December 31st, 2015 by WCBC Radio
WCBC News has put together a list of the communities Top 12 Most Compelling People of 2015
Dr. Mark Nelson
WCBC’s Most Compelling List includes Dr. Mark Nelson, head of the Cardiovascular Unit at Western Maryland Health System. Western Maryland Health System has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry–GWTG Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2015. WMHS is one of only 319 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.
Dr. David Cox
WCBC Most Compelling List includes Allegany County Superintendent of Schools Dr David Cox. Cox was named Maryland Superintendent of the Year this year, and has been both a unifying and driving force in keeping the Allegany High School Replacement Project on track, with new bidding expected in early 2016.
Michael Joy
Footer Development LLC is the name of the group that is redeveloping the Footer Dye Works Building, headed by WCBC Most Compelling List member Michael Joy. Joy has been involved with a number of local project and his vision of a hybrid of retail business, offices and apartments is now under construction.
Kim Leonard
WCBC’s Most Compelling List includes Kim Leonard, who has been a vibrant participant in the Cumberland community for years. Chairman of the Allegany College Board of Trustees, Leonard also serves on the Board of Western Maryland Health System and the Economic Development Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.
Bill Valentine
Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine has been selected as one of WCBC’s Most Compelling for the past year. In his second term, Valentine has served a one year term as Commission President, and has been a key advocate for economic development. He’s also on the Maryland Association of Counties Board.
Dr. Cynthia Bambara
WCBC’s Most Compelling of 2015 includes Allegany College President Dr Cynthia Bambara. Bambara restructured the administration of the college during the middle of the year, jettisoning or demoting some longtime deans in favor of a more streamlined process. She’s also part of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation.
Brian Grim
Cumberland Mayor Brian Grim is one of WCBC’s Most Compelling People for 2015. Grim, who has continued to push for removal of blighted properties, also pushed for a separation of Economic Development from city offices. Grim is also not one to shy from controversy, and engages citizens on social media on a regular basis.
Barb Buehl
The WCBC Most Compelling List features the Director of Allegany County Tourism, Barb Buehl. Despite budget challenges Buehl and her staff have be lauded for increasing tourism here and the hike has been the best in the state. Buell operates Mountainside Creative, and raises over 50 alpacas on her farm in the eastern part of the county.
Shawn Hershberger
As Executive Director of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, Shawn Hershberger is one of WCBC’s Most Compelling for 2015. Hershberger has been front and center for the Maryland Avenue Revitalization project, which proposes acquiring homes in the Rolling Mill area to make room for development.
Jane Doe
We only know her as Jane Doe, but she made waves in 2015 as one of the Mountain Ridge students who were victims of Bart Alan Mazer, and then bringing suit against the Allegany County Board of Education. The damages awarded in the legal action won’t be known, but Jane Doe is one of our Most Compelling of 2015.
Todd Appel
WCBC’s Most Compelling includes Todd Appel led the Fort Hill Football Team to its third consecutive 1A Championship this fall, reaching a level of excellence that is rare even for Maryland’s most storied programs. Appel has remained humble through it all, crediting his staff, players and fans for the Sentinels incredible run.
Judge Gary Leasure
Judge Gary Leasure is one of WCBC’s Most Compelling for 2015, his last year as a full time circuit court judge. Leasure has presided over local trials for more than 30 years, having been named to the bench in 1983. Leasure will continue to preside as a retired judge until a permanent replacement is named, and as needed in the future.
.jpg)
