Towson Growth Summit: Artificial Intelligence and Workforce Development
Description
🚀 Baltimore County’s most anticipated speaker and networking series is back!
The Towson Growth Summit:
Workforce Development Meets Artificial Intelligence
We’ve assembled Maryland’s brightest minds in AI and workforce innovation for one powerhouse panel, you won't want to miss!
Hosted by:
Together with:
EVENT DETAILS:
📅 Tuesday 3/31/26 4 PM – 7 PM
📍 Towson University: StarTUp at the Armory
🎟️ Tickets: $45
🍸 Networking over drinks and light fare, followed by the expert panel discussion.
Join Baltimore County's Business Community at the:
OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS
Anupam Joshi, Chief AI Officer, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
Dr. Joshi has been with UMBC for nearly 30 years, leading the university’s strategic direction for AI and computing. His work spans cybersecurity, data privacy, and distributed AI systems serving critical infrastructure. A fellow of IEEE, Joshi earned his B.Tech from IIT Delhi, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Purdue University. He has authored more than 300 papers, holds nine patents, and secured over $22 million in research funding.
Greg Shaffer, Chief Marketing Officer, GBMC HealthCare
Shaffer will share insights on how AI is transforming marketing, communications, and community engagement in healthcare and beyond. At GBMC, he leads marketing, communications, and external affairs, and drives responsible adoption of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and DAX Copilot. Shaffer is pursuing a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence at Capitol Technology University and holds AI-related certifications from MIT, IBM, Vanderbilt University, and the Michigan Ross School of Business.
Chris Motz, Chief Partnership Officer and Head of Global Workforce Development, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Motz will discuss the partnerships, pipelines, and programs needed to prepare people for high-demand careers. His leadership focuses on aligning education and industry to meet evolving workforce needs and expand economic opportunity. Motz holds advanced degrees from Huntington College, Ball State University, and Purdue Global Law School, and is a graduate of the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University.
Kimberley Metzell, Director of AI, Quantum, and Cyber at the Maryland Department of Commerce, will serve as moderator.
Metzell will frame the discussion across technology, workforce, and economic development, highlighting how statewide policy and industry collaboration can position Maryland—and communities like Towson and Baltimore County—as hubs for innovation-driven growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
💬 What to Expect:
Real stories from leaders pioneering AI strategies across industries
Myth-busting insights that separate hype from reality
Guidance for developing an AI game plan that aligns with your career or business
🎯 Why It Matters:
AI is reshaping every phase of the workforce—from hiring and training to productivity and ethics. This discussion will zero in on:
The future role of humans in a tech-driven economy
Ethical questions shaping AI policy and practice
Practical steps for local businesses to embrace AI without fear
🔗 Don’t wait—Early Bird tickets are live now and selling fast!
EVENT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
FOOD/BAR SPONSOR:
CVP TOWSON: WHERE BUSINESS GETS LUNCH IN TOWSON
WHY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT?
The State of Maryland has lost more than 120,000 residents to other states over the past four years alone, according to a recent analysis by Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
This is not just a population issue. It’s an economic development and a workforce development issue.
Workforce development is emerging as one of the most critical priorities for Towson’s future, shaping how our community grows, competes, and thrives in 2026 and beyond. As technology evolves and talent needs shift, businesses must rethink how they recruit, train, and support the people who power their success. The Towson Growth Summit brings together leading CEOs to share their vision for building a resilient, skilled, and opportunity-rich workforce. Towson remains a place where companies, and people can flourish. This discussion has never been more essential.
ABOUT THE TOWSON TORCH:
The Towson Torch is an all digital, local media outlet dedicated to finding and publishing stories about the great people, businesses, and happenings in greater Towson. Locally curated, with our feet on the street in Towson, our readers trust us to cover the positive stories that larger, traditional media outlets simply cannot and do not get cover. The result for our readers is an invaluable resource for them to say in touch with what Towson has to offer and for advertisers to be able to reach and engage our readers in a way that allows them to transfer their trust in us to their business/brand.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
