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Hall of Fame

Selected by the Chamber Board of Directors, this award is given to a local leader who has had a significant impact on the Essex, Middle River and/or White Marsh area and whose efforts have resulted in civic, social or economic improvement of the community over an extended period of time.

2010

Robert J. Romadka

Business Excellence & Achievement

When he started his law practice in 1953, Bob Romadka believed it was good business to live in the community where he worked and to work to improve the quality of life there. His career is evidence that he was right.

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2011

Norman Sines

Leadership & Contribution to the Community

Norman Sines first came to the Middle River community at the age of 3. He attended Victory Villa Elementary, Middle River Middle, Kenwood High and Essex Community College. Norman served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1973.

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2012

James T. Dresher, Jr.

Caring & Successful Business & Community Leadership

James T. Dresher, Jr. made a career out of making other people feel at home. After graduating from Rutgers University in the early 1970’s, Jim Dresher and his brother-in-law became McDonald's franchise owners, eventually owning 12 restaurants in Baltimore and Harford Counties.

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2017

Michael P. Caruthers

Outstanding Leadership, Business Acumen & Service

Mike Caruthers was a successful leader whose strong business acumen and service has had a tremendous impact in the region and beyond! He was a catalyst for the development of Baltimore Crossroads, The Arbors and Greenleigh, recruiting partners like St. John Properties and Elm Street Development, to create the transformational “live, work, play” project it is today.

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2018

Sandra L. Kurtinitis

Dynamic Leadership & Passionate Advocacy for Quality Education

President of the Community College of Baltimore County since 2005, Dr. Sandra L. Kurtinitis is an experienced and respected educator, administrator and author. After more than 50 years as a community college professional, Sandra remains a tireless and dynamic supporter of CCBC’s mission: to provide an accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that prepares students for transfer and career success, strengthens the regional workforce and enriches our community.

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2019

John B. Gontrum

Long-Term Leadership & Commitment to Positive Growth

John is director of the Towson office at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP and is co-chairman of the Real Estate Section and also the Real Estate Development, Leasing and Land Use Industry Group. He has over 35 years of experience representing industrial, commercial and residential developers, businesses, institutions and individuals on a wide variety of land use, zoning and development issues. His practice concentrates on Baltimore County land use and development with particular attention to issues arising in eastern Baltimore County and waterfront development.

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