Check Out the Guest Speakers!
Shawn Eum
Mr. Eum serves as the Director of Strategic Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs for the I-495 & I-270 P3 Office(MDOT/SHA). He is responsible for building new and maintaining current relationships with elected officials, mobilizing a diverse group of business and community leaders, and managing the communications team for the Maryland Traffic Relief Plan. Shawn is the recipient of two Governor’s citations for state service and community service and is a proud, lifelong Marylander.
Richard Parsons
Mr. Parsons is a seasoned organizational leader with over 25 years of experience in transportation policy, political strategy, government affairs, non-profit organizations, and business management, among other areas. Richard has worked in public relations, media, and communications, and issue advocacy on public safety, transportation, affordable housing, and small business issues at the national, state, regional, and local levels.
Edgar Gonzalez
Mr. Gonzalez is a seasoned engineer, with 45 years of experience in Engineering and Transportation Planning, including 30 years as Chief Transportation Engineer and Deputy Director of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Edgar is the Co-Founder of SMTA. He also served in the 2002 Transportation Policy Report and represented the Montgomery County Executive Branch in the Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board for 10 years.
Carmen Larsen
Ms. Larsen is the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Montgomery County and the CEO of AQUAS, Inc. Ms. Larsen has over 20 years of experience in small business procurement, management consulting, and information management technology. She is a community advocate for Latino small businesses. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. Her work has spanned healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and the environment.
Veronica Cool, MSF: Moderator
Dominican-born Veronica founded Cool & Associates LLC, a consulting firm to connect organizations to the Hispanic community, offering strategy, training, marketing/PR & language services. Ms. Cool has been recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama and is the recipient of various awards, including the Latina Style Entrepreneur of the Year, NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, Innovator of the Year, and US Hispanic Chamber Corporate Leader of the Year.
