Jessica Young

Jessica Young is a Board Member of First Maryland Disability Trust (FMDT). She joined the organization in 2024. Jessica decided to become engaged with special needs trust management because she wanted to better understand the services FMDT can provide clients and help support the trust’s continued growth. 

With a rich industry experience spanning two decades, Jessica has been recognized for her exceptional contributions. She was handpicked to spearhead the development of a new CCRC at Home Program, crafting all policies and procedures for the care of enrolled members. Her strategic acumen was further demonstrated when she successfully acquired, restructured, and rebranded a fifteen-year-old company, leading it to zero turnover and sustained growth. Her expertise in memory impairment led to multiple invitations to present at the prestigious JHH Memory Clinic Annual Conference.

Outside of FMDT, Jessica works with the Ferretto Young Care Management Consulting, LLC, and is an Aging Life Care Association member. In her free time, she enjoys various activities with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

Andrew T. Mazan, Esq.

Andrew T. Mazan, Esq. is a Board Member of the First Maryland Disability Trust and brings a wealth of experience to the organization. He received his J.D. Degree from the University of Baltimore and is a licensed attorney in Maryland.

With eight years of industry experience, Andrew became involved with FMDT because he was drawn to our mission of providing cost-effective special needs trust management services that enhance the quality of life, autonomy, and dignity for Marylanders of all ages with disabilities. His career as an attorney has shed some light on the intricacies of the field and the importance of integrity, empathy, professionalism, and client care while managing assets.

Andrew also brings a unique perspective to FMDT as a cancer survivor. He understands firsthand that client care and patient care exist in managing claims, client interaction, and empathy. He believes that human beings are not merely numbers or case files; they are real people with disabilities who have trusted us for a reason.

Andrew’s accomplishments throughout his career make him a valuable asset to FMDT. He’s successfully argued for permanent total disability for an injured worker who sustained a
catastrophic injury and was unable to return to the workforce in any capacity. Andrew testified and assisted with lobbying efforts in Annapolis on a bill prohibiting liability waivers for negligence in recreational facilities. He actively represents clients who have sustained injuries on the job, those who’ve been injured and need lifelong medical care, or were injured as the result of negligence.

When Andrew is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their two chihuahuas, Wally and Gus. He is an active member of his community, and he particularly enjoys biking, traveling, and attending Orioles games.

Christopher J. Blair

Christopher Blair joined FMDT in January 2024, bringing with him 15 years of experience in finance and 10 years of expertise in advising individuals and families.

Currently employed at VSM Wealth Advisory, LLC as an Investment Counselor, Chris holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Loyola University Maryland. His profound understanding of the investment realm enables him to adeptly allocate funds for individuals, ensuring a lifetime of income while minimizing investment risks.

Coming from a large family, Chris has three relatives with special needs. His direct involvement, both within his family and through client interactions, has equipped him with firsthand experience in assisting families to establish protective measures for their special needs children, ensuring their future security and access to deserved benefits.

Michael I. Levine, Esq.

Treasurer

Michael Levine is the current vice president and treasurer of FMDT’s Board of Directors. He has been with FMDT since 2009. Michael’s experience in wealth management and trust divisions has spanned over four decades, where he has worked for various financial institutions.

A member of the Maryland State Bar Association since 1974, Michael’s most rewarding professional experiences have been working with clients and families with special needs. In addition, his legal and wealth management background allows him to offer critical input to plan and administer trusts and estates.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Stevenson University in the Department of Legal Studies.

Michael is involved with several community organizations in addition to First Maryland Disability Trust. He is a board member at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center and his homeowner’s association. He also serves as a legal volunteer with Seasons Hospice and is on several synagogue committees.

Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and traveling to interesting places in his free time.

Alex J. Zarzecki, Esq.

Vice President

Alex Zarzecki has served on the FMDT Board of Directors since the spring of 2021. He also holds roles on the Trust and Governance Committees. He is an attorney with Frank, Frank, & Scherr, LLC, where he specializes in estate, special needs, and medical assistance planning, as well as trust administration and guardianships. His expertise in elder law makes him a valuable asset to our board.

Alex’s legal practice has included special needs planning for almost ten years. He has worked first-hand with FMDT clients, giving him a deep understanding of the beneficiary’s perspective and needs. While serving as a fiduciary as both a court-appointed guardian and trustee, Alex gained an understanding of fiduciary duties and beneficiaries’ points of view. Having experiences on both sides of the equation allows him to bring helpful suggestions that promote beneficial solutions.

Alex has a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park Robert H. Smith School of Business. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and has practiced as an elder law attorney since 2012. Alex has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law and a guest lecturer on legal issues and the elderly at the Johns Hopkins University Odyssey Program.

Alex belongs to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the National Elder Law Foundation, the Maryland State Bar Association, the Baltimore County Bar Association, and the Baltimore City Bar Association.

Alex enjoys spending his free time outdoors cycling, running, hiking, and exercising. A Marylander through and through, he lives in Baltimore and describes himself as a “diehard” Baltimore Ravens and University of Maryland basketball fan.

Fred Whiton

Fred Whiton serves as a valued member of the Finance Committee on the Board of Directors for the First Maryland Disability Trust (FMDT), having joined the organization in 2019. With an impressive 35 years of industry experience, Fred brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

Educated at the University of Maryland, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, George Washington University, and The University of Chicago, Fred holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Administration. His professional journey began as a Design Engineer at General Dynamics, where he later advanced to the position of Group Engineer at Lockheed Martin. Subsequently, he held the role of Senior Director at Northrop Grumman, contributing to the Homeland Defense Government Systems team. Currently, Fred serves as a Program Area Chief Engineer at Raytheon Technologies.

In addition to his professional commitments, Fred is actively engaged with the nonprofit organization The Red Devils, a 501(c)(3) entity based in Baltimore dedicated to funding services that enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families.

Fred’s involvement with FMDT is driven by his strong background in finance and operations, coupled with a genuine passion for supporting local Maryland charities. His personal connection, having a son with autism, further motivates his dedication to FMDT’s mission.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Fred enjoys indulging in his hobbies, such as collecting art and playing pickleball. He also finds relaxation in cruises and travels to the Caribbean.

Mallory Legg, Esq.

Secretary

Mallory Legg is the secretary of FMDT’s Board of Directors and serves on our Officers, Finance, Trust, and Expansion Committees. She has worked with FMDT since 2018. As an attorney with Project HEAL at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, she works daily with children and families with special needs providing advocacy and legal services.

Mallory holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Delaware and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Since 2014, she has been a member of The American Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association of Maryland, and the Maryland State Bar Association.

Several notable organizations have also recognized Mallory as a “Rising Star” in disability advocacy and law. These include the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, and The Daily Record.

Mallory’s experience working closely with families of children with disabilities in a hospital setting lends a unique, valuable perspective to FMDT’s Board of Directors. She recognizes that many families are overwhelmed by the day-to-day requirements they face managing their child’s unique needs, such as doctor’s appointments and school-based advocacy. She views FMDT as a vital player in supporting clients by managing their monetary needs through financial planning and trust management.

In addition to her FMDT work, Mallory is a Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates committee co-chair and a Thread volunteer. Outside of her busy advocacy and volunteering schedule, Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs, golfing, trying new restaurants, and visiting Bethany Beach in Delaware.

May-Lis Manley, Esq.

In 2021, May-Lis Manley joined the FMDT Board of Directors, bringing more than 20 years of expertise as a disability and elder law attorney.  She practices with Landsman Law Group, counseling clients on public benefit programs and special needs planning. In the past, she has worked with FMDT clients opening new trust accounts and appointing FMDT as a trustee in both first- and third-party special needs trusts.

In her work, May-Lis sees the need for a better understanding and appreciation of special needs trusts and trust management, especially for beneficiaries and their families. Her extensive experience includes serving as a trustee for special needs trusts and as a guardian of property in Prince George’s County.

In 1992, she graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law and has a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. A member of the Maryland State Bar Association, she serves on the Bar’s Elder Law and Disability Rights Section Council. May-Lis was honored as a Maryland Bar Foundation Fellow in 2021. She has been a Special Needs Alliance attorney since 2011.

In her off-time, May-Lis enjoys reading and hiking.

Natasha Ludwig, Ph.D

Dr. Natasha Ludwig joined the FMDT Board of Directors in the spring of 2021. As a neuropsychologist focused on clinical research on neurodevelopmental conditions in children, Natasha has translated her personal experience as the sibling of a person with a developmental disability into a career and a passion. She is eager to serve organizations that promote the welfare and independence of individuals with disabilities.

Natasha holds a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Union College and a master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Neuropsychology from Georgia State University. She is a licensed psychologist in the State of Maryland. Since 2019, she has worked in the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Neuropsychology Department.

Natasha is also an instructor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a member of the Luminaries at The Arc Baltimore, and an advisory committee member for Maryland’s Autism Waiver. She also belongs to multiple professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the International Neuropsychological Society, the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, and the International Society for Autism Research.

Natasha enjoys traveling in her spare time.

Eric Jorgensen, MBA

In Spring 2021, Eric Jorgenson began serving on FMDT’s Board of Directors. Through his company, Special Needs Navigator, Eric provides financial planning services where he draws on his passion for connecting people and supporting the disability community. He joined FMDT to help raise awareness about pooled trusts and their capabilities, which he believes are often overlooked as a viable resource.

On the FMDT Board of Directors, Eric ensures prudent asset usage in support of advancing our mission. He brings his experience as the parent of a child with special needs and lends FMDT his unique talent for connecting people.

Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo University, where he graduated cum laude. He also holds two master’s degrees from the University of Maryland University College in Financial Management and Information Systems and Business Administration (MBA).

In 2017, he earned his Chartered Special Needs Consultant certification from The American College of Financial Services. Additionally, he is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and an Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. As a retired U.S. Navy veteran, Eric is also a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

In his free time, Eric can be found reading, hiking, and mountain biking.

Colin Meeks, CPA

Colin Meeks has been an FMDT Board Member since 2017. He is a seasoned financial planner with nearly three decades of experience. 

In 1998, Colin founded Maryland Financial Advocates in the Baltimore, Maryland area. His practice provides special needs, elder care, retirement income, and personal financial planning. Colin specializes in working with families and individuals with unique needs, particularly families who have a child with special needs.

Colin has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. In 2001, he became a Certified Financial Planner. He is also recognized by FINRA and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker and investment advisor. Additionally, he holds 14 state licenses and has passed five advanced-level exams certifying him as an experienced practitioner.

Colin’s passion for special needs financial planning is rooted in his personal experience as the parent of a child with disabilities. He boasts raising his two sons as his greatest accomplishment, both personally and professionally. 

Outside of the office, Colin enjoys coaching his son’s sports teams, golfing, cooking, and watching baseball.