21 Aug My Thanks to the Fort Meade Alliance

For the past 11 years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Fort Meade Alliance, advocating the needs and concerns on behalf of Fort George G. Meade. On 30 June 2018, that honor came to a close (for now I’m so told). For fear of forgetting to mention so many incredibly intelligent, dynamic and talented people I have worked alongside during this journey, I am only going to mention three that impacted me at my first meeting.

First, Jay Baldwin now with Union Bank, who took over leadership of the FMA after a rough first year. Righting the ship and bring a semblance of order, professionalism and integrity that set the organizational tone for the future which continues to be the constant passed down as leadership changes, and the organization continues to morph as the needs of the community and post we serve, Fort George G. Meade, has through BRAC and now US CYBER COMMAND. Next is Colonel (ret) Gorham Black. I introduced myself at the coffee table prior to the meeting and he seemed to have a “beef” with an issue. When the meeting assembled, he aired his grievance which was well received and a very good point was made and observed to this day.  I apologized to the Colonel for our lack of understanding of his concerns and pointed out that we just need to better understand his world (military) to which he responded: “he doesn’t quite understand our world (civilian) either”. I knew right then what I needed to learn and who I/we were ultimately there to serve. Finally, Walt Townsend, former President of the BWCC who asked if I would fill in for him at a FMA  Board meeting which now I realize I was volunteered for 11 years and I thank him for that.

Just as the Leadership of the Post is required to change every two to three years, so is that of the FMA Board President. In both cases I have always echoed the sentiment that each change has been the right person at the right time. The FMA has a new Board President as of 1 July 2018 and the Post now has a new Colonel. Having recently met the new Post commander Col. Erich Spragg, there is no doubt based on his six predecessors whom I have known, likely the right person at the right time has been chosen once again. I am however knowledgeable about our incoming President, Doreen Harwood (okay I mentioned four people). After serving on the Board and Executive Committee over the past three years, she exceeds the right person at the right time mantra. Dynamic leadership continues to thrive with new additions to the Board and Executive Committee; feel free to reach out. For full disclosure, they haven’t gotten rid of me entirely as I have agreed to remain Chair of the Transportation Committee.

To our Membership, thank you, thank you, and thank you for the support you give to our military and their families. Our events that you attend are not only geared toward improving your business footprint with the 120 agencies on Post, but go towards causes to improve the lives of those who at times sacrifice theirs for ours. If you’re a member thank you and be proud of the lives you are impacting as a Fort Meade Alliance member.  Its impact is very, very different! If you are not a member, it’s never too late to make an impact!

In closing, I want to thank all of you whom I have met along the way and who have inspired and impacted my life in such a dynamic fashion! It’s not goodbye, it’s see you again soon.

With warm regards and respect,

Stuart Title
A. J. Properties, Inc.