On May 17, 2022, we celebrated eight Maryland business leaders at the World Trade Center Institute's annual Maryland International Business Leadership Awards ceremony. WTCI staff, with the help of a selection committee created for this event, chose six award winners from a field of nearly 100 nominees.
CEO
Zerofox
Zerofox
President
Rhee Brothers, Inc.
Robin Rhee is a second generation leader and president of Maryland-based Rhee Bros, Inc., a family-owned business that began in 1976 and now is one of the largest Asian food importers and distributors in the United States. The company employees 200 people and generates more than $200 million in revenue annually. Prior to joining the company in 2009, he and his brother ran an Asian food distribution business, Korean Farm, near Los Angeles. He was responsible for procurement and new business development. He also worked in account management for Grey Advertising and Zentropy Partners. Robin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and International Business from the Stern School of Business at New York University. Robin is a recipient of the 2022 Maryland International Business Leadership Award.
President
Rhee Brothers, Inc.
Robin Rhee is a second generation leader and president of Maryland-based Rhee Bros, Inc., a family-owned business that began in 1976 and now is one of the largest Asian food importers and distributors in the United States. The company employees 200 people and generates more than $200 million in revenue annually. Prior to joining the company in 2009, he and his brother ran an Asian food distribution business, Korean Farm, near Los Angeles. He was responsible for procurement and new business development. He also worked in account management for Grey Advertising and Zentropy Partners. Robin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and International Business from the Stern School of Business at New York University. Robin is a recipient of the 2022 Maryland International Business Leadership Award.
Executive Director Operations
Rhee Bros., Inc.
Rhee Bros., Inc.
MedifastCEO & Chairman
Medifast
Medifast
CEO
Federal Resources
Federal Resources
Founder
Keffa Coffee
Samuel Demise was born and raised in a small town in Ethiopia. As a child, he learned about the coffee industry from his father, a longtime coffee industry professional. Samuel has competed in the United States Coffee Cup Tasters Championship. He placed 3rd in 2017 and 2015 and 2nd in 2013 and 2011. He is a licensed Q-grader and an assistant Q-instructor for the coffee industry. He launched Keffa Coffee, named for the province where he grew up, in 2006 after noticing a dearth of Ethiopian coffee imports in the U.S. Now, Keffa Coffee is a $10 million-a-year business that is expanding approximately10% annually. Samuel is a recipient of the 2022 Maryland International Business Leadership Award.
Founder
Keffa Coffee
Samuel Demise was born and raised in a small town in Ethiopia. As a child, he learned about the coffee industry from his father, a longtime coffee industry professional. Samuel has competed in the United States Coffee Cup Tasters Championship. He placed 3rd in 2017 and 2015 and 2nd in 2013 and 2011. He is a licensed Q-grader and an assistant Q-instructor for the coffee industry. He launched Keffa Coffee, named for the province where he grew up, in 2006 after noticing a dearth of Ethiopian coffee imports in the U.S. Now, Keffa Coffee is a $10 million-a-year business that is expanding approximately10% annually. Samuel is a recipient of the 2022 Maryland International Business Leadership Award.
CEO
Jhpiego
Dr. Leslie Mancuso has more than 25 years of experience in developing public and private partnerships with various organizations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Chevron, ExxonMobil, GE Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Laerdal Medical and Merck. She is a recognized international business leader specializing in bringing accountability to and navigating changes in the international nonprofit sector. In addition to serving on the WTCI board, she serves on the boards of US-ASEAN Business Council, Inc., where she is acting Chair of the Health and Life Science Working Group, and Life Science Innovation Forum of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Organization.
CEO
Jhpiego
Dr. Leslie Mancuso has more than 25 years of experience in developing public and private partnerships with various organizations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Chevron, ExxonMobil, GE Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Laerdal Medical and Merck. She is a recognized international business leader specializing in bringing accountability to and navigating changes in the international nonprofit sector. In addition to serving on the WTCI board, she serves on the boards of US-ASEAN Business Council, Inc., where she is acting Chair of the Health and Life Science Working Group, and Life Science Innovation Forum of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Organization.
Co-CEO
Gensler
Gensler
Morgan State University President
Governor of Maryland
Co-host
Title Sponsor
Visionary Sponsor
Showcase Sponsors
Global Reception Sponsors
Governor’s Circle Sponsors
