Meet the StartingPoint professionals who can help you or your organization turn obstacles into opportunities.
Harold Jesse Hilliard has a long, accomplished career in education and athletics developing collaborative relationships that yield success. As a teacher, coach, Athletic Director and Business Partnership Coordinator, Jesse has lead and inspired countless students, business sponsors, coaches, and athletic teams to their highest level of achievement. Accolades earned have included two-time Coach of the Year and Athletic Director of the Year for Montgomery County, Maryland and Maryland State Athletic Director of the Year.
Jesse’s comprehensive athletic programs have artlessly combined academic success, sportsmanship, competitive performance and personal development—and been a model for athletic administration. As liaison for Montgomery County Public Schools—the 16th largest USA school district—and the Maryland Athletic Directors Association, Jesse has influenced policy and programs on the county, state and national level. He is recognized as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Association (NIAAA).
In addition to his administrative roles, Jesse directed school-to-work programs built on focused career exploration, goal-setting and job placement. Jesse knows how to win in business as well as on the athletic fields, as demonstrated through high-performance records in sales and business development. He completed his undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Maryland, College Park and is a long-time Maryland resident. Above all, Jesse is a consummate mentor, with the unique skills and life experience to guide others in pursuit of their career and academic goals.
Barbara Podnos is a creative educator, program builder, and media expert who elevates her clients to the top of their game. Her work as producer and writer of video materials for corporations and major government agencies has garnered over a dozen national awards. Workforce training and development is the cornerstone of Barbara’s work in education as well. She has implemented federal grant programs focused on career preparation and mentored countless students through workplace transitions and internships. Barbara also collaborates with the national education community through her conference presentations and National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) performance reviews of career-focused high school programs.
Barbara’s innovative ideas and outcomes have earned her prestigious accolades as Montgomery County (MD) Teacher of the Year, University of Maryland College of Education Alumni Teacher of the Year, State Department of Education Pride of Maryland Public Schools Educator, and Congressional Black Caucus Education Braintrust Leadership Award winner. She is a lifelong resident of the Metropolitan DC area, having grown up in the city before moving to nearby Montgomery County. Both her undergraduate and advanced degrees in education and communications were completed at the University of Maryland, College Park. Barbara is a talented motivator who inspires others to consider new possibilities and reach greater heights.
