NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON

Sharon R. Pinder
Special Secretary
Maryland Governor's Office of Minority Affairs

Sharon R. Pinder was appointed by Maryland 's Governor Robert L.
Ehrlich Jr. as director of the Governor's Office of Minority Affairs in
January 2003. In April 2004, the Governor signed legislation naming her
Special Secretary of that office. As a member of the Governor's Cabinet,
Secretary Pinder is responsible for the oversight of the State's Minority
Business Enterprise Program. Her office is the principal advocate for the
more than 200,000 women and minority owned businesses based in
Maryland.

Prior to her appointment to the Governor's cabinet, Ms. Pinder was a
highly successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. She has over twenty
years of experience in information technology, business development and
marketing. She has successfully led change in Fortune 500 organizations
such as General Electric (GE), Traveler's Insurance, and provided
leadership as President of Early Morning Software, Inc. and Principal of
MYCOM Mid-Atlantic.

She is also a recognized speaker and published author on technology
and the Internet. She has contributed extensively to professional
organizations devoted to technology, marketing, and minority business
development. She continues to serve her community through her work on
the board of directors of the Woodholme Foundation, the Maryland
Committee for Children, Humanim,Inc., Associated Black Charities, Inc.,
Maryland 's Women History Museum , and the University of Maryland
Eastern Shore.

Ms. Pinder is a native Marylander, and earned her master's degree in
technology management from UMUC. A leader in the community, she has
received several prominent awards, including "2004 Distinguished Alumna
of the Year" from the University of Maryland, University College, "2003
Award of Excellence" from the Maryland Women for Responsive
Government, "2002 Outstanding Leader of the Year" from Leadership
Maryland, Inc., "Techno Rising Star" from the Maryland Department of
Business and Economic Development in 2002, and recognition as one of
Maryland's Top 100 Women for 2002.