Maryland Agriculture Council Leadership Elected

Vanessa Finney of Lutherville was elected president of the Maryland Agriculture Council Board of Directors during its April 7^th board meeting. Having served as vice president during the past year, she replaces outgoing leader, Robert “Robbie” Miller of New Township, PA.

Finney joined the Council board in 2022 and has served on the Sponsorship Committee.

"The Maryland Agriculture Council plays an essential role in promoting our state’s number one industry and helping the public understand its value,” she said. “We connect people from every part of agriculture — farmers, agribusinesses, educators, students, and policymakers — to advocate for and ensure a strong and vibrant agricultural future for Maryland."

“The Council remains relevant because it keeps agriculture visible and accessible,” Finney explained. “Through our events like Taste of Maryland Agriculture, our grant program for ag education, and ongoing outreach at a wide array of events, such as MACO and the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention, we bring together industry leaders and elected officials to highlight how agriculture drives Maryland’s economy and quality of life.”

As the incoming president, Finney said her goal is to “strengthen the Council’s reach and grow its impact. I want to expand our outreach efforts, build new partnerships, grow student involvement and interest, and continue celebrating Maryland agriculture through initiatives that promote understanding, leadership, and pride in our state’s farming heritage.”

Finney is the President of Quercus, Inc., a privately held family company that specializes in professional association management, trade show management and event planning. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS). In addition, she is Administrator for the Baltimore County Farm Bureau and the FFARMD Foundation. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from American University and earned an MBA from Loyola College in Maryland. She is also a Class III graduate of the LEAD Maryland Agriculture Fellowship Program and a fellow of the 2015 Leadership Maryland program.  Current and former board service includes the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board, Ladew Topiary Gardens, Maryland Agricultural Commission, LEAD Maryland Foundation and the Dean’s Global Leadership Council for the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Finney and her husband Kelly have three grown children, and an adorable puppy named Oliver. She is a life-long member and active congregant of Camp Chapel United Methodist Church.

Rob Cooper of Alexandria, VA, was elected vice president of the organization and Kayla Griffith of Lothian will continue to fill the role of secretary. Henry Brandt of Centreville was re-elected as treasurer.

The newly elected board members serving a two-year term are Samantha Baker of Adamstown and Mary Stewart of Pylesville. Returning board members elected to serve another two-year term are Doug Lechlider of Laytonsville, C. John Sullivan III of Fallston, Crystal Pickett of Mt. Airy, Karen Engel of Keymar, Scott Youse of Ridgely, Kevin Donnelly of Smithsburg, George Grillon of Taneytown, Zach Evans of Salisbury, Finney and Cooper.

The Council is best known for organizing the annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture on the first Thursday of February. The premier gala brings together agricultural leaders with state and national legislators to promote agriculture and educate lawmakers about its importance to the state’s economy and its people.

For more information on the Maryland Agriculture Council, contact Executive Director Susan Summers at 240-446-3601.