Dobbs Defense Solutions

On the heels of being named the #8 fastest growing company in the Mid-Atlantic Region by Inc. Magazine and the election to the Forbes Technology Council, President and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions, Erica Dobbs, has been named to The Daily Record's listing of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. To be listed among such incredible women is truly an honor and a privilege. We celebrate Erica's drive, dedication, and determination - under her leadership, D2S has grown and prospered, and we are excited to see what comes next. Congratulations to Erica & to all of the 2024 honorees! #thinkd2s

At D2S we stand with the LGBTQ+ community in celebration of Pride. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our values, and we’re proud to support equality for all. #thinkd2s #pridemonth

This AANHPI Heritage Month, we proudly spotlight Dr. Theresa Nguyen, MD, MS, FAAP, an outstanding Maryland leader and pediatrician recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland's top 100 women in 2024. Dr. Nguyen practices integrative medicine, a whole-person approach to healing, incorporating all aspects of lifestyle—mind-body, nutrition, and sleep—in partnership with her patients and families. Dr. Nguyen's impressive academic background includes a degree in biomedical engineering from The Johns Hopkins University, a medical degree, and a master’s degree in health policy from New York University School of Medicine and NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She completed her pediatric residency and Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Recently, she concluded a two-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. With roles as both a health policy analyst and clinician, Dr. Nguyen co-chairs the Education Committee of the Section on Integrative Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has served as past co-chair of the Maryland AAP Pediatric Council. She has been a vital part of the GBMC HealthCare Pediatric Group since 2000 and is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. As Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Dr. Nguyen founded the GBMC Medical Staff Wellness Committee in May 2020 to combat clinician burnout and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. She initiated the first Medical Staff Wellness Survey, leading to the creation of a Wellness Oasis Room and comprehensive support programs for her colleagues. In addition to her clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Nguyen delivered her first TEDXTalk, "Why Young Adults Don’t Need Your Advice," encouraging young adults to face their fears and embrace imperfection. Join us in celebrating Dr. Nguyen’s remarkable contributions and her dedication to integrative wellness for both patients and healthcare professionals. #thinkd2s #AANHPIHeritageMonth #MarylandLeader #IntegrativeMedicine #Top100Women #HealthcareHero #WellnessChampion

As we close out Military Appreciation Month, join us in honoring the bravery and dedication of Gov. Wes Moore, the 63rd Governor of Maryland and a true American hero. Governor Moore is a decorated US Army veteran, having served as a Captain in the United States Army's 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. His remarkable journey from serving his country to leading his state exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership excellence. Governor Moore's commitment to public service extends beyond his military career; he is also a renowned author, social entrepreneur, and advocate for education and social justice. His leadership sets a shining example for all, inspiring us with his resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the world. Thank you for your service and leadership, Governor Moore! #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #GovernorWesMoore #thinkd2S #LeadershipExcellence

In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, we proudly spotlight Harry Bhandari PhD, a trailblazing Nepalese-born American politician and educator. Since 2019, Bhandari has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the eighth district, making history as the first Nepali American elected to a state legislature in the United States. Bhandari's journey from Nepal to the U.S. in 2005 is a testament to his resilience and dedication. He worked multiple jobs, including a night shift at a gas station in Baltimore, to support his family while pursuing his passion for education. In Nepal, he was one of the youngest school principals, often walking hours on foot to reach his school. As a public school teacher in Baltimore, Bhandari's commitment to his students goes beyond the classroom. After witnessing the tragic loss of a student to gun violence, he introduced legislation to promote non-violent mediation and strengthen Maryland’s gun control laws. His legislative efforts extend to lowering prescription drug costs, reducing ER wait times, and securing nearly a million dollars for local school and park upgrades. Bhandari's story is one of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to community service. His dedication to giving back to the country that embraced him exemplifies the spirit of AANHPI Heritage Month. Join us in celebrating Harry Bhandari’s contributions and his ongoing efforts to make a positive impact. #AANHPIHeritageMonth #MarylandPride #CommunityLeader #Education #PublicService #thinkd2s #marylandleader Erica Dobbs

Dobbs Defense Solutions salutes Lieutenant General (Retired) Bruce Crawford of the US Army. for his exceptional service and leadership. A native of Columbia, S.C., Lt. Gen. Crawford served as the Army Chief Information Officer (CIO)/G-6, guiding the Army's IT and cybersecurity strategy. Commissioned through South Carolina State University's ROTC program, Lt. Gen. Crawford holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University, and an M.S. in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His 34-year Army career included key leadership roles such as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, J6 Director of Cyber/CIO at U.S. European Command, and Special Assistant to the Army Chief Of Staff. His distinguished service earned him numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. He also holds the Master Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab. After retiring in 2020, Lt. Gen. Crawford joined Jacobs, leading global digital transformation initiatives. Currently, Lt. Gen. Crawford is a board member at Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and Foundation Risk Partners. He also chairs the Mentoring Program at the BEYA (Black Engineer of the Year) STEM Conference, demonstrating his commitment to fostering future leaders in STEM. We salute Lt. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford for his unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to our nation's security and technological advancement. #thinkd2s #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #HonorAndServe #Leadership #STEM Erica Dobbs

In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, we proudly spotlight Dr. Noni Byrnes, a trailblazing leader born and raised in Pakistan, now serving as Director of the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at the The National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Byrnes' journey from Pakistan to the U.S. for college, where she earned her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Emory University, is a testament to her dedication and passion for science. Dr. Byrnes began her illustrious career in the pharmaceutical division of Procter & Gamble, developing and evaluating analytical methods for drug development. In 2000, she joined CSR as a Scientific Review Officer, rising through the ranks to become Director in February 2019. Her leadership has been transformative; she spearheaded the launch of a new data-driven framework for continuous evaluation of over 170 study sections, enhancing the NIH peer review process with quantitative measures and expert input from the scientific community. Dr. Byrnes' contributions extend to numerous high-profile initiatives, including the ARRA Challenge Grants and the All-of-Us initiative. Her exceptional leadership and innovative approach continue to shape the future of scientific research. Join us in celebrating Dr. Noni Byrnes, a shining star in the AANHPI community, whose work impacts not just Maryland, but the entire scientific world. #thinkd2s #AANHPIHeritageMonth #MarylandPride #marylandleaders Erica Dobbs

Congratulations to my alma mater University of Maryland for winning the largest research contract in the university's history! This $500 million agreement will enhance the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security’s efforts in tackling complex national security issues. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see small businesses, both cleared and uncleared, participate in meeting the mission requirements and contribute to this vital cause. #GoTerps! Dobbs Defense Solutions

Dobbs Defense Solutions celebrates Command Sergeant Major Sheryl D. Lyon of the US Army, the Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Cyber Command. Her leadership roles have spanned from Team Sergeant to Command Sergeant Major, with her most recent positions as CSM of U.S. Cyber Command and Senior Enlisted Leader of the National Security Agency (NSA) at U. S. Army Garrison Fort George G. Meade. Her extensive education includes the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and various specialized courses, and she holds a B.A. in Spanish from Western Kentucky University. CSM Lyon's commendations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star, among many others. She is also a proud mother to Alison, an Army Veterinarian. We salute CSM Lyon for her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to our nation's security. #thinkd2s #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, we proudly celebrate Steve Chu, a Baltimore-born trailblazer in the culinary world. Splitting his time between Montgomery County and Baltimore, Chu’s journey to becoming a celebrated chef is marked by perseverance and passion. Though his father, a chef, discouraged him from following the same path, Chu’s dream of opening his own restaurant led him to study economics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. While volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Chu met his future business partners, Nikhil Yesupriya and Ephrem Abebe. After gaining experience at Chipotle Mexican Grill, Shophouse, Kin Shop, Petit Louis, and his family restaurants, Chu and his partners opened Ekiben Baltimore, an Asian fusion fast-casual stand in a farmers market in 2014. By 2016, Ekiben moved to its own location in Fell’s Point, expanded to Hampden in 2019, and opened a third location in Riverside in 2023. Ekiben’s mission is to create a welcoming space for everyone to try something new, bridging Baltimore’s economic and racial divides “one bun at a time.” Known for its inventive dishes like the “Neighborhood Bird” and “tofu brah,” Ekiben quickly gained a cult following and earned numerous accolades, including being named the best place to get a sandwich in Maryland by Travel + Leisure Co. and a The James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2023. Chu’s dedication extends beyond his restaurants. He’s involved in Youth Works, a summer program for teens in Baltimore, providing job training and mentorship. His story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the love of food. Join us in celebrating Steve Chu’s contributions to Baltimore’s vibrant culinary scene and his unwavering commitment to making everyone feel welcome. #thinkd2s #AANHPIHeritageMonth #BaltimorePride #CulinaryInnovator #CommunityLeader #marylandleader Erica Dobbs