veteran having served aboard the USS Jason (AR-8). As a surface warfare officer, she made several deployments, including the Gulf War in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Laura is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.

Laura is a dedicated and passionate volunteer with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation both locally and nationally. She serves as the Advocacy Chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Board of Directors (Maryland Chapter), and on the board’s National Leadership Council. She also leads the Annapolis Great Strides Walk and ShamRockin’ for a Cure, events that raise awareness and funds for the treatment and care of those living with CF, and for research to find a cure.

Lacey Amos

Sales Account Executive

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Lacey Amos joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as the Sales Account Executive in August 2020. In this role, Lacey drives business development and membership initiatives with leading Maryland companies to enhance relevance, reach, and state-wide engagement. Working closely with the Executive Vice President & Development, Government Affairs, and Marketing, she provides strategic support and planning within membership, programming, and events.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from UMGC and has over 10 years of sales experience working for several Maryland businesses in multiple industries. Prior to joining the Maryland Chamber, Lacey directed and coordinated cyber training for Inovious Technologies, LLC., establishing long-lasting partnerships with organizations and individuals seeking to enhance career development. She also effectively developed a pipeline of opportunities for FatCat Studios, LLC., utilizing techniques with businesses that include negotiating sales, activating relationships, and executing marketing campaigns for desired outcomes.

Her appreciation for the business community started early while she grew up working for her family’s small business on the Eastern Shore. Lacey has a passion for creating solutions and helping companies achieve their full potential.

“I’m proud to be a part of an organization that strongly advocates for its community,” Amos said. “The Chamber is dedicated to making Maryland work better for all Marylanders and I look forward to supporting that mission, ensuring our members have every opportunity to not only succeed but to thrive.”

Michaela Bussey

Events & Programming Manager

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Michaela Bussey joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as the Events and Programming Manager in December 2021. In this role, she is responsible for all Chamber events, including Meet of the State, Inspire MD, Chamber Cup and many more.

Michaela was born and raised in Maryland and earned her Bachelor of Science in event planning from Bowling Green State University. She began her professional career in the event planning industry in Chicago, and in 2019 returned to Maryland. With over seven years of event planning and execution experience, Michaela is extremely passionate about producing thoughtful and meaningful events that bring people together and achieve goals. Most recently, Michaela worked at the largest association management company, SmithBucklin, where she planned and hosted annual conferences and trade show exhibits for more than five clients, with 500-3,000 attendees from all over the US.

Michaela and her husband just purchased a home on the eastern shore and are enjoying exploring their new community. Michaela considers herself an expert when it comes to ‘Gilmore Girls’ trivia and is the happiest with a cup of coffee and her rescue dog, Oliver.

Nicole Seay

Member Services Coordinator

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Nicole Seay joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce as the member services coordinator in March 2019.

Seay comes to the Maryland Chamber from PEAK Grantmaking, a nonprofit organization where she worked for over three years. In her role as member services coordinator, she was the key link to members, educating them as needed to ensure their success with the organization offerings. Seay managed over 350 organizations and more than 2,000 individual members. She played a vital role in, not only membership, but assisting the education, events, regional chapter and communication teams. Prior to being in the nonprofit arena for over seven years, she was a licensed insurance agent.

Seay said, “I am inspired by the Maryland Chamber’s stance on advocacy for small business and the community.”

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Seay went on to earn her bachelor of science in human services and management from the University of Phoenix.