Keasha Haythe

Councilwoman Haythe’s Maryland roots are strong; her family has lived in Talbot County for at least four generations. Her grandfather was a waterman, an independent fisherman who worked on the Chesapeake Bay and rivers of the eastern shore. She attended White Marsh Elementary School in Trappe, Easton Middle School, and Easton High School. Her favorite part of living in Talbot County has endured since childhood. She says that although Talbot County has grown, both the economy and population, the community remains tight-knit.

Councilwoman Haythe’s political career began in 2010. She ran for Talbot County Council twice before winning in 2022. With her victory, she became one of five members of the Council and the first African American woman ever to serve on the Talbot County Council.

Councilwoman Haythe worked in the field of economic development for 23 years. This experience helped when she founded a nonprofit, The Foundation of HOPE (Helping Others Prosper and Excel), in 2013 in Easton. She was inspired to create a nonprofit while working in economic development, observing that many interviewees were not ready to enter the workforce. The Foundation of HOPE offers a 16 week economic empowerment program to middle school girls, who learn how to deal with bullying, participate in mock interviews, public speaking, junior business plans, college readiness and financial literacy. Councilwoman Haythe says that one of the most rewarding things about running The Foundation of HOPE is seeing sixth graders learn and grow, and when they graduate from high school, putting the skills learned in the program into practice.

For anyone who is looking to travel to Talbot County in 2024, Councilwoman Haythe recommends Rise Up Coffee as a great place for a meeting or to catch up with a friend, Bagelry for bagels, Weather Gage for delicious chocolate croissants, and The Ivy Cafe for lunch, (she loves their tarragon chicken salad sandwiches and their cookies!). She also loves the small towns of Oxford and St. Michael’s, walking through town, and sitting on a bench and enjoys the water views.