Karen Cook
The BWI Business Partnership, an Economic Development & Transportation Management Association, is pleased to announce that Karen Cook, Dean of Anne Arundel Community College’s School of Business and Law, has been named the first woman chair in the organization’s thirty-five-year history. The announcement was made via pre-recorded video that has been shared on the organization’s website.
Outgoing Chair, Sam Minnitte, Area Manager of Maryland and Delaware for WSP, commented: “Karen is a longtime friend who has excelled in her public career in Anne Arundel County. I’m excited as Karen brings her experience and leadership energy to the BWI Business Partnership!”
As Dean at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, Ms. Cook provides strategic vision and leadership for instructional programs, including Business, Transportation and Logistics, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies; and fosters partnerships with leaders and organizations in business, law, education, and government. Ms. Cook is an attorney and former Chief Administrative Officer for Anne Arundel County.
“I look forward to assuming the reins of the BWI Business Partnership and, despite the challenges facing us during this global pandemic, finding new and innovative ways for the BWIBP to remain a leader in advocating for strong transportation policies and initiatives, driving economic and workforce development, and creating meaningful strategic relationships that increase growth and development of the BWI Region,” states Ms. Cook.
The Partnership also announces Gail Sanders, Assistant Vice President of Business Development for Tower Federal Credit Union as Vice Chair; David Richardson, Director of Governmental Affairs at Southwest Airlines as Secretary; Stephen Palmer, Senior Vice President at PNC Bank as Treasurer; and new board member Harry Blumenthal, Attorney at Law and Counsel to Liff, Walsh & Simmons, as General Counsel.
“We are thrilled to work with Ms. Cook as our new Chair, along with our new officers and board members. We are fortunate to have such a supportive board of directors to guide the Partnership forward, especially during this challenging time of the pandemic,” commented Gina Stewart, Executive Director of the BWI Business Partnership.
Ms. Cook will assume the position of Chair effective July 1, 2020.
Founded in 1985, the BWI Business Partnership is a nonprofit corporation comprised of governmental organizations, private businesses, and academic institutions, advocating for strong transportation policy and initiatives, driving sustainable economic and workforce development, and facilitating meaningful strategic relationships germane to the growth and development of the BWI Region.
