Candy Chesser
Chair
Ms. Chesser retired from the Naval Air Systems Command in February 2020 after 39 years of service. During her tenure, she served as a Program Manager for the Air Combat Electronics program office, where she led more than 400 military, civilian and contractor personnel with an annual budget of $430 million.
Jimmy Hayden
Vice Chair
Jimmy Hayden is a St. Mary’s County native, born and raised in the Hollywood and Leonardtown area. He is a highly respected REALTOR® with RE/MAX 100. He is very involved in his community, and was the immediate past Vice President of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and has held the offices of Treasurer and President.
Kathryn M. Franzen
Secretary
Kathy Franzen built a 42-year career in nursing, working with some of the region’s leading organizations including MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Health Center, Charles County Health Department, and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.
Dennis Nicholson
Treasurer
Dennis Nicholson is a results-oriented leader who has built a career on actively improving the quality of life for families, neighborhoods and communities via successful collaborations involving a range of funding sources.
Sheri Burch Norris
Director
Ms. Burch Norris was born in St. Mary’s County to F. Elliott Burch, Jr. and Joanne Lawrence Buzzell. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management. Upon graduation, she went to work for Gulf Oil Corporation in East Providence, Rhode Island.
Beth Mary Cooper-Joseph
Director
Ms. Joseph is semi-retired after a varied career in the government contracting community. She has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from University of Maryland University College. She currently works part-time with Baldwin, Briscoe and Steinmentz law offices in addition to her various community volunteer efforts.
Darlene Johnson
Director
Darlene Johnson has dedicated 44 years of service to the Federal Government. Her career has taken her from the Department of Social Services in Washington D.C. to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, to NAVAIR’s Fleet Readiness Centers.
Richard Pectol
Director
Mr. Pectol’s career spans more than 45 years, including military, Federal civilian and consulting services. His military service was as an Infantry officer, serving in Vietnam. His Federal civilian service included stints at the Department of the Interior (Geological Survey), Office of Personnel Management, and the GAO’s Joint Financial Management Improvement Program.
John “Mickey” Ramos
Director
Mr. Ramos is a successful business owner, insurance agent and community advocate who has greatly contributed to the betterment of St. Mary’s County. Not only is he co-owner of Mickey’s Tuxedoes, in business since 1975, he also connects clients to quality, affordable health and life products as a broker for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Maryland and TransAmerica.
Melanie Trifone, BSN, RN
Director
Melanie Trifone is the St Marys County Sheriff’s Office Agency RN. Melanie has completed certifications in Assisting Individuals in Crisis, Group Crisis Intervention, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). She has also completed her certification as a peer support teammate.
Robert Lane
Tenant Representative
Mr. Lane graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering and became an active member of the United States Naval Reserve at the age of 17. In May of 1953 he was called to active duty during the Korean War and served until June of 1955.
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Please contact Mary Leresche if you have any issues.