Locals Shine Among The Daily Record's 'Top 100' Women

By Susan Kim, STAFF WRITER

Ten local women were among those designated as "Maryland's Top 100 Women" by The Daily Record, the Baltimore-based business and legal newspaper. Those women cited are honored as influential women who not only make a difference in their workplaces and careers, but also work to ensure a positive future for Maryland.
Area honorees include:

Christine Davenport, assistant principal, Meade High School. Davenport is known for developing programs that help young people get on the right educational track.
"I think one of my proudest moments is when we officially started the Boys, Books & Barbershop program," Davenport said. The program, now in place at five barbershops throughout Anne Arundel County, installs a reading program in barbershops with an incentive event for kids who complete the program.
"By the end of 2012, we hope every barbershop in Anne Arundel County will have a reading program," she said.

Abigail "Abby" Glassberg, first vice president, CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). Glassberg established and oversees CBRE's Private Client Group, which focuses on serving the commercial real estate needs of private real estate investors throughout the region.
Glassberg is also proud of her mentoring roles. "Whether it's mentoring a committee within the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks or volunteering to help women who are undergoing mastectomies, I value my role as a mentor, both in the workplace and out," she said.

Annie Geiermann, senior vice president, The Columbia Bank. Geiermann has been a commercial banker and entrepreneur for 25 years. Prior to joining The Columbia Bank, she managed the business banking division at Citizens National Bank, where her sales team included 22 indirect and seven direct employees.
Geiermann and her team are known for utilizing a consultative selling approach for small businesses, their owners and employees. She is a board member of The Columbia Foundation and j-ref, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in Howard County.

Kate Hetherington, president, Howard Community College (HCC). "Becoming the fourth president of HCC is my greatest professional achievement," said Hetherington. "It has given me an opportunity to lead a tremendous organization dedicated to advancing the personal, professional and academic goals of its students and employees.
"This past year was one of unprecedented growth in the college's history, as HCC experienced an incredible enrollment surge for fall, winter and spring semesters. Those in our community are coming to the college in record numbers because of our commitment to excellence and quality," she said.

Kyri Jacobs, executive vice president, Bonnie Heneson Communications (BHC). Jacobs has spent more than 15 years as a communications, public relations, advertising, media and marketing professional. She has provided counsel and led major campaigns for some of BHC's largest clients.
"I am most proud of the growth I spearheaded at Bonnie Heneson Communications, where I am a partner," she said. "At a time when many companies were shrinking, we were lucky enough to be growing. I am proud of the role I had in that significant growth."

Diane Leasure, county and fifth circuit administrative judge, Circuit Court for Howard County. Leasure has been a member of the judiciary since 1995. Prior to her appointment, she was a principal with the law firm of Fossett & Brugger in Greenbelt.
"I take great delight in the many and varied accomplishments of the students with whom I have developed a mentorship relationship, from those in high school to those who are students in the law school classes I instruct," said Leasure. "I learn more from them than they could ever learn from me."

Becky Mangus, publisher, The Business Monthly. Mangus, a third-time "Top 100" designee, will be inducted into The Circle of Excellence. She said one of her greatest accomplishments last year was establishing the new publication, Maryland Entrepreneur Quarterly. "It celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit - a topic that is near and dear to me," she said. "With the help of a great editorial staff, I believe we have created an interesting and educational publication that specifically addresses entrepreneurs in Maryland."
In addition, Mangus and her business partner, Cathy Yost, held the first Maryland Entrepreneur Awards honoring three outstanding entrepreneurs in business, technology and education. The first-time event drew more than 150 people to the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia, Star Hotels being the co-sponsors of the event.

Deborah Stallings, president and CEO, HR Anew. Stallings was elected to serve as a director on the national board of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She is most proud of sustaining and growing her company despite today's challenging economic times, and is also proud of continuing to mentor, encourage and support other women entrepreneurs.
"I am proud of building an awesome team of professionals and subject matter experts to help employers achieve their business mission and strategic goals," she said.

Cynthia Truitt, chief development officer, Humanim. "My most significant accomplishment was raising $24 million in one year to successfully renovate the historic American Brewery in East Baltimore for use as Humanim's Baltimore headquarters for workforce development," said Truitt.
"The project combines the elements of social services, historic preservation, community development and revitalization," she said. "This project has not only sent a message of hope to the community, but will provide specific opportunities for job creation and the provision of needed human services in an area experiencing extreme blight."

Ellen Yankellow, founding partner, Correct Rx Pharmacy Services. Yankellow is a leader in the correctional pharmacy institutional arena. She was named the first woman president of the Baltimore Pharmacist Association. She also is a trustee for the Maryland Pharmacist Association, and chairs the membership committee for that organization as well.
Yankellow is also being inducted into the Circle of Excellence this year.

This year's awards ceremony will be held on May 11 at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.