It’s an exciting opportunity to be President of the Ft. Meade Alliance (FMA) at such a critical juncture in the history of the region represented by Fort George G. Meade. A presence in our community since 1917, Fort Meade has entered a new era as the home for military and civilian defense intelligence and security related activities.

Several years ago, a decision was made that will bring a new and added prosperity to the State of Maryland and to the areas surrounding Fort George G. Meade. The decision, which was made by the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission and enacted by Congress, will bring as many as 45,000 to 60,000 jobs to Maryland and up to 28,000 households.  Recently, Fort Meade was designated as the home of the newly created Cyber Command that will stand-up this important mission in our region this year. Fort Meade is currently home to over 80 government agencies and organizations focused on intelligence and security. Between now and 2011, Maryland will experience the largest single surge of economic growth since the end of World War II.  New friends, new neighbors, new Marylanders, new businesses, and new opportunities.

As the Ft. Meade Alliance, our mission is to promote Ft. Meade as a growing regional economic asset. As an independent community organization, we focus on initiatives and opportunities that go well beyond the growth associated with the BRAC relocation of DISA, Defense Media Activity, DoD Adjudications; the stand-up of Cyber Command at Fort Meade; and the continued expansion of the current Fort Meade government tenants. Our initiatives include: marketing the region; keeping federal, state, and local representatives informed of Fort Meade’s priorities interests, and concerns; regional transportation planning and implementation support; P-20 science, technology, engineering and math curriculum development; targeted workforce development; business networking and opportunities; and community service in support of Fort Meade installation and regional needs.

Having seen our Alliance membership increase significantly since the BRAC recommendations were finalized in late 2005, the Ft Meade Alliance is noted as a key information source on Ft. Meade, BRAC and Cybersecurity information and activities, and the work underway in our region to handle the growth of the post. Through our work and our committee projects, we are making an impact today and beyond on the future of Ft. Meade and the surrounding region.

On behalf of the Fort Meade Alliance Board of Directors, I welcome you to join us if you are not already a member. If you are a member, thanks for joining us and please get more involved in the organization. We hope this website will help you do just that.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Budd,
President, Fort Meade Alliance,
and Principal, Booz Allen Hamilton