JOE PETITO

Joe Petito has a background in law and public policy advocacy and has been extensively involved in both fields during his nearly 40-year professional career. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from Rutgers University and a juris doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He is a retired principal from PricewaterhouseCoopers and currently serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the NASBA Center for the Public Trust.

BRIAN DUNNE

Brian Dunne is a vice president, senior portfolio manager, financial advisor, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at Morgan Stanley. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Mr. Dunne focuses on comprehensive financial planning with a focus on retirement for individuals and families. He works closely with corporate executives, government employees and the defense industry. His team also serves as consultants for nonprofits and corporate retirement plans. His areas of focus include financial planning, rollover IRAs, asset management, 529 plans, and retirement income planning.

This time last year the world was deep in the early stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the economy stalled as businesses were forced to close or drastically alter operations. Schools were closed and all of America was feeling the impact of this deadly virus. A year later we still are in the midst of the pandemic, however, in Maryland, we have adapted to the “current normal” and have shown the resiliency and determination that makes our state so great. Our economy is on the path to recovery, and while some industries never slowed down, many others adapted to the restrictions and challenges forced by the pandemic and continued to serve customers while protecting employees and the public they serve.

The Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (O&P) supports 24 professions and occupations, and the resiliency I mentioned above is seen every day as we work with our licensees to ensure the safety of all Maryland residents. We have added thousands of new occupational and professional licenses since the onset of the pandemic and many Marylanders have taken the steps to secure gainful employment and support their families and the Maryland economy. Our Team at O&P has worked through the pandemic to provide the highest level of service to our licensees while protecting the health of our team. We will continue the mission of O&P “To help foster economic growth by assisting our customers in a timely, professional manner while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public by assuring that our licensees have met a standard of expertise.”

I join all Marylanders in the hope and vision of an end to this pandemic and a return to the life we knew before its onset. It may take some time, but patience and determination will be the key to a successful return to normal life inclusive of a flourishing economy and our ability to enjoy time with family and friends.

Best wishes for a great summer of 2021 and Go O’s!