Speakers

Tyland Hunter Sr., CEO of CYDEO Federal, is a leader shaped by service, resilience, and a deep commitment to education and community empowerment. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Tyland learned early the values of hard work, humility, and service from his mother, Debra. These principles have guided him throughout his life and career.  Recognizing that his family couldn't afford college, Tyland enlisted in the Navy in 2004, serving as a Gunner's Mate. Seeking greater challenges, he transitioned to the Army as an Armor Tanker, deploying to Mosul, Iraq; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Doha, Qatar. These experiences instilled in him invaluable leadership skills and a profound sense of purpose.  After nearly a decade of military service, Tyland pursued higher education at Houston Baptist University and later at Ave Maria School of Law. His time at the United Nations Center of Family of Human Rights and as a law clerk for Judge Manor further shaped his perspective on justice, accountability, and the importance of a strong educational foundation. In 2024, Tyland founded CYDEO Federal, a company that delivers innovative solutions in cybersecurity, IT modernization, and professional services to federal agencies.  Drawing upon his life experiences, Tyland founded Take the HILL (Humility, Intellect, Legacy, and Love) a nonprofit dedicated to assisting educational institutes in post-war environments with supplies, construction, and equipment. Since 2023, TTH's Quivers has donated $15,000 to projects in Ghana, Ethiopia, and India, providing educational supplies, scholarships, and food.

CYDEO Federal's goals align perfectly with Tyland Hunter's lifelong dedication to service and empowerment. Like Tyland's personal journey, CYDEO Federal is committed to creating opportunities, fostering growth, and making a positive impact on communities. Both Tyland's personal endeavors and CYDEO Federal reflect a shared vision of a better, more equitable world.

The Montgomery Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that champions Montgomery County Parks, cultivating financial support and public engagement of county residents and businesses as members, donors, sponsors, and advocates.

Chris has always taken every opportunity he can to learn about the world, and he believes that one of the most crucial aspects of society today is to create and maintain a stable, strong well-being for people across the world by improving healthcare systems, increasing access to medical resources/professionals, and overall allowing for the furtherment of scientific research. Chris’ goal is to become a medical doctor in the future, and hopes that this program will give insight into how doctors are able to work with their patients to create personalized treatment for patients through establishing personalized connections.

Chris has enrolled in several Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and he is familiar with connecting outside of school to make active choices in his educational development. He consistently participates in the school’s Model U.N. club and has attended several conferences for Model U.N. and Youth Model Arab League, the latter of which he received an award. He is also a member of the Technical Theater Production Crew at his high school, an active member of the Medical Minds Club, and is very comfortable advocating for himself when it comes to improving his educational experience. He also formerly engaged in the Community Service Student Leadership Team, where he served as Head of Marketing and Student Correspondence. Outside of school, Chris is an avid member of the DC Youth Orchestra Program, where he enjoys engaging with his peers to create music. He was also selected to join the organization’s Young Virtuosi Program, where he works in a small ensemble to not only engage in chamber music, but also serves as a promoter for the organization.

Patrick Butler is the Chief of the Upcounty Planning Division. He leads the master plan and development review teams within the Upcounty, which encompasses approximately two-thirds of the County and includes Potomac, Darnestown, Germantown, Clarksburg, Damascus, Olney, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Burtonsville, Fairland and the Agricultural Reserve. Patrick joined the Montgomery County Planning Department in 2007 and has been a resident of the Upcounty since 2008. Prior to joining the Commission, Patrick worked as a planner in Kittitas County, a predominantly rural and agricultural county in the State of Washington, working directly with natural resource and agricultural industries and communities. As a college student in the State of Washington, he worked multiple jobs within and related to the agricultural industry. Patrick is excited about the eclectic diversity of the Upcounty, which includes urban, suburban, rural and agricultural disciplines.