Rhonda Phillips is a specialist in community well-being and development, and economic development planning. She serves as president of St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public honors college. Rhonda is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners and held the Certified Economic and Community Developer certification from the International Economic Development Council for 17 years.

Robert H. Pittman is a noted consultant, teacher, speaker, and author in the field of community and economic development. He has held senior management positions in the industry including Director of Economic Development Consulting for a global engineering and advisory firm.