Mark R. Jafari has worked in corporate finance for over 22 years. He holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from Georgia State University and a BA in Telecommunications from Indiana University. 

He relocated to Frederick in 2011 and took a leadership role with the Student Homeless Initiative Partnership because of his interest in housing and homelessness issues. He was elected to the Democratic Central Committee where he served for 5 years. He is the President of the United Democrats of Frederick County which educates the public on broad issues of social justice, the election process and legislative matters. 

Mark has two daughters, both products of Frederick County Public Schools. He has been active in their school’s drama and choir boosters and Safe and Sane.

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.

Chris Martin 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.

Shannon Bohrer served with the Maryland State Police for 27 years and then as an Instructor for the Federal Bureau of Investigation before retirement. He holds an M.B.A. from Frostburg State University and a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Baltimore.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Shannon developed workshops and served as a panelist and presenter at conferences, participated in grant research and special projects, and guest-lectured at academies. He presented “De-Escalation: Reducing Liability and Increasing Safety” for the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Shannon is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. He writes a monthly column, “Words from Winterbilt,” for the Emmitsburg News-Journal.  

Sebastian Perez 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.

Steve Fennington is a design consultant with Maryland Sunrooms. Prior to that he worked for 30 years in community banking for Frederick County with Frederick County Bank and Sandy Spring Bank. 

Steve is a dedicated community volunteer, which has included the Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County – where he received the Paul Harris Fellow award. He has also given time to Blessings in a Backpack of Frederick, Interfaith Housing (serving as a financial counselor) and BNI Member and Group President.

He attended University of Maryland University College and studied Business Management. He is a proud member of Leadership Frederick County, Class of 2014.

Kevin Grubb has served the community as a veteran of the US Air Force, Frederick police officer and as a licensed Maryland real estate agent for more than 30 years. After retiring from the police, he joined the team of a local builder which increased his knowledge of housing needs gained from his other professions. He is currently the Deputy Director of Maryland Veterans Justice Initiative.

He is a Mount St. Mary’s University, Frederick Community College and Leadership Frederick County graduate. He is actively involved in the community as a driver for the Veteran’s Administration, where he transports individuals to receive medical services. He has held volunteer leadership roles in the Frederick Republican Central Committee and with the Fraternal Order of Police. 

Kevin is married with 3 grown sons and lives in Frederick. He is passionate about helping young people navigate their way to homeownership as they face college debt and other barriers.

Mary Ellen Mitchell has spent 20 years in the nonprofit community in Frederick working in the fields of education, health and housing. She has created programs for housing and financial stability and is a trained financial coach. She has served on coalitions/boards related to homelessness/housing support and developed relationships with the nonprofit housing continuum, businesses and public officials. She has experience with the pre-development phases of building affordable housing and various funding methods required to create private/public partnerships. She has served as a member of the Frederick County Affordable Housing Council and the Homeless Coalition and is a charter member of the Frederick Coalition for Financial Stability. She speaks on housing topics locally and has presented at a national USDA conference

She loves to collaborate with, advocate for and educate the Frederick County community on affordable housing issues, and especially economic empowerment. By developing partnerships with interested organizations and nonprofits, Mary Ellen will bring an awareness of the needs of those seeking affordable housing in Frederick County.

Mary Ellen holds a BA in Political Sociology from American University and is a graduate of Leadership Frederick County.