Governor Hogan Appoints Two New Members to the Maryland Port Commission

Governor Larry Hogan today announced Brenda Dandy and Walter Tilley as the two newest appointees to the Maryland Port Commission (MPC). Both commissioners will join current commissioners Donald Fry, Rev. Donte Hickman Sr., Theodore Venetoulis, and David Richardson. The MPC is charged with establishing polices directed toward improving the Port of Baltimore’s competitive position within the international maritime industry.

"Brenda Dandy and Walter Tilley possess the kind of business and life experience that will make them valued representatives on the Port Commission,” said Governor Hogan. “The Port of Baltimore is one of our state’s most important economic engines and I am confident these two accomplished individuals will provide the leadership needed to ensure the port continues to be successful.”

Ms. Dandy is the co-founder and financial executive for Marine Enterprise International that manufactures artificial seawater mix for public aquariums, aquaculture facilities, live seafood holding systems and research laboratories worldwide. She serves as the social director of the Rotary Club of Towsontowne and is the treasurer of the Johns Hopkins Club. Ms. Dandy previously served as a Port Commissioner from 2005 to 2008. She has an undergraduate degree from Towson University in accounting.

“It is an honor and a privilege to have been commissioned and appointed by Governor Hogan as a member of the Maryland Port Commission,” said Ms. Dandy. “I’m looking forward to serving and helping the Port of Baltimore.”

Currently serving as the CEO of Home Paramount Pest Control, Mr. Tilley previously served as the owner of three companies simultaneously: Home Paramount, York Printing and York Distributors. Prior to his business endeavors, Mr. Tilley served in the United States Marine Corps and has served on several boards of directors, including Duke University School of Law, Harford National Bank, Upper Chesapeake Medical System, Franklin Square Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Board. Mr. Tilley received the Baltimore Entrepreneur of the Year in 1995.

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Hogan to the Maryland Port Commission,” said Mr. Tilley. “As a young man, I spent an enormous amount of time at the Port of Baltimore fumigating the commodities that entered our harbor. I grew to respect and admire the Port and its essential services to Maryland and our country. Now, as a commissioner, I look forward to crafting policies that cultivate the competitive position of the Port of Baltimore within the national and international maritime community.”

The Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals had a record year in 2014 and overall the Port saw 29.5 million tons of international cargo cross its docks at a value of nearly $53 billion. Baltimore is ranked as the top port among all U.S. ports for handling autos and light trucks, farm and construction machinery, imported forest products, imported sugar and imported aluminum. Overall, Baltimore is ranked ninth for the total dollar value of cargo and 13th for cargo tonnage for all U.S. ports. Recently the Port of Baltimore was named as the top U.S. port for container berth productivity by a leading industry media company.

Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 14,630 direct jobs with 108,000 jobs in Maryland linked to port activities. The Port is responsible for $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than $300 million in state and local taxes.