Thank You to our Retiring Board Members

(Top Row L-R:) Francis A. Contino, Albert E. Girod, Cary Hatch, Eric E. McLauchlin
(Bottom Row L-R:) Natalie B. Sherman, Molly Shock, Francis S. Soistman, Thomas L. Wilson

At the June Foundation Board meeting, the University System of Maryland Foundation honored eight retiring members who are transitioning from Directors to Emeritus board members. The USM Foundation is thankful for their support and dedication throughout the years. Their tireless work has helped the Foundation promote a culture of philanthropy and support higher education within the University System of Maryland.

Francis A. Contino
An alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park, Francis Contino is a committed advocate for students and a lifelong Terp. In 1999, Contino was honored by the Robert H. Smith School of Business as a distinguished alumnus. Contino and his wife established The Betty and Francis ’68 Contino Undergraduate Endowed Scholarship at UMCP in 2007, which provides annual support to undergraduates at The Smith School who demonstrate financial need.

Albert E. Girod
Albert Girod has been an influential member of the Foundation Board and a strong supporter of the USM, especially the University of Maryland, College Park. In addition to being a staunch advocate for students, Girod has had an accomplished career in the financial sector and has been recognized by his alma mater, Devon Preparatory School, with an Alumni Achievement Award.

Cary Hatch
Cary Hatch was instrumental in helping the Foundation develop its five-year strategic plan, Pioneers and Optimists. Hatch’s advertising and marketing expertise helped shape the strategic plan’s major messaging and direction. Additionally, she has been honored for many years on the POWER 100 list by the Washington Business Journal, which recognizes the most influential business leaders in the Washington area.

Eric E. McLauchlin

Eric McLauchlin served as Advocacy Committee Chair for six years, leading the Foundation’s efforts to support the USM in Annapolis, as well as serving on the Foundation’s most recent Strategic Planning Committee. McLauchlin is a Salisbury University alumnus and a University of Baltimore Carey School of Law alumnus. McLauchlin served as president of the Salisbury University Alumni Association and as Chairman of the Harford Community College Foundation Board.

Natalie B. Sherman
As an active member of the Governance Committee, Natalie Sherman helped ensure compliance with the Foundation’s mission and good governance practices. Sherman serves on the boards of the Baltimore School for the Arts, Baltimore Design School, New Leaders for New Schools, Samuel Ready Scholarships and on the Planned Giving Advisory Committees for Associated Catholic Charities-Maryland and Maryland Institute College of Art.

Molly Shock
An alumnus of Towson University, Molly Shock is a dedicated advocate for students. At TU, she has helped establish the Stephen K. Shock Memorial Scholarship, the Catherine O’Malley Endowed Scholarship, and the W.J.R. Shock Endowed Scholarship. Shock is involved with a number of committees and boards at the university and has been named one of the Daily Record’s Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

Francis S. Soistman
A passionate champion for students, Fran Soistman donated $5.4 million, the largest gift from a Towson University alumnus in the university’s history, in November 2020. In addition to his philanthropy, Soistman has served on the USM’s Chancellor’s Advisory Council, as well as on the TU Board of Visitors and as a director on the TU Foundation. As a member of the USM Foundation Board, he helped develop Sustaining a Great Foundation, part of the five-year strategic plan.

Thomas L. Wilson
Hailing from a family of Terps, Thomas Wilson is a generous supporter of the University System of Maryland and the University of Maryland, College Park. Wilson is an alumnus of the Aerospace Engineering program at UMCP and has served on the Engineering Board of Visitors at the university. He currently serves as Sector Vice President, Business Development of Northrop Grumman’s Innovation Systems sector and President of Space Logistics LLC.