History of Maryland FBLA
The Maryland Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has a storied history that began in April 1957 with its first chapter at Forest Park High School in Baltimore. Sandy Oden, the inaugural State President, led Maryland FBLA from 1968 to 1969, setting a strong foundation for what has become a thriving organization.
Today, Maryland FBLA is organized into five dynamic regions, each led by a dedicated Region Vice President. The State Officer Team is made up of the State President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Reporter-Historian, and Parliamentarian, all working together to guide and inspire the 3,000 students served annually.
Maryland's impact on FBLA extends beyond the state, with 12 national officers, 6 collegiate national officers, 2 professional division national officers, and a member of the National Board of Directors. Our chapter’s influence and commitment have been recognized nationwide.
One of Maryland’s proudest achievements is the recognition of 13 advisers on the National Center’s Wall of Fame. This prestigious honor is reserved for those who have dedicated at least 20 years to the organization. The esteemed advisers include:
- Raeann Katzbeck, Baltimore (1966)
- Ruby Burgin, Waldorf (1996)
- Karen L. Teach, Hagerstown (1996)
- Janet L. Devore, Severna Park (2000)
- Janice Icenhower, Annapolis (2000)
- Ray J. Guy, Morganza (2004)
- Miriam Dyer, Federalsburg (2007)
- Louis T. Kaminski, Baltimore (2007)
- Debra Groff, Glen Burnie (2009)
- Margaret P. Armentrout, Morganza (2009)
- Nancy Tassa, Northern (2018)
-Edward Roark, Middletown (2020)
-Teresa Waters, Clarksville (2020)
Maryland FBLA has achieved remarkable milestones at the local, state, and national levels, and its history is still being written. The future holds even greater promise as we continue to shape the next generation of business leaders.
Today, Maryland FBLA is organized into five dynamic regions, each led by a dedicated Region Vice President. The State Officer Team is made up of the State President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Reporter-Historian, and Parliamentarian, all working together to guide and inspire the 3,000 students served annually.
Maryland's impact on FBLA extends beyond the state, with 12 national officers, 6 collegiate national officers, 2 professional division national officers, and a member of the National Board of Directors. Our chapter’s influence and commitment have been recognized nationwide.
One of Maryland’s proudest achievements is the recognition of 13 advisers on the National Center’s Wall of Fame. This prestigious honor is reserved for those who have dedicated at least 20 years to the organization. The esteemed advisers include:
- Raeann Katzbeck, Baltimore (1966)
- Ruby Burgin, Waldorf (1996)
- Karen L. Teach, Hagerstown (1996)
- Janet L. Devore, Severna Park (2000)
- Janice Icenhower, Annapolis (2000)
- Ray J. Guy, Morganza (2004)
- Miriam Dyer, Federalsburg (2007)
- Louis T. Kaminski, Baltimore (2007)
- Debra Groff, Glen Burnie (2009)
- Margaret P. Armentrout, Morganza (2009)
- Nancy Tassa, Northern (2018)
-Edward Roark, Middletown (2020)
-Teresa Waters, Clarksville (2020)
Maryland FBLA has achieved remarkable milestones at the local, state, and national levels, and its history is still being written. The future holds even greater promise as we continue to shape the next generation of business leaders.
National Officers from Maryland
| Year | Name | Position |
| 1957-1958 | Dorothy Newberrey | Eastern Region VP |
| 1961-1962 | George Bennett | Eastern Region VP |
| 1964-1965 | Janice Shafer | Eastern Region VP |
| 1965-1966 | Linda Pounsberry | Eastern Region VP |
| 1980-1981 | Nancy Gorsuch | Eastern Region VP |
| 1985-1986 | Julian Matthew | Eastern Region VP |
| 1991-1992 | Clint Summers | Eastern Region VP |
| 2004-2005 | Warren Zentz | Eastern Region VP |
| 2006-2007 | Milan Thakor | Secretary |
| 2010-2011 | Karthik Krishnan | Treasurer |
| 2013-2014 | Natalie Tran | Eastern Region VP |
| 2024-2025 | Olivia Herrin | Secretary VP |
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