About The GCF
Our Mission
The Greater Chesapeake Foundation is dedicated to empowering the future of our region by focusing on the well-being, growth, and potential of children and their families. Our mission is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed through our donations of time, talent, and treasure.
GCF’s signature event is the annual Stuff the Train Toy Drive, supporting hospitals, schools, and nonprofits across Maryland with gifts for children. The toys and games that we collect and donate are used throughout the year to celebrate birthdays, acknowledge milestones, support and encourage rehab and recovery, and spread joy and hope during challenging times.
GCF represents the following Insurance and Finance Industry Associations:
- CPCU
- FPA
- NABIP-MD
- NAIFA
- SFSP
- WIFS
Our History
We have deep roots that trace back to 1939, but we have only been known by our current name since 2012. Originally known as the Baltimore Life Underwriters Charitable Foundation, the focus was on providing orphans with gifts for the holidays.
With a vision of creating an endowment so that future generations could continue their dedication to community service, the Board expanded their reach and participation. Rather than continuing to exist as the Charitable Foundation of the Baltimore Life Underwriters, other associations representing the insurance and financial services industry were invited to have a seat at the table and form The Greater Chesapeake Charitable Foundation, now known as the Greater Chesapeake Foundation.
Today, the Board represents the Maryland Chapters of the CPCU Society, Financial Planning Association, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Society of Financial Services Professionals, Women in Insurance and Financial Services, and the National
Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals. We plan to continue our expansion to meet the growing needs of the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Our Goals
- Give our time and/or money to various non-profit organizations whose efforts are in alignment with our mission.
- Encourage greater community involvement by the members of our associations
- Ensure the continuity of the charitable programs of the Greater Chesapeake Foundation.
- Instill the spirit of volunteerism in the insurance and financial services communities.
- Reinforce the integrity of the insurance and financial services industry.
Our Board Members
Executive Director and Past President
Katie Caple, CPCU
Association Membership: CPCU
kcaple@rcmd.com
President
Alex Supplee
Association Membership: SFSP
alex.supplee@gs.com
Vice President
Monique Spagnola
Association Membership: NABIP-MD
mspagnola@dominionnational.com
Treasurer
Sandra S. Patterson, CLTC, ACBC
Association Membership: NAIFA, NABIP-MD
spatterson@pfg-benefits.com
Board Member
Sergio Merino
Sergio.merino.pfs@gmail.com
Board Member
David Bobbitt
Association Membership: NABIP-MD
david@probenefitsplus.com
Board Member
Christie Tinio
Association Membership: NABIP-MD
ctinio@dominionnational.com
Board Member
Lori Houser, CPCU
Association Membership: CPCU
lori.houser@thehartford.com
Board Member
Jodi Marlow
Jodi.marlow@ushadvisors.com
Board Member
Marla Knight
1meknight@gmail.com
Board Member
Jessica Cartwright
jcartwright@aflac.com
Board Member
Mark Sucoloski
Association Membership: NAIFA, NABIP-MD
msucoloski@rcmd.com
Board Member
Board Member
Melissa Coles
Association Membership: NABIP-MD
Melissa.coles@amwins.com
Board Member
Jasmine Keating
Association Membership: NABIP-MD
jasmine@mzqconsulting.com
Board Member
Jen Weaver
jennifer@mccatyinsuranceinc.com
Board Member
Chris Compton, Jr.
CCompton@workforceconcepts-us.com
Board Member
Lwasserman82@gmail.com
Past Executive Director and President
Aaron Kelly
aaron.kelly@lfg.com
Immediate Past President
Eric Smalls
Eric.smalls@goosehead.com
Past President
Steve Pursley
spursley@mid-awa.com