Our Team
Wordsmith
President
Wordsmith is a songwriter, poet, recording artist, actor, playwright, entrepreneur and philanthropist from Baltimore, MD.
He earned a full athletic scholarship to play football at Morgan State University studying radio, TV and Performing Arts. A transfer to Salisbury University 2 years later earned Wordsmith a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts, Music & Theater in 2002.
Wordsmith is a Grammy Voting Member, finalist for the 2023 Baker Artist Awards, 2024 Baker Artist Awards, selected as one of 25 Black Marylanders to Watch in 2024 by the Baltimore Sun, 5 time ASCAPLUS Award winner, and winner of Best Rap/Hip Album for Perspective Jukebox at the 16th Independent Music Awards. His music and jingles are featured on prominent networks and shows like WWE, ESPN Sportscenter, Kawasaki, Russian Doll (Netflix), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), Preacher (AMC) and many more!
Continuing to expand his reach, Wordsmith is an International Exchange Alumni with the US Department of State. He has performed major concerts, humanitarian missions and held music/performance/poetry workshops in Azerbaijan, Haiti, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Angola, Ukraine, Namibia, Cote D’ Ivoire, Panama, Tunisia and Tanzania since 2016.
Wordsmith’s career took a new direction in 2018 when he was hired to write new narration for Carnival of the Animals with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. A second opportunity came when Wordsmith was asked to host the 2018 BSO Gala with special guest Cynthia Erivo. Officially becoming an Artistic Partner with the BSO in September 2020, Wordsmith & composer James Lee III debuted two commissioned pieces; “Destined Words” for the BSO Gala Celebration in honor of Marin Alsop and the Frederick Douglass inspired piece “Freedom’s Genuine Dawn.” Wordsmith followed up these performances with landmark reinterpretations of Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale”, “Beethoven Ninth,” his original classical fusion piece “Made in America” and the world premiere of “Network to Freedom, ” on MLK Day 2024! On Juneteenth, Wordsmith will join the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra for a special concert featuring his original fusion piece “Made in America.”
Wordsmith officially opened his nonprofit “Rise with a Purpose, Inc.” in 2020, while delivering his first TED Talk via John Hopkins University. Always looking to expand his horizons, Wordsmith collaborated with composer/pianist Kory Caudill for an album called “Progressions” and a concert series called “Concert for the Human Family.” Putting his Theater degree to work, Wordsmith wrote and directed original plays performed by his acting students called “The Purple Tape” followed by a series of original monologues called “Black Woman Genius.”
Wordsmith is currently working on a House music EP called “Free House” and teaming up for a jazz poetry album called “Nothing but Change Stays the Same” with Grammy winning pianist and composer Alex Brown.
Official Website: Wordsmithmusic.com
FELICIA FAVORS
Secretary
Over ten (10) years in progressive leadership experience within Human Resources Management which encompasses, Recruitment, Benefits (including disability, leave, retirements and worker’s compensation), Payroll/Compensation, EEO-Labor Relations. Verifiable strengths include strong leadership in training and leading employees for organizations. Recruit qualified candidates for organizational positions. Excellent communication skills and effectively collaborate with team members to identify and remedy quality of service issues. I am well versed in all aspects of Human Resources including dealing with employee turnover/burnout and retention, as well as recruitment strategies.
Major strengths also include competentancy, being a team player, superb motivator for teamwork, safety, and success, very attentive to detail, dutiful respect for compliance in all regulated environments, as well as ability to apply all supervisory skills including hiring, interviewing, termination, scheduling, training, payroll, and other administrative tasks. I have the ability to maintain a clear vision to accomplish the mission of the organization. Additional experiences in Education (K-8), and Legal Assistant (Paralegal), in various size organizational settings.
As well as, have dutifully upheld roles as liaison between upper level management and elected/appointed officials throughout the State of Delaware. Skilled in many computer packages such as Microsoft Office, Publisher, Excel, Windows, PeopleSoft HRM (Human Resource Management System), Applicant Tracking, Time and Labor Systems, Westlaw, Lexus Nexus and Internet/Intranet. Superior performances repeatedly tracked through various awards and performance evaluations. State Accounting & Budget Certification, HR for HR Professional Certification, also obtained Governor’s Commendation for Massive Recruitment and Hiring Process (Gov. Ruth Ann Minner 2000).
Greg Middleton
Treasurer
B.A. Business Administration with emphasis on Management and Decision Support Systems. Minor in Computer Technology. Currently Managing Cost/Schedule/Performance for Joint Incident Management System (JIMS). This is a USCYBERCOM sponsored tool reporting all cyber incidents and event of interest across the DoDIN in accordance with CJCSM 6510.01B. JIMS provides a federated view and provides the means for CND Ticket ingest for all CC/S/A/FA across the DoD.
o Plans, organizes, directs, and accomplishes studies, analysis and evaluations of plans, programs, projects, policies, and procedures.
o Conducts or leads testing of Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) and Government off the Shelf (GOTS) information assurance software.
o Researches applicability of new technological developments in the field to solve continuing problems or meet future needs of the Defense Information Infrastructure.
o Provides technical guidance to technical specialists and engineers in areas such as security engineering lifecycle, network communications and system development and documentation
o Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify, prioritize, and recommend strategies and identify resources required to tackle organizational and programmatic issues.
CYRINA YARBROUGH
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Marketing and communications executive with nearly 20 years in creating organization-wide brand strategies. Proven track record in strategic planning, financial oversight, partnerships, team leadership, and brand elevation in fast-paced, customer centric environments. Hands-on leader adept at ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and positive company culture. Expertise in building high-functioning, data-driven teams within matrixed and client-facing organizations.
EXECUTIVE MARKETING COMPETENCIES |
Business Leadership: Strategy Development, Budget Management, Process Improvement, Project Management
People & Culture: Team Management, DEI&B, Internal Communications, External Vendor Management
Strategic Planning: Creative Branding Positioning, Content Strategy, Traditional Advertising and Media Placement
Digital Marketing: Marketing Automation, Generative AI, Display Network Advertising, Geo Targeting
Customer Engagement: Trend Forecasting, Customer Research, CRM Analysis, Acquisition & Retention Strategies
Public Relations: Media Pitches, Press Interviews, Spokesperson, Media Outreach
Social Media: Paid Advertising, Influencer Marketing
HIGHLIGHTS | Media Rollout (Today Show, Time Magazine, NY Times, Washingtonian) • CPG product rollout • Editor-In-Chief (in-house magazine) • 150+ video and photo shoots for fashion & food brands • 100+ Marketing Events • D2C E-Commerce Store
AWARDS | ICSC, Maxi Award - B2B Program • Moodie Davitt Report, FAB Award – Marketing & Customer Service Program (B2B) • Moodie Davitt Report, FAB Award – Marketing & Promotions Campaign of the Year (F&B) • American Advertising Award, Elements of Advertising - Digital Creative Technology
EXPERIENCE |
SVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (6/22 – 6/24)
● Counseled CEO on internal communications by establishing operational procedures for cross-departmental collaboration, improving efficiency and communication.
● Championed DEI efforts by developing impact-driven marketing initiatives and enhancing diversity in hiring.
● Effectively engaged with 30+ Board of Directors to manage organizational goals, and secure funding.
● Hired and managed Marketing & Communications department (15), external contractors, and influencers.
● Collaborated with the CFO and CEO to manage a $30M operating budget, diversify revenue streams, and increase concert attendance (+27%) and streaming viewership.
● Cultivated relationships with media, local businesses, community partners, and government agencies to enhance brand awareness and manage the BSO's reputation as a leading non-profit organization.
Marketing
● Spearheaded the reconfiguration of the brand, defining brand DNA and creating cohesive marketing collateral.
● Developed and implemented the first-ever marketing plan, formalized budget, project management system, and KPIs.
● Achieved the first-ever year-over-year subscription increase, boosting revenue by 7%, expanding the customer base by 27%, and achieving a 76% renewal rate through strategic digital advertisement placements.
● Crafted a comprehensive member marketing strategy, driving financial increases in both contributed and earned revenues through omnichannel and integrated email marketing campaigns using CRM customer segmentation.
● Launched the first-ever e-commerce store and digital marketing funnel campaign, reducing PPC costs by 27%.
Communications
● Developed a brand voice and social media presence, enhancing community connection and engagement.
● Directed PR and earned media strategies, achieving over 200 media placements across various platforms in one year.
● Sustained a 4% average social media growth rate by leveraging partnerships with content creators and influencers.
Marketing & Customer Experience Director, Senior – Washington, DC
MarketPlace Development – Reagan National Airport (6/16 – 6/22)
● Managed the budget and brand portfolio for the concessions program (180+ tenants), encompassing retail, CPG, food & beverage, and entertainment sectors.
● Product Placement: Ensuring retailers carried quality CPG products, diverse food & beverage options, and supported exclusive beverage partners with events, shelving space, and displays.
● Acted as Chief of Staff, collaborating with senior leadership to develop quarterly business strategy reports and implement DSLBD government-compliant equitable programs for small, local, and minority-owned businesses.
● Launched and led a B2B client-facing marketing vertical, providing strategic direction and daily leadership on brand sponsorship marketing initiatives and best business practices for CPG brands in stores.
Marketing
● Created and implemented B2B and B2C messaging strategies, driving a 10% year-over-year revenue increase through a multi-million-dollar budget and a $10M advertising contract in conjunction with a Pepsi pouring rights agreement.
● Crafted an influencer marketing strategy: Created CTV and social media video campaigns, and measuring influencer success while staying attuned to emerging influencers.
● Curated and executed onsite marketing events, including tradeshows and client/customer-facing events.
Customer Experience
● Defined CX standards by monitoring customer behavior and identifying key decision-making touchpoints.
● Utilized new technology and SaaS solutions to boost revenue and customer satisfaction by 7% annually.
● Developed a metric-based mystery shop program based on customer feedback surveys, enhancing program performance and maintaining quality control for travelers.
Marketing & Branding Consultant – Washington, DC & Los Angeles, Ca
Freelance (9/14 – 5/22)
● Created scalable influencer programs encompassing tool kits, payment systems, ROI tracking, and contract negotiations for product reviews and placements.
● Performed brand positioning and competitive analysis to identify market opportunities and strategic positioning.
● Analyzed data from email, digital and social media marketing programs, including SEO, SEM, CPC, PPC, and CPE, across various industries such as meal subscription, e-commerce, fashion, jewelry, F&B, media, and hospitality.
● Designed marketing campaigns using CRM and email segmentation to enhance brand awareness, membership, and customer retention.
● Centralized the marketing department by developing a system for rapid creation and design of marketing collateral for real estate brokers' client pitches.
Area Marketing Manager – Washington, DC
Pretzel Crisps (3/13 – 9/14)
● Developed CPG messaging for the go-to-market strategy for the Mid-Atlantic region, focusing initially on B2B.
o Conducted comprehensive CPG market analysis, including competition, trends, and demographics.
o Recruited, coached, and trained field marketing and sales teams to engage with grocery stores and retailers, establishing new accounts and securing product placements.
o Developed competitive differentiation and consumer strategy, analyzing value propositions.
o Identified new opportunities via existing and new products, external partnerships, and industry trends.
● Developed and implemented a comprehensive D2C marketing plan.
o Negotiated brand partnerships, expanding organic reach by 52% within one year.
o Diversified content creator and influencer strategy, establishing growth KPIs for social media platforms through social listening, sentiment analysis, audience demographics, and ROI assessment.
o Enhanced brand story and awareness by 60%, contributing to increased market share in the Mid-Atlantic.