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Smiling group of four adults outdoors; one appears to be a man holding a certificate, the others appear to be women who have presented the award. They are standing in a garden.

Business Advisory Council

What is the Business Advisory Council?

The Business Advisory Council (BAC) is a motivated group of local business and community professionals who provide valuable support, coaching and advice to our Employment teams. This group meets regularly to bring wisdom and experience, share professional networks, and learn more about the gifts and talents of this untapped workforce.

Mission and Purpose

The BAC’s mission is to increase workforce opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Montgomery County and the DC metropolitan area.

Members of the Business Advisory Council:

  • Serve as ambassadors to other businesses
  • Provide advice and information about local workforce needs and trends
  • Share professional contacts and networks for our teams to cultivate
  • Provide feedback to our job seekers and support staff on how best to present/market ourselves
  • Plan and participate in our annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month events
  • Hire skilled entry-level job seekers
  • Host one of our skilled and motivated interns
  • Host mock interview events
  • Give feedback about resumes and portfolios
  • Provide workplace experiences – work trials, tours and shadowing opportunities

BAC Members

  • Sylvia Bailey-Charles, RSA (LinkedIn)
  • Lisa Benjamin, Newmark (LinkedIn)
  • Stephen White Berry, Global Payments, Inc. (LinkedIn)
  • John Bogasky, SOMD (LinkedIn)
  • Stacey Butler, CVS Health (LinkedIn)
  • Matt Hardwick, ResInnova Laboratories (LinkedIn)
  • Dawn Hipsley, TriPoint Administrative Services (LinkedIn)
  • Mike Houston, Takoma Park Cooperative (LinkedIn)
  • Steven Isaacson, NIH, LMSW, Autistic Social Worker
  • Katie Knight, Ivymount (LinkedIn)
  • Cornelius Kuteesa, Montgomery County Government (LinkedIn) 
  • Amy Lowenstein, Retired HR Professional (LinkedIn)
  • Maristela Monteiro, Community Member (LinkedIn)
  • Karla Nabors, Montgomery College (LinkedIn)
  • Edgar Ndjatou, Officium, LLC (LinkedIn) 
  • Jed Seifert, Jakprints Inc., Stakes, LLC (LinkedIn)
  • Michelle B. Smith, 1st Choice Staffing (LinkedIn)
  • Justin Volman, Volman HR Strategy, LLC (LinkedIn)  
  • Kelly Wilson, Fairmont Hotel (LinkedIn)
  • Bart Yablonsky, Dawson’s Market (LinkedIn)

Contact Us for More Information

Steve Blanks

Director of Partnerships
sblanks@seeconline.org

Katie Smeltz

Employer Outreach Specialist
KSmeltz@seeconline.org

Pam Toole

Employer Outreach Team Manager
Ptoole@seeconline.org

Pamela Cohen

Employer Outreach Specialist
PCohen@seeconline.org

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