Equitech Tuesday #124: New Leadership

Special Announcement

Each year, we celebrate a new crop of leaders… New leadership is a good indicator of a growing ecosystem.

- Kory Bailey, CEO of UpSurge Baltimore

Whether it is EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, won in 2021 by two Baltimore tech CEOs, Delali Dzirasa (Fearless) and Nick Culbertson (Protenus), Forbes 30 Under 30, won earlier this year by our beloved Pava LaPere (EcoMap), Baltimore Magazine’s annual GameChangers, highlighted by CLLCTIVLY’s Jamye Wooten, or BBJ’s latest 40 Under 40 list which includes three members of the Equitech community, Gillian Henker (Sisu Global Health), Mac Conwell (RareBreed Ventures), and Sean Sutherland (idfive), new leadership is identified and recognized annually.

New leadership is a good indicator of a growing ecosystem. It also speaks to the leaders who have paved the way and planted the seeds for new leaders to emerge. In the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland, we are in a moment where new leaders are aligning around opportunities to advance the possibilities of creating, not only a more just and humane society, but a thriving, equitable economy as well.

Starting with Governor Wes Moore, who’s message is clear. Leave no one behind and dispel the false narrative that we have to choose between solutions that are equitable or economically sound. His words, “We can and will do both.”

Secretary of Commerce, Kevin Anderson who understands the importance of getting more Marylanders into the the workforce for emerging technologies and creating the infrastructure for greater commercialization of future technologies.

Mark Anthony Thomas of GBC, who’s willingness to partner and collaborate effectively helped deliver a Phase 1 Tech Hubs proposal and designation by the EDA for the Baltimore region.

City leadership that recognizes and supports the current renaissance of creators and innovators at play throughout the city and an abundance of women leaders like, Shelonda Stokes (DPOB), Shervonne Cherry (Spark Co-working), Christy Wyskiel, (JHTV), Mary Morris (UMB), Maddy Stokes (UpSurge), and many others leveraging their brilliance to deliver high quality opportunities and outcomes for Baltimore and Maryland.

At UpSurge, we too find ourselves at a moment for a new leader to emerge. Please join us this evening at Guilford Hall Brewery, 6-8pm for a special announcement as we welcome UpSurge’s next CEO, Kory Bailey as our new leader.

“I’m committed to Baltimore, passionate about Equitech culture, and excited for the opportunity to lead.”

We’ll see you there!
The UpSurge Team

And please ‘Save The Date’ for December 12th, as we honor outgoing CEO, Jamie McDonald at a special Equitech Tuesday celebration.