Directors for the CSM Foundation board include, front from left, CSM President and foundation Secretary-Treasurer Bradley Gottfried, Second Vice Chair Sally Grainger, First Vice Chair Don Parsons, CSM Foundation Chair Mike Besche, Rhokey Millham, Clair Tweedie, and CSM Executive Director of Advancement Michelle Goodwin; middle from left, Casey Smith, Marjorie Mayer, Evie Hungerford, Steve Proctor, Suzanne Wible, Kate Winn and Carrie Polk; and rear from left, Robbie Loker, Donnie Cox and Gregory Cockerham.

In order to develop a strong community, you have to build a strong foundation of educational opportunities that provide for personal, business and community growth.

At the College of Southern Maryland, the CSM Foundation Board provides the academic and financial support students need to realize their potential through funding scholarships that enable students to pursue their goals, technology that trains them to be competitive in a rapidly changing workforce, and arts, health/wellness and educational opportunities that nurture students and their children.

“The CSM Foundation has been successful because of the generous donation of time and commitment our board chairs and directors provide to the college. Foundation directors see first-hand how CSM benefits our community and they know this success is often due to private support. Their work on the foundation board provides financial support for initiatives that are so very important to our students daily experiences here at the college,” said Jane Loughran, CSM director of development.

In November, CSM announced the induction of four new CSM Foundation Board directors: Greg Cockerham, Steve Proctor, Casey Smith and Suzanne Wible. “Each new director brings with them their own wealth of personal, business and community experience that is vital to the Foundation’s future success,” Loughran said.

Cockerham received his associate’s degree from Charles County Community College (now CSM) before earning his bachelor of science in business administration degree from West Virginia University, and prior to attending the University of Maryland’s banking school. He has been working in the banking industry for 30 years, most recently as the executive vice president – chief lending officer for Community Bank of Tri-County.

Cockerham, an advocate for CSM for over 30 years, describes himself as “extremely proud of the institution.” He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Charles County, Grace Brethren Christian School Board and the Charles County School Vocational Cooperative Education Committee. Proctor earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University and is currently a Howard “Pete” Rawlings Fellow at the University of Maryland School of Public Affairs.

Proctor is the president, founder and CEO of G.S. Proctor and Associates, Inc., a lobbying and consulting firm, based in Upper Marlboro. He is chairman of the board for Mission of Love Charities, and is a board member for Rosecroft Raceway, Inc., Old Line Bank and Bishop McNamara High School.

Smith attended Bowie State and the University of Maryland where she earned her elementary education degree and certification. Smith taught first through eighth grades for 37 years at various Calvert County elementary and middle schools. She currently works as a Weekenders fashion consultant and reading and languages tutor for the Prince Fredrick Tutoring Club. She also volunteers and supp