Scott Hale Hymes
The Early Years
Born in Southern Maryland near the shores of the Chesapeake, Scott Hale Hymes grew up cherishing our beloved Bay. He played and paddled in its waters, ate crabs and fish from its harvests, and learned at a very young age that we must work together to restore and protect the Bay. This sense of stewardship would inspire his lifelong commitment to service protecting the Severn River and the Chesapeake, as well as their communities and families.
Some of Scott’s earliest memories were of his mom, Val Hymes, the legendary political reporter, covering issues before the governor and General Assembly, as well as her work in Washington covering the U.S. Congress. A young and impressionable Scott roamed the halls of the Maryland State House and the U.S. Capitol shaking hands with some of the most powerful legislators – foreshadowing his future effort to become a state senator himself.
The Defining Years
Days spent in Anne Arundel County public schools molded his foundations in music. As a student at South River High School, Scott excelled in musical arts. Music was his first focus, founding a countywide Battle of the Band, election to the All-County Jazz Band, and accompanied the revered jazz vocalist Ethel Ennis. He started his first band, Excalibur, at 13, and has been performing ever since. After graduating from South River in 1981, he attended college and then worked as a video journalist and a banker before touring the Northwest with the band, Fury. In the 1980s, he also taught music to students and aspiring musicians.
Returning to his roots to build his businesses
But the lure of the Chesapeake brought him quickly back to Anne Arundel County and he began his journey to becoming an independent businessman – a trait that began at the age of 10 when he started his own landscaping company employing his neighborhood friends. In the 1990s, Scott founded his own home improvement company, Mutual Contractors. This experience drove him to build his own home on the banks of a cove of the Severn River in the community of Herald Harbor.
Still performing with bands in Washington, Annapolis and Baltimore, Scott decided to trade in his tool belt to launch another independent business, Alliance Entertainment. This talent agency/brokerage is now a profitable and sought-after supplier of music for the region. Scott’s premier band, Radio City, has performed at Presidential inaugural balls, major galas, nonprofit events, the Maryland Legislature, and weddings throughout the region. Another one of Scott’s bands, Music Room, is a popular club band.
Scott has also combined his love of music with his dedication to community service performing at events to raise money for groups including the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the Anne Arundel Fire Fighter’s Emerald Society.
Giving back in return
Scott believes that our communities, our schools and our environment will only flourish if we are committed to giving back. After building his house in Herald Harbor, he became active in his community organization and was soon elected its vice president. One of his first endeavors was working with county police to rid the community of its crime problems. He also believed that if more residents had access to the local waterways, they would be more inclined to work on their restoration. His work led to greater access to the Severn and its tributaries.
In 2000, he joined the Severn River Association where he was quickly elected to the board as vice president/treasurer. He modernized the bookkeeping system of the organization and used his diplomatic skills to help pull together members with diverse and sometimes conflicting positions. He managed the Hidden Pond Project in Annapolis -- part of the most comprehensive waterway restoration in the state. He also helped the Terrapin Institute return the terrapin to the Severn River. In 2004, Scott founded a local land trust now called the Crownsville Conservancy, Inc. to help preserve green space and wildlife habitat in densely developed neighborhoods.
In 2005, he brought together the Severn River’s two river groups to create the Severn Riverkeeper Program and was named executive director. Under his leadership, the program flourished with increased fundraising and the creation of the annual “Celebrate the Severn” event. His years of experience with environmental issues helped educate member communities about the major issues facing the Severn River Watershed.
In recognition of his dedication and success, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens appointed Scott to the Severn River Commission in 2005. He is working with county and state officials to increase enforcement of failing sediment controls and encouraging the use of innovative new methods and technology to improve water quality. This work led to Scott being honored with an Executive Citation as one of Anne Arundel County's Outstanding Volunteers.
In May 2006, Dr. Howard Ernst, a political science professor at the United States Naval Academy and author of Chesapeake Bay Blues,” recognized Scott as a Senate candidate who will “actually champion the types of environment policies that could reverse the bay's decline.” He bestowed Scott with a “Blue Crab Candidate” honor, which was created to provide documentation that a candidate is a true friend of the Chesapeake Bay who believes it is “worth the price of restoration and protection,” and agrees to “work across party lines and political boundaries” to get results. Scott Hymes, he announced, is a candidate who is a true champion of the Bay and a Blue Crab candidate.
In July 2006, the Severn River Association honored Scott with its “Blue Heron Award” for his work to establish the Crownsville Conservancy.
Working hard for District 33 Families
Through his numerous leadership posts, Scott is fighting for Maryland families, our communities and our natural resources. He has testified on many occasions before the Maryland General Assembly, the County Council and Board of Appeals on variances and crucial issues, including efforts to weaken the Critical Areas Law, to increase funding for law enforcement, and to secure funding and resources for public education. He has worked successfully with communities and county officials to control irresponsible development in the critical area.
Scott believes that community involvement is the key to achieving results. He is well-known and respected for his diplomatic tenor and has forged friendships from all political walks of life.
As State Senator for District 33, Scott will continue to build bridges between all levels of government and the constituents he serves. He will work with his fellow members to achieve results for District 33 families, secure funding for our most important issues, and above all, be available and of service to his constituents.
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