Power Moves: Leadership changes at CAMI and Maryland Momentum Fund

Power Moves is a column where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, new gig or promotion? Email baltimore@technical.ly.

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The Cybersecurity Association of Maryland, Inc. (CAMI) announced a leadership change on Tuesday.

Stacey Smith is resigning as president and CEO of the organization, effective Aug. 23, the organization’s board said. Samantha Conklin was promoted to director of operations in a simultaneous move. A new head has not yet been named.

CAMI launched from Baltimore as a statewide trade group in 2015 to support companies forming in the growing industry under the tagline “Buy Maryland Cyber.” It’s since grown to 500 members, and maintains a directory and jobs board for cyber companies. The organization was also a key force behind a pair of tax credits for businesses that work with cybersecurity companies in the state, and investors who fund companies. It also hosts events, from a meetup to an awards ceremony.

“Establishing CAMI as the nation’s only cybersecurity trade association and gaining credibility locally and nationally has been a true labor of love for me,” said Smith, who joined the organization in 2015. “I appreciate the support that CAMI’s Board of Directors, Advisory Council, staff, members, and volunteers have provided me, and I am grateful for this experience.”

Conklin said she is “extremely committed to the future of CAMI.” The organization plans to release an events schedule for the next year, and is working to redesign its website and directory.

“We thank Stacey for her years of service. There is no doubt that her passion and commitment were integral in taking CAMI from a small start-up to where we are today,” board chairperson Chairperson Gina Abate said in a statement. “We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of fostering a more cyber aware and cyber secure Maryland and establishing Maryland as the cybersecurity capital of the world.”

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The University System of Maryland named Claire Broido Johnson to lead its venture fund supporting early-stage companies that are affiliated with the university.

Broido Johnson joined the Maryland Momentum Fund at the beginning of the month. She succeeded David Wise, who said earlier this year that he will continue on the fund’s external investments advisory board while pursuing other professional ventures.

She is the founder of energy consultancy firm CBJ Energy, LLC, and previously cofounded solar energy services provider SunEdison. She also served in the federal government as energy efficiency advisor to Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

“Claire Broido Johnson brings almost 25 years of senior operations, finance, and startup experience across industries to this important role as Managing Director of the Maryland Momentum Fund,” said USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret in a statement. “Her executive experience, focused and solution-oriented approach to growing organizations — as well as her many investor connections — will be ideal for managing this funding mechanism that is so vital to driving USM’s growth in technology transfer.”

As an investor, Broido Johnson participates in Baltimore Angels and Blu Ventures. She’s also active in the tech community as an advisory board member at Betamore, and frequently judges business plan competitions in the region.

The $10 million Maryland Momentum Fund looks to provide capital for tech ventures that come out of USM’s 12 institutions, or that are created by students, faculty and alumni. Some of its investments include NextStep Robotics, Zest Tea and PaverGuide. Broido Johnson will lead sourcing and vetting of new investments, and work with early-stage companies to provide business advice and counseling.

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Tenable appointed Linda Zecher to its board of directors on Aug. 8, the Columbia-based cybersecurity company said Tuesday.

Zecher is CEO and managing director of the Barkley Group, a consulting firm focused on enterprise digital transformation. She also serves on the board of the Hasbro Corporation. Previously, Zecher was president and CEO of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and corporate VP of Microsoft’s Worldwide Public Sector organization, and held senior roles at Oracle and PeopleSoft.

“Linda’s expertise in strategic technology investments and business operations, especially in untapped and emerging markets, make her an exceptional addition to Tenable’s board,” Amit Yoran, chairman and CEO of Tenable, said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Linda to drive Tenable’s next phase of global growth as we continue to innovate and deliver Cyber Exposure solutions to enterprise customers.”

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R2i hired Andréa Waite as VP of media services, the Inner Harbor-based digital marketing agency said Tuesday.

Waite brings more than 15 years of experience as a marketing leader, most recently at Verizon Media leading the Dentsu Aegis Network global agency business. She also served in leadership positions at MindShare, Carat and Starcom MediaVest.

“After a thorough search, we are thrilled to have found just the right leader in Andréa Waite,” Jennifer Quinlan, R2i’s CEO, said in a statement. “Andréa’s extensive experience and accomplishments are a major asset as R2i continues to execute high-performing campaigns for our clients. And she’s a great cultural fit — highly adaptable, curious by nature and a creative problem-solver with a global mindset.”