Board of Directors
Candy Chesser
Candy 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
Jimmy 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
Kathy 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
Dennis 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.
Silvio Borrero
Silvio brings a wealth of experience in strategy, innovation, organizational behavior, and business education. He has a
proven track record for aligning stakeholder interests and strategically
positioning organizations for success.
Melissa Farren
Melissa has lived in Southern Maryland for 26 years, gaining experience in county government, higher education, credit unions, and power/heating/fuel operations. She has served on the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women Board, and coached basketball for St. Mary’s County Parks & Rec and St. Mary’s Northern Soccer League. Melissa has been accepted into the Leadership Southern Maryland Class of 2025
Susie Glauner
Susie serves as executive director of St. Mary’s County Arts Council. She holds a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University and a minor in German from Christian Albrechts Üniversität. While
working for a specialty children’s store, Susie discovered a love of small business development and the opportunities for ingenuity, connection and innovation. She has supported other individual entrepreneurs in the fitness, journalism and arts industries.
Darlene Johnson
Darlene 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.
Hadley Ramiah
Hadley has been with The Law Office of Joann M. Wood, L.L.C since June 2020 as an associate attorney practicing in the areas of real estate, probate, and estate planning. She has been a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association since 2004, the Texas State Bar since 2008 and was admitted to the Maryland State Bar in June 2020. Hadley and her husband Rod have lived in St. Mary’s County since 2012 with their three children.
Terri Verbic-Boggs
Terri is a dynamic and compassionate healthcare leader with over four decades of experience in nursing, healthcare management, and wellness program delivery. Born and raised in St. Mary’s County, she is deeply rooted in the community and has dedicated her life’s work to serving others with dignity, respect, integrity, and compassion.
Leslie Thistle
Leslie lived in Naples, Italy from 1955-1966 where her father held a civil service job. She enjoyed the benefits of travel and intercultural exchange which have influenced her life. She did volunteer work with her local school food pantry. She is an avid reader, cook, and very involved grandmother. Leslie also serves as the President of the Cedar Lane Tenants Association.
