b'Class of 2023 ProfilesThomas R. Akras Director, Legal and Legislative Division|Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for the State of MarylandRegion: Central Thomas, a resident of Baltimore, earned a BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland College Park, a masters from University of Baltimore and a JD from University of Maryland School of Law. He is active with the Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee, Hampden Community Council, Stonehill Walk Community Association, and Baltimore City Public Schools Ethics Panel. Thomas enjoys motorcycling, volunteering, and traveling.Abimbola O. Bola AudenaCEO & Managing Partner|MBA Growth PartnersRegion: Capital; 2019 Leadership Montgomery Bola, a resident of Rockville, earned an MBA in Strategy/Finance from the University of Virginia. She is active with The Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Olney Theatre Center, and Mercy Seat Chapel Outreach Ministry. Bola enjoys traveling, reading, and yoga.Book Recommendation: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan SingerAnne A. Balduzzi Managing Director, Entrepreneur and Ecosystem Empowerment (E3)|TEDCORegion: Eastern; 2014 Mindshare Anne, a resident of Stevensville, earned a BS in Communications from Florida State University and holds a patent in data match analysis. She sits on the board of FITCI, mentors underserved tech startup founders, and is an author and speaker on AI and entrepreneurship topics. Anne enjoys golf, boating, and travel.Book Recommendation: Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max TegmarkChristopher Chris Barber Chief Nerd|Cheaper Than A GeekRegion: Southern; 2016 Leadership Anne Arundel; 2018 SBA Emerging Leaders; 2019 Goldman Sachs 10KSBChris, a resident of Crofton, attended Prince Georges Community College and University of Maryland College Park. He is active and currently holds leadership positions with Leadership Anne Arundel, The Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau, The Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce, The Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce, The Cybersecurity Association of Maryland, The National Society of IT Service Providers and The Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Chris enjoys having fun with his two children and working out at the gym. Book Recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillJodie L. Bollinger Director, Business Retention & Expansion|Frederick County Office of Economic DevelopmentRegion: Western; 2015 Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Leadership ProgramJodie, a resident of Frederick, earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Delaware. She is active with the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Downtown Frederick Partnership, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Women Leaders Association. Jodie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going to breweries, wineries and distilleries.Book Recommendation: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon16 Leadership Maryland 2023'