Congratulations to Greater Salisbury Committee (GSC) President and CEO Mike Dunn on being named to The Daily Record’s 2026 MD500 list. The MD500 recognizes Maryland’s most influential and impactful leaders statewide.
Additionally, Mike was once again named one of The Daily Record’s Influential Marylanders in 2026 as the program celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking his second time receiving this distinguished honor.
Throughout his 10 years of leading GSC, Mike has brought people and organizations together to address some of the region’s most pressing needs. His leadership has helped launch initiatives focused on mental health, education, infrastructure, community development, civic engagement and women’s leadership. He has championed transformative projects and memorable community moments that continue to shape the Greater Salisbury area.
Some of the key initiatives developed and advanced under Mike’s leadership since 2016, include:
The creation of Healthy Minds for Shore, a community-based mental and behavioral health initiative which has led to Kennedy Krieger, Chimes International and Benedictine announcing their intent to provide much-needed physical, emotional, and developmental support services for the youth in our community.
In conjunction with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, GSC helped establish the Wicomico County Education Foundation to create a strong funding foundation to bolster and support our public school system.
Launched and hosts the Transformational Community Leadership (TCL) series, an immersive leadership series held every two years in partnership with Salisbury University.
Together with partners at PACE at Salisbury University and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, GSC holds candidate forums during each election cycle to better inform the public.
Created the new Salisbury Community Development Corporation, a 501 c3 organization created to support and revitalize communities.
Organized the creation of a Blue-Ribbon Panel on Education, which led directly to increased support for education and an investment plan for education in our county public schools.
Revitalized the longstanding Water and Sewer Task Force, helping drive Wicomico County’s first direct new investment in addressing the region’s septic challenges.
Rallied the community and served as catalyst for the American Idol contestant Jay Copeland’s free community concert, which brought nearly 5000 people together to celebrate Jay’s success.
Conceived the idea to move the Wicomico Library to its new location on Schumaker Pond, and worked in tandem with Salisbury University as it chose Downtown Salisbury as the location for its planned Performing Arts Center.
Created and launched the Women’s Leadership Council in 2021 to inspire and empower women in the greater Salisbury area to flourish as professional leaders in their life, work, and community.
We are also proud to celebrate the many GSC members recognized among the prestigious MD500 list:
Jennifer Poulsen, Hebron Savings Bank (Banking)
Gil Allen, Allen & Allen Chtd. (Business Law)
Melissa Drew, InSite BUILD (Construction)
Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders (Construction)
David Wilson, US Wind (Energy)
Steven Leonard, TidalHealth (Healthcare)
Heidi Anderson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Higher Education)
Carolyn Lepre, Salisbury University (Higher Education)
Erica Joseph, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (Nonprofits)
Jonathon Rondeau, Fello (Nonprofits)
Clay Elliott, The Salisbury School (Private Schools)
Congratulations to Mike and all the GSC members on this recognition!
