Scott Dorsey

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Chairman & CEO, Merritt Companies

Scott Dorsey first joined Merritt Companies in 1972 after graduating from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in social psychology.

Today, Dorsey serves as the CEO focusing on the organization’s strategic planning and long-term goals as well as overseeing relations with financial institutions, government agencies, economic development organizations and industry groups.

Dorsey, who earned a master’s in business administration from Loyola College of Maryland, defines success as getting paid to do something you love doing so much that you would do it for free. “At the end of the day, what is most precious is time,” he said. “Success for me, as a business leader, is to create an environment where people can be themselves, doing what they think is right. Our focus is on relationships with other team members, our customers, and our community, rather than on transactions.”

Dorsey is passionate about economic growth and education causes. He has served as chairman of the board of the Maryland Economic Development Commission as well as with Maryland Free.

These groups are “working to create opportunity for businesses to locate and grow in Maryland, providing the jobs we need to enable everyone in our state to live with dignity,” he said. “I am also passionate about providing the educational opportunities people need to equip themselves for challenging, satisfying careers. Opportunities for certifications in career technical education are crucial. People need to learn the skills required to be part of a company which is able to compete successfully, and thrive.”

Additionally, Dorsey is on the Stevenson University Board of Trustees and sits on the boards of the M&T Bank Directors’ Advisory Council, Economic Forum of Baltimore County, Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board, Junior Achievement of Central Maryland and the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation.

“I have spent decades in an effort to encourage the creation of a business climate which provides businesses the opportunity to thrive, enabling the vibrant economic growth necessary to provide everyone in Maryland an opportunity to have a job which they enjoy while providing the resources for their families to live a great life,” he said. “We need to adopt polices with regard to regulation and taxation which enable businesses here to compete successfully against their competition in North Carolina, Virginia and elsewhere in order to provide the great jobs that Marylanders deserve.”