4th Annual Chesapeake Regional Workforce Summit & Career Fair

Overview
Join leaders from academia, government, and industry at AACC to explore how Maryland’s talent pool is our greatest driver of economic growth

Workforce as a Competitive Advantage.

As Maryland advances its position as a global leader in technology and innovation, the 2026 Chesapeake Regional Workforce Summit & Career Fair convenes the ecosystem’s most influential voices. From academic leaders shaping tomorrow’s talent to entrepreneurs scaling high-growth ventures, this event is designed to bridge the gap between classroom, community, and commerce – and align strategy with opportunity.

Why Attend?

Strategic Insights: Learn how our workforce helps Maryland Department of Commerce (MDOC) and Regional Economic Development Organizations attract businesses.

Direct Connections: Engage with recruiters and talent at the Career Fair, running all afternoon.

Niche Expertise: Hear from CEO’s, HR Professionals, and the Startup Community during our Micro-sessions tailored to your specific role in the workforce pipeline.

3. The Schedule
   1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Keynote: Maryland’s Competitive Advantage – Attracting and Retaining Workforce (CADE 219) - Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary, MDoC

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Panel: Work-Based Learning (CADE 219)

Carl Kushinsky, Apprenticeship Manager, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation

Tasha Cornish, Cybersecurity Association of Maryland

Tim O’Ferrall, General Mnager, Fort Meade Alliance

Bronwyn E. A. Bates, Workforce Program Manager, HCC

Erin Roth, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor

Tom Dickinson, AACPS Work Based Learning Career & Technical Education

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Networking (CALT)

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM Micro Session: HR/CEO Perspective – What Employers are Looking for in Candidates (CADE 219)

Debbie Hatton, ITNova

Emily Channell, Tidewater HR Advisory

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM Micro Session: Startup Community Workforce Needs (CADE 219)

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Career Fair (CALT Building)

Organized in Collaboration With:
This summit is a joint initiative bringing together the leaders of Maryland’s economic and workforce development ecosystem:

AACC: Anne Arundel Community College

AAEDC: Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

AAWDC: Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation

MDOC: Maryland Department of Commerce

MTC-CRC: Maryland Tech Council’s Chesapeake Regional Chapter

Cybersecurity Association

Agenda

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Hosted By

Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer

As a first-generation college student, Angelo Thalassinidis knows how life-changing education and the right skillset can be. With over 25 years of experience in education and technology, he is dedicated to making sure students don’t just earn a degree but gain the skills they need in a rapidly evolving field.
Thalassinidis has a passion for social mobility efforts and creating impactful degrees, certifications and industry partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.
He has built academic programs in high-demand fields like business intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and information systems. He brings real-world experience to these programs. Thalassinidis led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing and DSS with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS and various startups in Europe and the U.S.
He is also a leader in the local tech scene. Thalassinidis is a Board member in several organization and an organizer for Google Development Groups of Baltimore and Annapolis dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where tech enthusiasts, developers and entrepreneurs can connect, learn and innovate. He is also organizer of events like the StartathonAI (an intensive, multi-day hybrid event designed to immerse participants in the practical application of Large Language Models for real-world entrepreneurship), Chesapeake Innovation Summit, Chesapeake Workforce Summit, and DevFest Annapolis that offer opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics and emerging technologies.

Jesse Alton,

James Gibbons, Co-Organizer

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-4th-annual-chesapeake-regional-workforce-summit-amp-career-fair/.