Thirteen years ago, a Tennessee-born travel writer arrived in Talbot County with a storyteller’s eye, a strategist’s mind, and a deep appreciation for the places that make communities special.
During her years covering the Mid-Atlantic for Southern Living Magazine, Cassandra Vanhooser had visited Talbot County more than once to tell its story. But it was when she moved here in 2013 to lead its tourism efforts that she became part of that story. Over the next 13 years, she would help shape the county’s future, championing its businesses, promoting its communities, and building partnerships that elevated Talbot County’s reputation across Maryland and beyond.
This month, Vanhooser leaves her role as director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism to become managing director of the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism, taking with her the experience, relationships, and vision that helped build one of Maryland’s most respected local economic development and tourism programs.
Vanhooser’s departure marks the end of an era for Talbot County, where she spent more than a decade building partnerships, championing local businesses, elevating the county’s profile, and creating innovative programs that have become models for communities across the state.
At a recent farewell celebration attended by elected officials, business leaders, tourism advocates, educators, and longtime partners, the recurring theme was clear. Vanhooser’s impact extends far beyond any single project.
“Talbot County is such an extraordinary place,” Vanhooser told the group. “I have worked really hard to make sure that the world knows that because I have been so honored to work for Talbot County.”
Vanhooser first joined Talbot County as tourism director after a successful career as a writer for Southern Living, where she traveled extensively and interviewed notable figures, including President Jimmy Carter and baseball legend Hank Aaron. Her ability to tell compelling stories about places and people would become one of her greatest professional assets.
Recognizing the natural connection between attracting visitors and growing a local economy, Talbot County later combined its tourism and economic development functions under her leadership, becoming one of the first counties in Maryland to do so.
“Combining tourism with economic development made perfect sense,” said former Talbot County Council Member Laura Everngam. “If you bring people here and they fall in love with the county, they’re going to want to do business here.”
Over the years, Vanhooser helped launch and strengthen initiatives that supported entrepreneurs, expanded workforce development opportunities, advanced broadband access, secured grant funding, promoted regional collaboration, and elevated Talbot County’s reputation statewide. She said one of her proudest accomplishments was helping establish Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe near the Town of Queen Anne.
At Chesapeake College, her advocacy helped turn a vision for skilled trades education into reality.
“She was instrumental in getting significant federal and county grant funding that helped us with skilled trades,” said Chesapeake College President Dr. Cliff Coppersmith, who serves as vice-chairman of the Talbot County Economic Development Commission. “She’s been a great supporter of the college and a huge partner for all of Talbot County.”
Coppersmith also credited Vanhooser with helping guide a strategic plan that earned unanimous support from the Talbot County Council and balances economic growth with preservation of the county’s quality of life.
Economic Development Commission Immediate Past Chair Reza Jafari said Vanhooser’s influence has been felt well beyond Talbot County’s borders. “I’ve seen how impactful her work is, not only for Talbot County,” Jafari said. “Other counties look at Talbot as a model.”
Jafari believes one of Vanhooser’s greatest strengths is her ability to bring people together. “Her leadership skills and enthusiasm allow her to convene people, collaborate, and move projects forward,” he said. “She’s a very strong collaborator.”
That reputation for partnership was echoed by Scott Warner, executive director of the Mid-Shore Regional Council, who worked closely with Vanhooser for more than a decade.
“It’s been wonderful to see how our partnership has grown,” Warner said. “She spearheaded 14 projects through the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund, including the strategic plan she and her stakeholders developed. This plan will have a long-term impact when fully implemented on where the county goes for years to come.”
Warner credited Vanhooser with demonstrating how regional cooperation can produce meaningful results, while Vanhooser said he taught her valuable lessons about building successful partnerships among communities that might otherwise view themselves as competitors. “That’s something I will take with me,” she said. “Scott taught me how to make regional partnerships work.”
Talbot County Tourism Board Chairman Capt. Judy Bixler described Vanhooser’s departure as “bittersweet.”
“I’m very excited for her, but I’m also going to miss her tremendously,” Bixler said. “She knows the Eastern Shore. She knows tourism. She’s a marketing genius who really understands the field. Maryland tourism is absolutely in good hands with her at the helm.”
Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan praised Vanhooser’s ability to build teams and raise standards. “She’s been really the heartbeat of economic development and tourism,” Callahan said. “Her skills and experience are why the state is taking her. She knows what she’s doing, she’s built a team around her, and she’s raised the bar.”
County Manager Clay Stamp said Vanhooser’s contributions touched nearly every aspect of county government.
“Throughout her career, Cassandra has served as a convener, connector, and trusted resource for businesses, community organizations, and government partners,” Stamp said. “Her leadership has helped position Talbot County for long-term success while preserving the unique character and quality of life that make our community special.”
While colleagues praised her accomplishments, Vanhooser focused her remarks on gratitude. She thanked elected officials, volunteers, advisory board members, county staff, and community partners who helped turn ideas into reality.
“We have done some extraordinary things together,” she said. “I couldn’t be more honored and grateful that I’ve gotten to serve here and live here and be part of this group.”
For Talbot County, her departure represents both an ending and a beginning. The storyteller who spent 13 years sharing Talbot County’s story with the world now has an even larger stage.
From the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains of Western Maryland, from small towns to major cities, Vanhooser’s next chapter will focus on helping visitors discover what she discovered herself years ago: a place worth loving, protecting, and sharing.
And while her office will move to the 14th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center, a piece of her heart will remain firmly planted in Talbot County.
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About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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