Elizabeth Hines, Chief Administrative Officer at BlackSea Technologies, will speak on how Maryland's defense industrial base is evolving to meet modern national security demands. BlackSea Technologies is a leader in maritime innovation, currently manufacturing hundreds of Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) for the Department of Defense. With deep roots in Baltimore and a rapidly scaling workforce, the company exemplifies how advanced manufacturing and mission-driven innovation are shaping the region’s economic future.

Elizabeth brings over a decade of leadership experience within BlackSea and a prior 15-year career in state and local government. She will share insights on scaling emerging defense technologies, building a resilient workforce, and navigating the public-private intersections driving growth across the Baltimore Region.