Aberdeen High Grad Named One of Maryland's Top 100 Women

Karen Holt, who serves as the BRAC manager for the Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor, has been recognized for outstanding achievement by being named to The Daily Record’s 2011 list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

Holt is a graduate of Aberdeen High School who now lives in Elkton with her husband.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among such talented and dedicated women from across the state,” Holt said. “This leadership recognition is a reflection of the great team with which I am privileged to work.”

The Chesapeake Science & Technology Corridor collaborates through outreach efforts in support of BRAC growth occurring in the Aberdeen Proving Ground community. The multi-jurisdictional APG-CSSC Regional BRAC is located in the HEAT center in Aberdeen.

Holt has been responsible for the administration of more than $7 million in federal funds used to plan and implement transportation, infrastructure, workforce and education issues affecting the region.

The Daily Record’s annual list honors women who have excelled through community leadership, mentoring and professional accomplishment.

The 122-year-old media company, which provides legal and business information to Maryland readers through its daily newspaper and website www.thedailyrecord.com, has since 1996 recognized more than 900 women who are making a difference across the state.

“As Maryland’s Top 100 Women celebrate its 16th anniversary, all of us at the Daily Record continue to be proud and honored to be a part of this important event,” Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of the Daily Record said in a prepared statement. “We commend all of our past winners and are proud to recognize our Top 100 Women of 2011."

Harford County Executive David R. Craig said, in a prepared statement, that Holt’s work with the Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor is making a lasting impact on the county in terms of economic development.

“Karen has done a remarkable job in bringing together stakeholders in support of the BRAC initiatives that has transformed Aberdeen Proving Ground and the region,” Craig said.

Holt and other recipients were honored on May 9 at an awards ceremony at the Myerhoff in Baltimore. 

“Karen has taken the concept of the Chesapeake Science and Security Corridor and made it into a functioning multi-jurisdictional organization,” James Richardson, the director of the Harford County Office of Economic Development also said in the statement. “Her knowledge, skills and leadership have made the BRAC process in Harford County a true success.”