Emma Snyder is the owner and operator of The Ivy Bookshop, Baltimore's premier independent bookstore and community literary hub. A Baltimore native, Emma spent years shaping the national literary landscape as the Executive Director of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation in Washington, D.C. After earning her MFA in Fiction from the University of Wisconsin, she returned home to take the helm of The Ivy Bookshop in 2017. Under her vision, the bookstore relocated to a historic, park-like three-acre property in Mount Washington, transforming it into a vibrant sanctuary for authors, readers, and community gatherings. Emma has also expanded the Ivy to Bird in Hand Café & Bookstore in Charles Village and a location in Kenilworth, continuing her mission to build deep community connections through the power of books.

Kerry Watson is the executive vice president of public affairs for the Baltimore Orioles, overseeing government affairs and community engagement for the organization. He provides vision and direction for a team that inspires the fanbase, identifies strategic partners, provides impactful community leadership and engagement, and brings positive attention to the organization.

Prior to joining the Orioles in 2023, Kerry served as the regional vice president of government affairs for MGM Resorts International. He first joined MGM Resorts International in 2017. His professional experience prior to that includes serving as senior advisor to Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and 20 years with the Prince George's County Police Department where he served in various roles including patrol, K9 handler, instructor, and vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Kerry serves on numerous boards, including MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (chair), Problem-Solving Courts of Prince George's County (president), and the National Center for Victims of Crime (treasurer). He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Maryland, University College.

In this episode we interview Don Rovak, The Chief Revenue Officer of the Orioles. Rovak joins the Orioles after just completing his 17th year with AMB Sports and Entertainment, a company comprised of the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Drive GC, and PGA TOUR Superstore. We discuss the vision and future of the Orioles' franchise, expanding fandom, and continued community partnership. The episode highlights the both local & national implications and the future opportunities for the new ownership and management of the Orioles. We hope you enjoy!