2026 Few of the Many Awards

Chief Amal E. Awad

Chief Amal E. Awad was appointed as Anne Arundel County’s 19th Chief of Police on December 17, 2020, bringing over 30 years of public safety experience to the role. A self-described compassionate 21st-century servant leader, she prioritizes the fundamental principles of community policing, officer investment, and crime reduction by fostering relationships and mutual trust. To solidify this vision, she established the Community Services Bureau in 2021, which integrates training, community relations, and school safety. More recently, she oversaw the 2023 launch of the department’s first Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), a technology-driven resource designed to revolutionize emergency response times and enhance officer and community safety.

Beyond her current command, Chief Awad’s distinguished career includes serving as Chief of Police for the City of Hyattsville and Chief of Staff for the Anne Arundel County Police Department. These roles followed her 2013 retirement from the Prince George’s County Police Department, where she built a strong foundation in law enforcement. Academically, her leadership is backed by a Master of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University, where she received both the School of Education Leadership Award and the Community Champion Award. Appointed by Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, she remains an active leader in the law enforcement community through organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Dr. Mark T. Bedell

Dr. Mark T. Bedell became Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools in July 2022, bringing decades of experience as an innovative leader committed to educational equity. Previously, he led Kansas City Public Schools to full accreditation for the first time in over 20 years and established programs focused on access and increased opportunities for all students. In Anne Arundel County, Dr. Bedell has prioritized transparency and community engagement, leading to a five-year Strategic Plan shaped by public input. His leadership has earned him national recognition, including the Joseph E. Hill Superintendent of the Year in 2023, and the Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award in 2025. Dr. Bedell values student relationships and continues to advocate for inclusive, supportive environments where all students can Belong, Grow, and Succeed.

Eric Brown

Eric Brown has been a pillar of the Severn community for over 30 years. Driven by a vision of growth and success for residents of all ages, Eric serves as a leader in vital local initiatives, including ManUp, a violence interruption program, and Team, a comprehensive mental health program for children and adults.
Eric’s commitment to the next generation extends into the classroom and onto the field; he mentors students across the elementary, middle, and high school levels and works tirelessly to ensure underprivileged youth have access to sports, often providing the necessary transportation and support himself. He credits his "partner in crime" and wife, Tierra Brown, as his greatest teammate in his mission to uplift the Severn community.

Ruby Singleton Blakeney

Ruby Singleton Blakeney is a distinguished retired director who led the Small and Minority Business Enterprise division for the City of Annapolis, playing a key role in fostering growth among small and minority-owned businesses. As a dedicated community advocate, she is a founding member of the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club. She has served as chair of the Kunta Kinte Festival, demonstrating her commitment to cultural heritage and youth development.

Her professional background also includes serving as a wardrobe and fine art consultant, offering personalized fashion and art advisory services. Previously, she managed customer relations at TRW Credit Bureau in New York and Maryland, gaining expertise in client service and credit management. Blakeney founded the Maryland Walk of Fame and currently serves as its executive director, working to honor those who contribute to the economic growth of the state of Maryland. She is also actively involved in initiatives supporting women’s and children’s issues and is a member of the Caucus of African American Leaders.
 

Michael Bertty II

Michael Bertty II, MPA, is a dedicated community leader, public servant, and fraternity executive serving as President of the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Annapolis-based alumni chapter of the nation’s first historically Black intercollegiate fraternity. In his role as chapter president, Mr. Bertty provides strategic leadership over civic engagement, mentoring, and service initiatives that advance Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission of developing leaders and promoting service to all mankind. Under his leadership, the chapter has strengthened partnerships across the Annapolis community, supported youth development through programs such as Alpha Academy, and played a key role in organizing signature cultural and commemorative events, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and African Diaspora Festival.

Mr. Bertty’s leadership and service have been recognized by the City of Annapolis, which awarded him a City Council Citation for his contributions to community engagement and cultural celebration. He has also received regional recognition within Alpha Phi Alpha for his commitment to service and excellence in leadership. Professionally, Michael Bertty II is a Business Management Specialist with the U.S. General Services Administration, where he brings expertise in organizational management, operations, and public service. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA), reflecting his commitment to effective governance and community-centered leadership. Through both his professional career and fraternity service, Mr. Bertty remains deeply committed to mentorship, civic responsibility, and building stronger, more equitable communities in Annapolis and beyond.

Kare Coley

Kare Coley is a dedicated public servant and community advocate committed to social equity and inclusive, coalition-based leadership. As the Communications Conduit for Delegate Mike Rogers, Kare serves Anne Arundel County’s 32nd District by curating the legislative newsletter—a vital resource that empowers residents with information on state grants, community benefits, and policy updates. By transforming complex legislation into accessible outreach, she ensures the county remains informed and connected to the General Assembly.

A proud first-generation student of Caribbean and Latina heritage, Kare’s civic foundation was built through the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, the Maryland Senate Page Program, and the Albrecht Fellowship. Her global perspective, shaped by travel across four continents, fuels her passion for mentoring Black and Brown students to pursue life-changing study-abroad opportunities. Recently named a Fulbright GPA Scholar researching entrepreneurship in Tanzania, Kare also organizes with United We Dream to build power across Black and Latinx communities. Whether advocating on the global stage or serving the families of Anne Arundel County, Kare’s work is defined by a steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

Diesha Contee

Diesha Contee is a dynamic and visionary leader whose commitment to excellence and community empowerment has transformed the landscape of service in Anne Arundel County. Recently elected as the Alderwoman for Ward 6 in Annapolis, Diesha has moved from community advocate to a vital voice on the City Council, where she continues to drive meaningful change.
Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated integrity and purpose-driven leadership, earning numerous honors for her dedication to elevating others. While today’s award is a testament to her individual impact, Diesha’s true focus remains on amplifying the voices of her constituents and ensuring every resident feels empowered to succeed. She remains a steadfast force for progress, dedicated to making a lasting difference in the city and county she calls home.

Colonel Yolanda D. Gore

Colonel Yolanda Gore is a distinguished leader with over 23 years of service in the U.S. Army. A native of Estill, South Carolina, she began her military journey in the South Carolina National Guard before commissioning in 2002 through South Carolina State University. Initially serving as a Signal Officer, Colonel Gore discovered her passion in the Adjutant General Corps, dedicating her career to taking care of people. She holds a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science Business, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management from Webster University, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. 

Her military education includes numerous advanced courses, reflecting her commitment to professional growth. Colonel Gore has excelled in key leadership roles, including positions at the Pentagon, Fort Riley, Fort Liberty, and overseas. Her accolades include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other Commendations. Married to Colonel Michael Gore for 22 years, they are proud parents of two daughters: Shantell, a graduate of East Carolina University, and Morygn, a junior at Virginia Tech. Colonel Gore exemplifies servant leadership, commitment, and excellence in service to the Army and the nation. For Colonel Gore’s full biography, please visit visithttps://homeadmin.army.mil/meade/

Chauncey A. Hall

Chauncey Hall is a visionary Chief Program Officer with over 20 years of dedicated tenure at Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS). Specializing in the mortgage industry, affordable housing stabilization, and development programs. Renowned as the sought-after expert in the field, Chauncey leverages his extensive expertise in financial underwriting analysis, loan processing, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in planning and developing groundbreaking programs and projects that have strengthened the housing landscape of Anne Arundel County. He is adept at articulating complex legislative and financial issues to diverse audiences, including Boards of Directors, County officials, and realtors at locations throughout the County.

Robert Horne

Robert Horne is a Police Officer First Class with the Annapolis Police Department and a retired Baltimore City Police officer with 31 years of dedicated service. He currently works with the Positive Impact Program, where he helps returning citizens gain meaningful employment and successfully reintegrate into society. Officer Horne is widely respected for his commitment to rehabilitation, mentorship, and community engagement. In addition to his law enforcement career, he serves as the Muslim chaplain within the prison system, providing spiritual guidance and support to incarcerated individuals. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to service, faith, and making positive change.

Carroll H Hynson Jr

Carroll H Hynson, Jr is President and CEO of Image Power, Inc., Whitman Gaming, and Carroll Hynson and Son, which recently celebrated 85 years of business in Annapolis, MD. Hynson is a graduate of Morgan State University. Hynson was the first African American to head a department at BWI Marshall and the first African American Head/Deputy Director of the Maryland State Lottery for 15 years before his semi-retirement. He founded Image Power Inc. in 2009 and has gaming licenses/contracts in the states of New York and Maryland.
He is a member of Historic Annapolis, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and many other organizations. Hynson is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and Fresh Start Church of Glen Burnie, MD.

Coren Eve Makell

A lifelong Annapolis resident and dedicated public servant, Coren Eve Makell has built her career on strengthening neighborhoods and empowering residents. As a Neighborhood Engagement Specialist for the N.O. H.A.R.M. Violence Intervention and Prevention Program in the Annapolis Mayor’s Office, she worked directly with families and service providers to bridge gaps to critical resources and reduce community violence. Deeply committed to youth development, Coren has mentored over 100 local young people, focusing on creating college and career pathways for underserved youth while building their self-efficacy and confidence.

Coren’s leadership extends across various civic platforms, including her service on the boards of Play Annapolis and the Annapolis Police Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy and the Watershed Steward Academy, she uses her expertise to bridge the divide between residents and local institutions. In 2025, she ran for Annapolis City Council in Ward 4, successfully elevating critical dialogue around public safety and neighborhood investment. Also a licensed esthetician, Coren integrates wellness into her solution-oriented approach to community challenges, guided by the values of accountability, resilience, and integrity.

Michelle H. Pittman

Michelle  Pittman is an active leader within the Maryland USNA Parents Club, serving proudly since 2014. She currently serves as the President of the Navy Football Parents Club/Motherhood of the Brotherhood, Inc., where she leads vital service and volunteer initiatives to support Midshipmen. Her leadership includes coordinating holiday meals for hundreds of students and fostering community through collaborations with the Black Engineering Club, Caribbean Club, and Gospel Choir.

A dedicated counselor, Michelle has volunteered her expertise with the Anne Arundel County Women’s Commission and provided critical support to students in underserved communities throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Along with her family, she is a steadfast supporter of local cultural events, including Black History Month poetry slams, Juneteenth, and the Kunta Kinte Festival, always seeking to bridge the gap between Midshipmen and local youth through mentorship. Through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and in partnership with Navy Football parents across the country, Michelle also coordinates the Angel Tree Program for Anne Arundel County, providing essential holiday support and gifts to local children.

George J. Trotter

George J. Trotter is a retired secondary school teacher/administrator with 40+ years in education, nurturing and supporting students of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. George's greatest satisfaction has always been seeing students become successful both academically and socially while building character. He has received numerous awards/certificates for his contributions to our schools and community, such as "Apple for Teacher,"  "MLK Award", UMES Outstanding Alumnus Award For Excellence, Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Citizen Award, to name a few.

Mr. Trotter credits the many mentors from the "Old Fourth Ward" of Annapolis for his success and his continued desire to give back (Pay it Forward).

Deonte “Dee” Ward

Deonte Ward was born and raised in Annapolis. From childhood to adulthood, he has lived in nearly every subsidized housing complex in the city. As a true Annapolitan, Deonte has experienced both sides of the political and social spectrum—having been served by community leaders and activists, and now standing as one himself. These experiences have given him a strong sense of purpose, understanding, confidence, and a powerful voice. A true jack of all trades, Deonte uses his diverse skill set to teach, mentor, and create programs for youth in the same communities that shaped him. He is a living representation of Black Excellence, committed to service, leadership, and empowering the next generation.

Namond E. Williams

Namond Williams is the Director of Diversion and Re-Entry Services at the Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County, where he leads innovative efforts to reduce recidivism and strengthen community reintegration. As a dedicated reentry professional, he is deeply committed to empowering justice-impacted individuals through structured support, accountability, and access to resources to ensure successful reintegration. Through his leadership, Mr. Williams has taught The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He oversees multiple programs and manages the day-to-day operations of the Second Chance Support Program, addressing critical gaps in reentry services. His work has fostered strong partnerships across multiple community organizations, expanding access to resources and support. Namond remains steadfast in his commitment to creating sustainable pathways to second chances and long-term success.