The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce presented the 2026 C. Robert “Bob” Spedden Service Award to Brett Summers at their Annual Meeting on March 19, 2026.
Bob Spedden was a well-known and respected leader in the community. He demonstrated a real passion for the revitalization of the County and Cambridge. He served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and was the President in 1980-1981. He also served on the Cambridge Yacht Club Board of Governors, First National Bank Advisory Board, Dorchester Board of Realtors as President, and Director for the Maryland Association of Realtors. Bob founded the Committee of 100 that spawned revitalization efforts including the Dorchester County Visitors Center, the adjacent children's playground, Sailwind's Park, Governor's Hall, Richardson Maritime Museum, Choptank River Lighthouse, Downtown Harriett Tubman Museum, and the Dorchester Skipjack Committee - Nathan of Dorchester. He also served as the 1st President of Sailwinds Park Incorporated. His vision for economic development of Dorchester County also included the re-development of the former Eastern Shore State Hospital property into today's Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina.
The objective of the award is to recognize those individuals that share a similar passion to Bob’s and have worked to advance the economic wellbeing of our community. Sharon Spedden, Chamber Board Chairman in 2021 and daughter of Bob Spedden (Chamber Board President in 1980), presented the award to Brett. He is the ninth recipient of the award and joins prior recipients Frank Narr, Gerry Boyle, Phil Feldman, Greg Whitten, Evelyn Townsend, Herschel Johnson, Dr. Paul Brant, and Amanda Fenstermaker.
Brett Summers, along with his wife Jamie and their children Taylor, Perry, and Ryan, first made their investment in Cambridge in 1997 when they purchased a second home on High Street. Within just three years, they took the leap across the Chesapeake Bay and chose to make Cambridge their primary home.
In 2006, Brett purchased 303 High Street, the former High Spot building. From there, his commitment to downtown continued to expand with the acquisition and renovation of properties at 501 Poplar Street and 421, 431, 444, and 450 Race Street. Through these projects, Brett created commercial first-floor spaces for ten storefronts and restaurants while transforming the upper levels into forty-one beautiful residential apartment units. These developments didn’t just restore buildings — they helped bring new life to our downtown.
Brett’s vision, investment, and fortitude in downtown Cambridge helped ignite the turnaround of our city center and laid a strong foundation for its future. The legacy properties that Brett and Jamie have created will continue to serve our community for generations.
Beyond his professional work, Brett has also given generously of his time and leadership. He has coached girls lacrosse and YMCA youth basketball, served on the Vestry of Christ Church, and contributed his leadership to many important organizations including The Country School Board of Directors, the Mid Shore Community Foundation Board of Directors and Executive Committee, CASA, and the Cambridge Main Street Board of Directors.
Most recently, Brett stepped forward again to serve the community when he was elected as the Ward 1 City Commissioner in the fall of 2024.
