The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable Brings Business, Government and Health Leaders Together

By Raoul Dennis

The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable convened its Board of Directors on July 8 at the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, bringing together influential business, government and health-care leaders for discussions on federal policy, county priorities and the future of retail development in Prince George’s County.

The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable is a nonprofit, nonpartisan alliance of chief executives established to strengthen the county’s political, economic and community environment. Through meetings, policy discussions and partnerships, the organization provides a forum where private-sector leaders can engage directly with elected officials and institutional decision-makers on issues affecting economic growth and quality of life. (bizroundtable.org)

Board Chair B. Doyle Mitchell called the meeting to order, while Nathaniel “Nat” Richardson Jr., president and CEO of University of Maryland Capital Region Health, welcomed the Roundtable to the hospital campus. Richardson has led the regional health system since 2020 and has more than three decades of health-care experience. His tenure includes leadership of the system anchored by the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo and facilities serving Laurel and Bowie. (UMMS)

Roundtable President and CEO M.H. Jim Estepp delivered the president’s report and introduced a program featuring three public officials addressing issues with significant implications for the county.

“The Roundtable believes that a good working relationship with our elected officials is fundamental to creating jobs and providing revenue for the county and region,” Estepp said after the meeting. “The presentations by Congressman Glenn Ivey and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford and Danielle Hunter at our recent meeting were welcomed by our members because of their clarity and insightfulness.”

U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey opened the occasion with “The View from Capitol Hill.” Ivey represents Maryland’s 4th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations and Ethics committees. His congressional priorities have included protecting federal workers, public safety, economic opportunity and reducing costs for working families—issues with particular significance in Prince George’s County. (Congressman Glenn Ivey)

“It's an honor to be able to serve in this position, especially at this time.,” Ivey said of serving in Congress at this moment in U.S. history. “I know these are challenging times for the county, for the country, really for the world. It's an honor to have a chance to be in that fight right now, to be in that arena right now.”

Ivey’s message was one of re-dedication to the best possibilities for the county. See full story, “Stay Positive, Keep Moving,” here.

Prince George’s County Council Member Danielle Hunter offered “The Heart of the County.” Hunter was appointed to represent District 6 in January 2026 after previously serving as director of appointments in County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s administration. Her district includes communities such as District Heights, Forestville, Kettering, Largo and Mitchellville. (PGC Council)

“I believe economic development should always begin with one question,” she said as she began sharing her vision for District 6. “That question is, how does this improve the lives of the people who already live here?”

With a blushing smile, Hunter acknowledged her own July 8 birthday before continuing.

“Safer communities, healthier families, educational advancement for you. I aligned all my vision around that as I walked through the community and talked to my constituents.

Some of the businesses I'd like to see are agricultural locations. Farming, expanding incubators for teaching young kids about agriculture, gardening, the medical and healthcare facilities, improving our primary care physicians, relationships with our constituents.”

See full story July 27.

Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford addressed “A New Look at Retail.”

Adams-Stafford offered a full presentation that included numerous ideas and initiatives that her office is developing.

“I've met with her before, and she has an idea a minute,” said Roundtable President and CEO M.H. Jim Estepp, who is also the founder of the GPGBR. “I love seeing people with ideas and solutions to problems.”

Adams-Stafford energetically began introducing numerous initiatives that are part of her vision – many now in the execution stages.

“One of the things that we have focused on as a result of talking to community members is this real desire for us to upgrade the retail in our region. One of the things that I am hoping to pass soon will be a Landover Redevelopment Authority,” she said.

“I’m very excited about that because we have so many assets in Landover, the former Landover Mall, the Commander's site, all down RT 202. Some of these areas just have been lighted or neglected for several decades.”

Elected in a June 2025 special election, Adams-Stafford represents District 5, which includes communities surrounding major redevelopment and commercial corridors such as Landover. A former Prince George’s County Board of Education member, she also serves on committees dealing with education, workforce development, planning, housing and economic development. (PGC Council)

The gathering reflected the Roundtable’s continuing role as a bridge between corporate leadership and public policy—creating a setting where decisions in Washington, county government, health care and commercial development can be examined through the lens of Prince George’s County’s economic future.