Marketing & Communications Staff

Email: ward@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3803 Office: Alumnae Hall 209

Laurie joined the marketing and communications team in February 2017. She oversees the team responsible for strategic marketing, media relations, publications, social media and the web, as well as the teams in print and mail services, and conference and events services. While at Hood, she has taken the lead in developing and implementing a new website, the College's 125th anniversary celebrations, and all communications related to the pandemic.

Before coming to Hood, she served as the chief marketing and communications officer at Delaware Valley University and the director of client marketing services at Ithaca College. Prior to her higher education experience, she was the public relations director at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore. At all three institutions, she was responsible for a rebrand and the roll out of a new logo.

A native of upstate New York, Ward received her bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism from St. John Fisher College in Rochester. She is currently pursuing an MFA in creative writing at Hood.

Laurie lives in Frederick with her rescue dog, Tino, and is an avid baseball fan. She is excited about being in an American League market so she can watch her Yankees!

Email: cavalier@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3802 Office: Alumnae Hall 209

Mason earned a bachelor's degree in communication arts and digital media from Hood in 2019. Before joining the Hood marketing and communications team in December of 2020, Mason served as the senior coordinator of communications and digital media for the Washington Spirit, a professional soccer team playing in the National Women's Soccer League. During his time with the Spirit, Mason organized team press conferences, facilitated team news reports and coordinated media appearances with national news organizations such as ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and more.

In his free time, Mason enjoys watching and playing soccer, baseball and American football. 

Email: depanise@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3399 Office: Alumnae Hall 209

Meg earned her bachelor’s degree in communication arts at Hood and began her career as Hood's marketing communications manager upon her graduation. She originally started in the marketing and communications office as a student in 2011, working alongside the website manager. In 2020, she started her current role as assistant director of marketing and communications and also graduated with her MBA from the Hood College Graduate School.

Meg and her husband, Justin, who is also a Hood alum, live in Walkersville with their three cats and daughter, Violet, who will be a member of the Hood Class of 2043 (if she chooses). She enjoys true crime documentaries as well as live music and hiking when she can.

Email: mlee@hood.edu Office: Alumnae Hall 207

Matt is a proud Hood alum, earning his English B.A. in 2015. He also holds an M.S. in Professional Writing from Towson University. Besides writing professional copy, his fiction and creative nonfiction have appeared in a variety of publications online and in print. He co-founded and edits the literary journal Ligeia Magazine. He has also written and produced numerous works for the stage.

Matt is an avid supporter of the arts and education, having worked as a teacher and tutor. He has appeared in dozens of local theater productions over the years. He lives in Frederick with his wife and son.

Email: rohwer@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3844 Office: Alumnae Hall 206

Before coming to Hood, she served as senior designer at Sodexo, a life services company; marketing manager and graphic designer at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Maryland; and Senior Designer at Linda Sherman Design of Montgomery Village. Renee is experienced in design direction; brand creation and oversight; and design for marketing collateral and promotion. She has written and designed endless marketing campaigns including, web, email and print, as well as designed and directed indoor and outdoor permanent signage installations.

Renee earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania. She currently lives in Mount Airy with her husband, two kids and many, many animals.

Email: wolford-smith@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3806
Office: Alumnae Hall 204

Email: wantz@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3846 Office: Alumnae Hall 202

Jake earned a bachelor's degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics from Hood in 2024. Before joining the Hood marketing and communications team in July, Jake worked in the Hood undergraduate admission office as a student intern and admin. During his time as an intern, Jake helped to give tours to perspective students and worked to help create the interactive campus tour.

In his free time, Jake enjoys playing soccer and tennis.