BOARD MEMBERS

Chris Martin, Board Chair

Chris has been in the branding and digital marketing field for over a decade, growing businesses from restaurants and bars to gyms and hair salons.  Whether it is a brand-new company logo or an existing company that needs a new social presence, he has done it.  He is the owner and creator of Convoy Creatives.

Chris is an active member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and Impact Club.  Being a Frederick County native his whole life, Chris believes that creating partnerships to last for years is essential to strengthening the community.  He has recently partnered with Ballenger Creek Elementary School, giving a percentage of his monthly sales to ensure that students who don’t qualify for reduced/free lunch programs do not go hungry.

In addition to being a board member for Housing Frederick, Chris resides in Point of Rocks with his beautiful wife and adorable daughter, where you might see them hiking, playing music on the porch or having dinner and drinks at one of Downtown Frederick’s finest establishments.

Sebastian Perez, Board Treasurer

Sebastian directs multiple sites for SECU as a Financial Center Manager.

He has made his career in financial services and banking over the past two decades.

His experience includes managing and coaching team members and business development.

Sebastian served in the United States Marine Corps.

Carole Jaar Sepe, Board Secretary

Carole is a resident of Frederick County, Maryland, who immigrated to the United States from Haiti in 1976 and, is fluent in French, Spanish and Creole languages. Carole holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Architecture with a concentration in Urban Planning from Catholic University. As a small business owner and a construction consultant since 1987, she has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry and specializes in affordable housing.

Carole is a former member of the Frederick County Planning Commission (2015-2025). She previously also served on the Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals (2010-2013). Over the years, Carole has also served as a member of several other local boards including the Frederick County Student Homeless Initiative Partnership (SHIP), the Frederick Professional Women’s Network (ProNet) and was the Coordinator of the Consultants Trainers Resource Network (CTRN) at Frederick Community College. She was an Instructor of the Spanish Business program of Montgomery College between 1993 and 1995 and received a Governor’s Citation for founding the Latin American Business Development Association (LABDA) in 1995.

Carole has been a member of the building committees at New Life Christian School, Saint John Catholic Prep and Saint Joseph on Carrollton Manor Catholic Church. She was appointed by the Governor to the Maryland Commission for Women (MCW) in 2015 and reappointed in 2019 and served as 2 nd Vice-Chair until 2023. She was also President of the Frederick County League of Women Voters and has served on the Board from 2015 to 2022.

James Baker

Vivian Duran

Vivian provides technical management assistance to housing organizations across a 21-state Northeast and Midwest region, supporting increased housing production, organizational capacity building, and long-term self-sufficiency. Highly knowledgeable in USDA Rural Development Section 523 grant and Section 502 mortgage programs, with demonstrated expertise in compliance monitoring, organizational assessments, construction oversight, and program reporting.  Extensive experience in affordable residential construction, property management, housing counseling, loan packaging, and organizational administration. Experienced in delivering homeownership education, financial and credit counseling. As well as loan application processing, construction and repair coordination. Brings a strong background in contract management, budgeting, human resources, and policy enforcement. Works closely with grantees, lenders, boards of directors, and partners to advance affordable housing initiatives through customer-focused service.

A long-time Maryland resident, she has lived in Frederick County for nearly 20 years and was born and raised in Montgomery County. She is a dedicated mother of three, including a son serving in the U.S. Army with two grandsons and two daughters pursuing higher education and athletics. Deeply rooted in her community, she values family, service, and personal growth.

Sarah Harne, a lifelong resident of Frederick County, joined the board with experience in the residential housing industry working with a top regional production builder and from being on staff at the Frederick County Building Industry Association where she is now a proud member. 

Bringing a unique blend of marketing and communication skills, along with her genuine passion and extensive connections in the Frederick building industry, Sarah is well-prepared to contribute to the board's mission. Currently, she works for a Built-Environment Marketing firm in downtown Frederick.

Beyond her professional commitments, Sarah wears many hats as a mom to three kids and the proud spouse of a first responder. Even with a busy schedule, she remains dedicated to promoting affordable housing and supporting the growth of the local building industry.

Brandon Skaggs brings two decades of expertise in private wealth management, real estate investment analysis, and asset management. His career in financial services is distinguished by a commitment to strategic planning and client-focused solutions, supported by advanced credentials including an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s University, the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation, and the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.

As a Financial Advisor with Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Brandon works closely with individuals, families, and businesses to deliver comprehensive wealth management strategies and financial planning that address the full balance sheet and support their long-term goals.

A proud resident of Frederick County, Brandon lives in Middletown with his four children. He is an active member of the community, coaching youth lacrosse and participating in adult hockey and lacrosse leagues. Brandon also served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.