The Board of the
Greater Crisfield Action Coalition (GCAC)
Formed in May 2015
Updated Board of Directors
May 2023
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Frances Martinez Myers, President
Real Estate and Relocation Specialist
“I am excited for this opportunity to serve on the GCAC board and to help Crisfield become a thriving and financially sustainable community once again. GCAC, in collaboration with the City and the community, can help drive this change. Everything is possible—-if your heart is in it.” |
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Donnie Drewer, Vice President
Retired District Engineer, State Highway Administration
“I was very pleased when I was approached about joining the Greater Crisfield Action Coalition. Being born and educated in Crisfield, I am excited to join this group of talented individuals as they come together with the primary mission of making Crisfield a better place to visit or to live. With the help of the elected officials, I am sure we can make a difference!” |
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Linda Singh, Treasurer
Local Business Owner (The Bay Gift Vault), CEO of Sitara Collections & Marketing Launch Partners
“Since moving to Crisfield in 2017 and opening a retail store, I have been in a unique position that allowed me to meet long-term and new residents of Crisfield in a very short time. What struck me almost immediately was the commonality of residents expressing their desire for the City of Crisfield to be a thriving community, with many wanting to embrace tourism as a means of growth. I’m thrilled to be able to do my part in helping the City of Crisfield achieve its goals.” |
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Steve Flaherty, Board Secretary
Business owner (Agralarm)
“When I first came to Crisfield in 1976, I was only 17 years old. I did not spend a lot of time thinking about the future of Crisfield. Today, I have come to appreciate all the things we take for granted and the many strengths this area has. The future of Crisfield is very important, but it will only be as bright as we make it and will depend greatly on the effort we provide. It is the responsibility of our citizens, business leaders, and elected officials all working together with a clear vision and an action plan. GCAC can help the City because we are an organization with a strong, diverse group of citizens and leaders from many backgrounds. I am excited to play a part in helping Crisfield achieve its true potential.” |
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Curt Lafey
Business Owner
Curt is a strong advocate for the development of the Arts in our community as a means for overall economic development and children’s education. |
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Megan Tawes
Assistant State Attorney
I was born and raised in Crisfield, MD, and have always loved coming back to visit my family and friends over the years. I am a Crisfield girl through and through, and I recently accepted a job offer to come back to Somerset County as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Somerset County State’s Attorney’s Office. I would love nothing more than to see Crisfield succeed, and I bring with me years of experience and connections in the Salisbury legal community. Additionally, I hope to bring a social media presence for GCAC and Crisfield as a whole. As I embark on my new journey in Somerset County, I would love to bring my personal and professional perspective to the GCAC board. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
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Steve Raab
Purchasing/Sales for Southern Connection Seafood
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Bill Meyer
Marketing Communications & Public Affairs, Media Production Specialist, and Co-Proprietor of the Lady Grace B&B and the Silver Spoon
Prior to moving to Crisfield from Arizona, Bill was the Marketing Communications and Public Affairs Media Production Specialist for the City of Glendale, Arizona. He also had a long career with Cox Communications in both Arizona and California. He has extensive marketing and multi-media experience. He and his wife, Grace (who hails from Australia), moved to Crisfield in 2019, purchased the old My Fair Lady, and created Lady Grace B&B. Most recently, they added The Silver Spoon to bring some high-level dining by hosting various guest chefs.
“Bill’s comprehensive marketing and production experience is certain to be an asset to GCAC as we embark on an extensive marketing campaign to promote Crisfield to developers, investors, and builders,” says Martinez Myers. “I look forward to leveraging my skills and experience to help GCAC achieve its goals for economic development in the City of Crisfield and the surrounding region. I am thrilled to have been invited to join GCAC, and I am eagerly looking forward to exploring ways in which I can make meaningful contributions to the organization,” says Bill Meyer. |
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Robin Handy Rayford, Founder & President
Life Restoration Counseling and Psychological Services
Robin Rayford is a co-founding pastor of Restoration Fellowship Tabernacle (RFT) of Detroit. Pastor Robin is the founder of Life Restoration Counseling and Psychological Services, a private practice in Troy, MI. In May of 2022, Robin and her husband Stan recently returned to Crisfield (while still managing operations in Michigan) and both desire to contribute in whatever way they can to help in the process of fulfilling Crisfield’s potential.
Robin is involved with the beautification of Crisfield. She’s a board member of the Somerset Arts Council and Crisfield Arts Syndicate. She volunteers on Doug Swift's Garden Committee and with the Union Asbury Cemetery restoration. Her husband, Stan, has an inspirational jazz program on Crisfield’s radio station and serves on a committee to market Crisfield. “GCAC is very excited to have Robin, who is a Crisfield native, become a member of our board and feel she will make a significant contribution to our effort”, says Frances Martinez Myers, Board President. “I agree with GCAC that Crisfield can be appealing because of its location on the water, its serene environment, and its affordable small-town charm. I would love to be part of preparing Crisfield to embrace this as a community and share it with others who actually need a place like Crisfield to save them from the harshness of city living,” says Robin Rayford. |
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Charlotte Scott, Past President (2015 – 2020)
Specialist in Professional Writing, Grants, and Entrepreneur Training
“Since I came here as a young teacher over 40 years ago, I have always loved and admired the people. There are two things I know for sure: The people are smart, and the people are good. I like to say, ‘These people have PhDs in life.’ They are resourceful, friendly, and hard-working. And yet, Crisfield has only achieved maybe 5% of its true potential. What has been lacking is a clear vision for the town and unity. With vision and unity, it is our mission and our commitment to pursue ways for people to make their lives better and to make Crisfield better. Together, I know we can!” |
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Jay Tawes (Deceased)
Leader in Business Development, Marketing, and Fundraising
“In the forty years that I have been in Crisfield actively seeking to help the town move forward, I have never been a part of a group like this. For the first time, we have talented representatives from the whole community coming together, and we are on the same page: We are dedicated to helping Crisfield become the town we always felt it could be: vibrant, prosperous, and beautiful.” |
