Towson Growth Summit: Skilled Trades with Stanley Black & Decker

Robert is based in Maryland, USA and is the Vice President of DEWALT Strategic Initiatives, Commercial & Industrial for Stanley Black & Decker (SBD). He has over 25 years of experience in commercial sales and marketing, nearly all with SBD starting with them in 1999. In his current role, Robert leads a company-wide, multi-function task force focused on growing SBD’s footprint in Data Center construction and strategic end user relationships. This includes working with hyperscalers, general contractors, and trade partners to deliver safety and speed for these mission critical projects. Mick Rayburn, CCM, Vice President, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Jennifer Dewees, LEED AP President, MCCEI Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation Jennifer leads the nonprofit workforce intermediary that inspires, educates and connects a diverse population to careers in the built environment. Matthew J. Van Hoose, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Global, Career, and Community-Based Learning Goucher College TOPIC: Workforce Development and Skilled Trades: The future of Towson and Greater Baltimore's economy depends on the people who build it. As demand for skilled trades continues to outpace the supply of qualified workers, employers, educators, and community leaders have an opportunity to work together to strengthen the workforce pipeline. The Towson Growth Summit is proud to partner with hometown industry leader Stanley Black & Decker to convene this important conversation. As one of Towson's largest employers and a global champion for skilled trades through its DEWALT Grow the Trades initiative, Stanley Black & Decker is helping lead the way. Join us as we explore solutions that will create opportunity, strengthen local businesses, and invest in our community's future. What to Expect: Expect an engaging discussion featuring leaders from business, education, workforce development, and the skilled trades as they examine today's workforce challenges and share innovative solutions. Attendees will leave with new insights, practical strategies, and valuable connections to help strengthen the skilled trades pipeline and support the continued growth of Towson and the greater Baltimore region. Sponsor, Stanley Black & Decker's Commitment to Skilled Trades Stanley Black & Decker remains one of the region's largest global employers and one of Towson's most recognizable corporate headquarters. Through its DEWALT Grow the Trades initiative, Stanley Black & Decker invested more than $7 million during 2025, bringing its total investment to $27 million since 2023 toward a long-term commitment of $60 million by 2030. The program has already supported more than 350 organizations with cash and product donations, trained over 11,000 tradespeople across the United States, expanded scholarships for trade school students and donated more than 4,250 professional toolkits to graduating apprentices at 68 schools across 23 states. The company says addressing the shortage of skilled tradespeople is one of its highest strategic priorities because it directly impacts construction, manufacturing and infrastructure. Event Venue: GOUCHER COLLEGE ATHENAEUM `1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, Maryland, 21204 SPONSORS TITLE: . WORKFORCE: EVENT CO-HOSTS: WHY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT? Workforce development is the foundation of a strong local economy. Every employe, from healthcare systems and manufacturers to small businesses and nonprofits, depends on finding, developing, and retaining skilled talent. As technology advances, workforce demographics shift, and employer needs evolve, collaboration has never been more important. The Towson Growth Summit brings together business leaders, educators, workforce organizations, and public-sector partners to share ideas, build partnerships, and identify practical solutions that strengthen our regional talent pipeline. By investing in people and preparing today's workforce for tomorrow's opportunities, we can help ensure Towson and the greater Baltimore region remain competitive, innovative, and positioned for long-term economic growth. ABOUT THE TOWSON TORCH: The Towson Torch is an all digital, local media outlet dedicated to finding and publishing stories about the great people, businesses, and happenings in greater Towson. Locally curated, with our feet on the street in Towson, our readers trust us to cover the positive stories that larger, traditional media outlets simply cannot and do not get cover. The result for our readers is an invaluable resource for them to say in touch with what Towson has to offer and for advertisers to be able to reach and engage our readers in a way that allows them to transfer their trust in us to their business/brand. SUPPORT LOCAL BALTIMORE COUNTY NEWS FROM TOWSON; SUBCRIBE TO THE TORCH THE TOWSON GROWTH SUMMIT SUPPORTS THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION