2026 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Anna Gavin
Former Owner, CEO & President
Fireline Corporation
Anna Gavin, Co-Owner, CEO and President of Fireline Corporation, distinguishes herself as a 2026 Smart Business Baltimore Dealmaker of the Year for her leadership in executing a strategic partnership that positions the company for continued growth. Gavin led Fireline through a successful majority recapitalization with Encore Fire Protection, securing a partner aligned with the company’s culture, legacy and long-term vision. The transaction generated strong market interest and exceeded expectations, while ensuring continuity for employees and customers. Fireline is well-positioned to expand its impact across the Mid-Atlantic fire and life safety services market.
Dr. Chad Gordon
Founder & Executive Chair
CraniUS Therapeutics
Dr. Chad Gordon, Founder and Chairman of CraniUS Therapeutics, earns recognition as a 2026 Smart Business Baltimore Dealmaker of the Year for his ability to combine medical innovation with strategic capital formation. In a challenging funding environment, Gordon led the company in securing more than $40 million in private investment, including $20 million in 2025, alongside significant state and NIH grant support. He is also guiding CraniUS through active acquisition discussions with multiple Fortune 50 companies. In parallel with his entrepreneurial work, Gordon serves as a professor and surgical leader at Johns Hopkins, advancing groundbreaking solutions to improve treatment for patients with complex brain diseases.
Daniel Lunz
Vice President, New Product Strategy
Castle Biosciences, Inc.
Daniel Lunz, Vice President of New Product Strategy at Castle Biosciences, is a 2026 Smart Business Baltimore Dealmaker of the Year honoree for his leadership in advancing strategic growth through innovation in healthcare. As Co-Founder and CEO of Previse, a gastrointestinal health company focused on diseases including esophageal cancer, Lunz lead the company from inception through successful acquisition by Castle’s. The transaction expands Castle’s capabilities within its GI portfolio, integrating complementary technologies to address critical unmet needs. With a strong background in building and scaling healthcare solutions, Lunz continues to drive initiatives that enhance diagnostic offerings and improve patient outcomes through thoughtful, strategic dealmaking.
Myra Norton
Sr. Director Business Initiatives Fast Forward
Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures
Myra Norton, Senior Director at Johns Hopkins University for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is a 2026 Smart Business Baltimore Dealmaker of the Year honoree for her leadership in advancing innovation and commercialization. As a leader within Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, Norton drives the acceleration of technologies, startups and partnerships that connect academia, industry and government to solve critical challenges. With a background spanning entrepreneurship, data analytics and higher education, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to building high-impact ecosystems. Her work has strengthened Baltimore’s innovation economy, fostering collaboration and supporting the growth of ventures that deliver meaningful economic and societal impact.
Jay Steinmetz
Founder & Board Member
Barcoding
Jay Steinmetz, Founder and Current Board Member of Barcoding, now called DecisionPoint Technologies, stands out as a 2026 Smart Business Baltimore Dealmaker of the Year. Jay started Barcoding 29 years ago, strategically turned this small start-up into a $200 mil leader in the industry. He has also led over 14 acquisitions and investments that broaden Barcoding’s capabilities in automation, RFID and advanced analytics. With a clear, forward-looking deal strategy, Steinmetz continues to start companies and invest in others, driving innovation and long-term value.
Social Impact Investing
Michael Miller
Co-Founder
Above It All
Michael “Motivational Mike” Miller, Co-Founder of Above It All, stands out as a 2026 Smart Business Dealmakers Social Impact Investing honoree for his commitment to transforming lives through education, wellness and community empowerment. A former educator, Miller has built and scaled mission-driven ventures across early childhood education, youth development and fitness, generating more than $1 million in annual revenue while serving hundreds of families in underserved communities. Programs like Magic Minds and Above It All have expanded to multiple locations, creating meaningful opportunities for students to grow academically and personally.
Miller’s journey as a first-generation entrepreneur—overcoming financial hardship during the 2008 crisis—has shaped his disciplined, purpose-driven approach to business. Today, he channels that experience into ventures that prioritize both impact and sustainability. Through his work and his platform as “Motivational Mike,” he continues to inspire individuals and invest in stronger, more resilient communities.