Board of Directors

Equality Maryland, Inc. Board of Directors

Lisa M. Polyak, Chair

Lisa is an Environmental Engineer with the U.S. Army Public Health Command. She has graduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Occupational and Environmental Health from the Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She has served on the Board at Equality Maryland since 2008 in various capacities, most recently as Secretary and Vice Chair.

Active in the local and national lgbt community, Lisa is the Moderator of the Baltimore-based Families With Pride, a support group for LGBT parents and children. She is a founding member of The Dallas Principles and ACT On Principles that advocate at the national level for the comprehensive and immediate legal equality of all members of the LGBT community. In 2004, Lisa and her longtime partner Gita were lead plaintiffs in the ACLU-directed litigation to achieve marriage equality for same-sex couples in Maryland.

Lisa lives in Baltimore with her partner, Gita Deane, and their 2 children. Lisa and Gita were married earlier this year (2011) in Washington DC after 30 years together.

Joseph Davy, Treasurer

Joseph Davy, MT, CPA, is the Director of Finance and Administration for Planned Parenthood Action Fund in Washington DC.  He is a 1982 graduate of Miami University, Oxford, OH, with a BS in Accounting and a 1991 graduate of Capital University, Columbus, OH, with a Masters of Taxation.  After spending 12 years in public accounting, in 1996, Joe became the Finance Director and the Public Policy Director for Columbus AIDS Task Force where he testified before Congress on the Ryan White CARE Act Reauthorization.  He joined Planned Parenthood in 2001, where he has worked in both the public policy and finance areas for the organization.  Additionally, Joe has served on several boards of directors, including National Kidney Foundation, Columbus AIDS Task Force, AIDS Action Public Policy Committee, and Stonewall Columbus.  He currently lives in Silver Spring, MD, with his partner of nearly 15 years, Ed Buns, and their dog, Oslo.

Katheryn King, Secretary

Katheryn King is the Vice-Chair of U.S. Bank's Diversity and Inclusion Council, an organization charged with transforming the bank's culture to be as diverse and inclusive as possible.  The Council works through a business case approach to optimize U.S. Bank's workforce, workplace, customer products and services, and shareholders alike.  Katheryn has worked the  past 14 years in the financial services industry payments sector, and since 2004 is the Regional Vice-President who manages the Department of Defense Purchase Card Program Relationship Management Team. Katheryn's professional work history is extremely diverse and includes being a Russian and French linguist in the U.S. Army for 10 years.  Having lived in and visited many foreign countries, Katheryn continually strives to experience the world and gain cross-cultural experiences and competencies.  A 1984 graduate of Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, Katheryn now lives in Baltimore with her life partner of 16 years, Renee. They have a 9-year old god-child Simone and a 2-year old grandson, Marcus.  Her memberships and community involvement includes the Human Rights Campaign, the National Black Justice Coalition, The Den - Baltimore, an organization for LGBTQ youth, as well as Autism Awareness and Fundraising.

David Lublin, Vice Chair

David is the Mayor of Chevy Chase. He is the Council Liaison to the Environment Committee and the Climate Protection Committee. Recently, he sponsored two new Town programs, the Native Canopy Tree Incentive Program and the Energy Audit and Improvements Incentive Program, designed to enhance the tree canopy and promote greater energy efficiency. A graduate of Georgetown Day High School, David attended Yale College, and received a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Currently, he is Professor of Government in the School of Public Affairs at American University where he has taught for over a decade. David has enjoyed traveling around the world to speak on minority representation and American elections for the U.S. Department of State. He lives with his partner, Eric Hostetler.

Karen Blood, At Large

Karen Blood has been an entrepreneur almost since birth, counting herself lucky to have been born in time for the digital age. She founded her first IT company in 1979, grew it, sold it and is now on her fourth, GraceBlood LLC, delivering business integration services and consulting to supply-chain companies nationwide since 2003. Active in national, state & local politics including election as a delegate for Western Maryland to the Democratic National Convention, Karen has served in leadership positions with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Way Station Inc (a Sheppard Pratt subsidiary), and Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore.  Karen and her longtime partner, Amy Grace, live in Baltimore and enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren and eleven nieces & nephews.

Angelina Callahan, At Large

Angelina Callahan is a transgender female who has worked all her life in the service industry as a Projects and Operations Manager. Angelina started her transition in 2008 and joined society living full time in her true gender role at the beginning of 2010. Since the beginning of her transition she has faced a great deal of discrimination with regards to employment and health care. Due to recognition of marriage by birth certificate she was able to legally marry her partner, Jenn, in July of 2010. With the help of her spouse she has worked hard to overcome discrimination and continues to push for equality today. Angelina has been an active member of the Transgender Working Group and is currently on the outreach committee. Angelina has also devoted time volunteering on the host committee for Creating Change – Baltimore 2012, which will be held in January 2012. She has volunteered with various community events and organizations and continues to help where ever she can. Due to current laws on marriage, her marriage may not be recognized as she continues her transition, for this reason she is passionate about marriage equality. She is also most passionate in the fight for transgender rights, state and nationwide.

Isabella Firth, At Large

Since 1994 Isabella (Izzy) Firth has been president of Mid-Atlantic LifeSpan, an association comprised of 300 senior care organizations that deliver housing, healthcare, and related services to over 45,000 seniors in Maryland & D.C. Member organizations include continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, assisted living, senior housing and community-based programs. LifeSpan is the largest and most diverse senior care association in the mid-Atlantic region and is affiliated with several national senior care associations including LeadingAge and ALFA (Assisted Living Federation of America). LifeSpan is the parent of several subsidiary organizations including The Beacon Institute which provides education and training to senior care professionals and seniors in the community, and LifeSpan Products and Services, which saves senior care organization’s money through group purchasing programs. Izzy received her Bachelor’s degree in American Government from the University of Virginia and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern University. Prior to coming to LifeSpan, Izzy staffed the Maryland Senate Finance Committee in Annapolis, Maryland.

Evan Glass, At Large

Evan Glass is a civic activist in Silver Spring where he is president of the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association and vice chair of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board. As a former journalist for CNN, Evan is delighted by his new ability to help fight for equal rights in Maryland rather than simply cover the story from the sidelines. A graduate of American University, where he double majored in political science and broadcast journalism, Evan is now a communications consultant with Reingold Inc, a boutique firm that works with the public sector in supporting issues related to veterans, health care, and education. Evan and his husband Jason live in Silver Spring.

Rosemary Nicolosi

Rosemary earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from New York University. In 2002, Rosemary retired from her first career after spending over 20 years working in the credit card industry. A significant portion of her time was spent working as the Executive Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the Bank One Corporation in Wilmington, DE. In 2006, Rosemary earned an M.S. in Psychology from Loyola College, Baltimore, MD. She worked serving an underserved population as a therapist counseling foster children. Currently, Rosemary is back in school pursuing her doctorate at The American School of Professional Psychology in Arlington, VA. Her dissertation topic is Would the Right of Marriage in the United States Contribute Positively to the Psychological Health of Lesbians and Gay Men? Rosemary has worked with Equality MD for the last few years and has served as a member of the Jazz Brunch Committee. Rosemary was previously a Board member of Advocacy for Children and Youth. She lives in Baltimore with her partner, Ronda, and their son, Gabriel.

Akil Patterson, At Large

Akil Patterson comes to the Board of Equality Maryland after many years as a Youth Advocate and Recreational Development worker dealing with adjudicated youth. He gained some national attention this past year when he became the first Greco-Roman wrestler of color to come out in public media. He has been named to Advocate Magazine’s 40 under 40 in the world making a difference in the LGBT community. He is a supporter of athletic programs at the state and national level with the Maryland state wrestling association. He is one of the highest ranked wrestlers in the country at this time and is currently training for the 2012 Olympics. He serves as a club coach with the Maryland wrestling program and trains athletes to become the best that they set out to be. In his free time, Akil enjoys football and talking to community groups to help young LGBT youth and youth as a whole develop positive personal images. He is single and resides in College Park.

Susan Silber, At Large

Susan Silber founded the law firm of Silber, Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A., a general practice law firm in Takoma Park, Maryland, over 30 years ago and has worked to develop the firm, adding attorneys and a large client base.  She is licensed to practice law in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and New York.  Susan provides representation in all areas of family law, adoptions, estate planning, employment, civil rights, and as a mediator and collaborative attorney.  She also is the City Attorney for Takoma Park and Mount Rainier, and a past-president of the Maryland Municipal Attorneys Association.  Susan has dedicated a major portion of her career to advancing the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals and families.  She is a member of the National Family Law Advisory Council and is the former president of the LGBT Bar Association of Maryland.  In 2010, Susan received GAYLAW’s Lifetime Achievement Award and was honored nationally by COLAGE, the organization of children with LGBT parents.  Susan has two grown children, Danielle (28) and Avi (23) and a life partner, June Peters.

Pegeen Townsend, At Large

Pegeen Townsend is corporate vice president of Government Affairs for MedStar Health. In her role, Townsend oversees all government relations activities in Maryland, the District of Columbia and at the federal level for MedStar Health. She is charged with building MedStar’s relationship with local, state and federal officials to elevate the system as a key provider in the region, pivotal to the healthcare industry.  Prior to joining MedStar Health, Townsend was the senior vice president for Legislative Policy with the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) where she led the association’s legislative team in its advocacy efforts in Annapolis and Washington.  She assisted with several MHA priorities and initiatives, including the creation of the state’s Medicaid managed care program, establishment of the state’s children’s health insurance program and the Maryland Health Care Foundation to enhance access to care for Maryland’s uninsured population, and streamlining Maryland’s healthcare regulatory system. Townsend also served nine years as counsel to the House Environmental Matters Committee in Annapolis.  Townsend earned her undergraduate degree in political science from James Madison University and a law degree from George Mason University School of Law. In addition to her professional and academic accomplishments, Townsend serves as a member of the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board and the CASA Maryland Board. She is also a member of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee.

Tim Williams, At Large

Tim Williams has over 25 years of experience in public policy and management of non-profit organizations. He serves as Managing Director for a large environmental association based in Alexandria, VA. In this role he represents the association before legislative and regulatory bodies and works to involve the association's members in the policy process. Tim has managed large coalitions and has been responsible for the successful completion of grant-funded programs in excess of $10 million. A lifelong Marylander, Tim grew up in Prince George's County and received a BS degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland College Park. He worked in state and local political campaigns and as a legislative staffer for the Maryland General Assembly and the United States Senate. He has served on the Boards of a cooperative preschool and a neighborhood association, a County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and as a member of the Equality Maryland Legislative Committee. He is also a member of Foundry United Methodist Church. Tims is most proud of his two daughters, one a public special education teacher and one a college senior and teacher-to-be. Tim and his partner of 10 years, Jessie Scribner, live in Anne Arundel County.

Mark Yost, Jr., At Large

Mark is the Director of Government Relations for the National Aquarium. Prior to working at the National Aquarium, Yost was the Senior Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs for the Erickson Retirement Communities and the legislative director for State Senator Kathy Klausmeier.

Yost has a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, in Political Science from Towson University. He attended Theological Studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. He received a Master of Public Policy from American University in Washington, DC and is currently studying for his Juris Doctor at University of Maryland School of Law.

Active in the Baltimore community, Yost currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Maryland Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. He is also the co-founder of Guerrilla Gay Bar Baltimore (GGBB). Mark resides in Baltimore.

Equality Maryland Foundation Board of Directors

Patrick L. Wojahn, Chair

Since 2010, Patrick has worked as a Public Policy Analyst with the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). Before joining NDRN, Patrick worked with University Legal Services, the Washington, DC Protection and Advocacy organization for people with disabilities, investigating complaints of abuse and neglect against those with mental illness and ensured District officials provided appropriate services for some of the District's most disadvantaged residents. Patrick received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002 after which he received a fellowship to work at the Whitman-Walker Clinic advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS. Since 2007 Patrick has served as a City Councilmember in the city of College Park, Maryland. Patrick has served on one of the Boards of Directors of Equality Maryland in various capacities since 2004, and together with his husband Dave Kolesar was one of the plaintiffs in the Maryland marriage equality lawsuit, Deane vs. Conaway.

Rosemary Nicolosi, Treasurer

Rosemary earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from New York University. In 2002, Rosemary retired from her first career after spending over 20 years working in the credit card industry. A significant portion of her time was spent working as the Executive Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the Bank One Corporation in Wilmington, DE. In 2006, Rosemary earned an M.S. in Psychology from Loyola College, Baltimore, MD. She worked serving an underserved population as a therapist counseling foster children. Currently, Rosemary is back in school pursuing her doctorate at The American School of Professional Psychology in Arlington, VA. Her dissertation topic is Would the Right of Marriage in the United States Contribute Positively to the Psychological Health of Lesbians and Gay Men? Rosemary has worked with Equality MD for the last few years and has served as a member of the Jazz Brunch Committee. Rosemary was previously a Board member of Advocacy for Children and Youth. She lives in Baltimore with her partner, Ronda, and their son, Gabriel.

Rabbi Stephanie Bernstein, Vice Chair

Rabbi Stephanie Bernstein was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota.  She received a B.G.S. from the University of Michigan, an MA in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and an MSW from Catholic University. She received her rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.  Prior to attending rabbinical school, she was a clinical social worker for 23 years.  Rabbi Bernstein was a lay leader and past president of Temple Sinai in Washington, DC. She works for the Union for Reform Judaism as the teacher and coordinator for Introduction to Judaism classes in the greater Washington, DC area, and is a chaplain with Jewish Social Services. She is the Study Guide writer for The Torah: A Women’s Commentary.  Rabbi Bernstein was Yom HaShoah guest scholar at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City and delivered the Celia and Audrey Resnik Memorial Lecture at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, Maryland: “By the Merit of Righteous Women: Women of the Wall and the Redemptive Power of Female Audacity in Jewish Tradition.”  Rabbi Bernstein serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and Jews United for Justice.  She lives in Bethesda with her husband, Henry Winokur, and is the mother of Sara and Joseph Bernstein.

Marilee Lindemann, Secretary

Marilee Lindemann is an associate professor of English and director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies (http://www.lgbts.umd.edu/) at the University of Maryland, College Park. Maryland's program in LGBT Studies is nationally distinctive in that it stands on its own rather than being housed within a larger department. Lindemann has served as director since the program was founded in 2002. She earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University and has taught at Maryland since 1992. She has published extensively on novelist Willa Cather and other queer American writers. Her more recent scholarly work is focused on how blogs and other social media tools are transforming the ways we read, write, think, and create change in the 21st century. Her blog, Roxie's World (http://roxies-world.blogspot.com/), is an experiment in comic punditry that often takes up LGBT issues and concerns. She has served on the editorial boards of American Literature and American Quarterly and held fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Association of University Women, and the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. In 2007, she was awarded the Michael Lynch Service Award from the Gay/Lesbian/Queer Caucus of the Modern Language Association in recognition of her contributions to building LGBT/Queer Studies. Since 1986, Lindemann has lived in Takoma Park with her partner, Martha Nell Smith.

Rob Blizard, At Large

Rob Blizard has 12 years of professional nonprofit fundraising experience.  He currently serves as Chief Development Officer of the Washington Animal Rescue League, a state-of-the-art animal shelter and veterinary medical center for low-income pet guardians based in the nation's capital.  He also has held fundraising positions at the Humane Society of the United States and George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens.  Prior to his experience in charitable fundraising, Rob worked in corporate marketing and editorial positions for 11 years.  He holds an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and a BA in English from the University of Virginia, and has published numerous articles on nonprofit fundraising and management in a variety of publications.  Rob has lived in Gaithersburg for 9 years.

Ariel Glasner, At Large

Ariel Glasner grew up in Maryland and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from the New York University School of Law.  Prior to law school Ariel worked as a senior investment banker at UCC Capital Corporation in New York.  While living in New York, Ariel served as a charter board member of the On Your Feet Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing community activism and awareness through partnerships with other non-profit organizations.  Following his graduation from law school, Ariel returned to Maryland to clerk for the Honorable Irma S. Raker on the Maryland Court of Appeals.  He now practices white collar criminal defense and lives with his wife Aliza in Washington, D.C.  In addition to his legal practice, Ariel is politically active and has worked to support the campaigns of local candidates for public office.

Manuella Hancock, At Large

Manuella Hancock is a principal with Hancock Legal PLLC, where she focuses her practice on the needs of small business and working professional clients. With a JD from New York University and an LLM in Tax from Georgetown University, Manuella applies her experience in trusts and estates, litigation, business, employment, non-profit and tax.  Hancock Legal is certified by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce as a LGBT-owned enterprise, and Manuella works with clients throughout Maryland.  She is active in the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and serves on its membership committee. She has a practice that takes her throughout Maryland, and enjoys bringing her canine associate, a bichon-poodle mix named Lizzie, along for the ride.  Manuella has been invited to speak around the country on LGBT couple tax planning, current developments in gift and estate tax, taxation of non-profits and small business legal issues.

Reverend Donna Martin, At Large

Donna Martin earned her BA from West Virginia Wesleyan College, her Masters of Divinity at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, and her Doctor of Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.  She was a local church pastor for many years and finished her working career as a hospice chaplain. She is the founder of North Hills Community Outreach, an inter-agency non-profit near Pittsburgh, PA, and was its first executive director. In addition, she has served on the boards of directors of the North Hills Youth Ministry and president as well as the Board of the YMCA. Active in peace and justice issues throughout her life, Donna has most recently focused on equal rights in Maryland. She has been a part of early clergy declarations favoring equal marriage and has participated with Equality Maryland's clergy groups lobbying and networking. Currently she is working with the newly formed group Maryland Faith for Equality and is working with a group in her district to develop an online list of supporters. Donna has testified several times in Annapolis for Equality Maryland. Donna lives in Baltimore with her partner Mary. They were married in California on August 8, 2008. She has performed civil unions for lesbians and gays in Maryland and wedding services in the District of Columbia and looks forward to the day when her gay children can be married in Maryland.