Maurice Tosé is a man who knows how to get things done. The 1978 U.S. Naval Academy graduate played a pivotal role in the building of the Coretta Scott King Memorial in Edgewater, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the Anne Arundel Community College campus, and the historic Civil Rights Foot Soldiers Memorial in People’s Park in Annapolis.

Maurice also worked with the nonprofit Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee to have the United States Naval Academy take part in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Dinner, and for the past decade, superintendents of the Naval Academy have participated in the annual dinner. 
“Maurice’s philanthropy has resulted in greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in Anne Arundel County,” said nominator, Carl Snowden, convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders. “As a member of the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, his support for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, Inc., has been unwavering and resulted in the most diverse and long-lasting systemic changes in our county.”

Following his graduation from the Naval Academy, Maurice served in active duty in the United States Navy for eight years, after which he returned to the Naval Academy as an instructor. 

“He is a proponent of education; he’s made sure that the midshipmen that matriculate from the Naval Academy understand that they have a responsibility to give back to the community to which they reside,” said Carl.

In 1987, Maurice co-founded TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) as a military contractor for software development and network projects. The company grew to be successful and in 2016, TCS was acquired by Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Maurice was inducted into the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2018. He is also a member of the Maryland Business Hall of Fame.

Despite the hectic schedule of a CEO, Maurice always made community service a priority. Current and past affiliations include: Treasurer and vice president, U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1978; Annapolis Jaycees and Annapolis Kiwanis member; Budget and Finance Council member of Antioch Apostolic Church; co-founder, chairman of the board of the United Stated Naval Academy Samuel P. Massie Education Endowment, through which TCS provided over $75,000 in scholarships to at-risk youth in Anne Arundel County; Annapolis Neck Small Area Planning Commission member; First Night Annapolis board of directors; treasurer, vice president, director of Arundel on the Bay Homeowners Association; and Ginger Cove Retirement Community board of directors.

Carl describes Maurice as generous, honest, and effective. “When Maurice gives you his word, you can take it to the bank; Maurice has always followed through,” he said, adding that Maurice is very humble and doesn’t seek publicity for his community service. “He often says that we don’t have to acknowledge his community work; he says that he does it because it’s the right thing to do. That’s just his nature. 

“And he always makes diversity and equity a part of his philanthropy; he is invested in ensuring that Anne Arundel County is a better place for everyone.” 

Maurice was nominated by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, Inc.

Named in honor of Carroll H. Hynson, Jr., founding CFAAC Board Member, this award is presented to an individual, group, or organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their philanthropic practice in Anne Arundel County. The recipient has made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by forging genuine partnerships with diverse communities, building bridges, and championing the acceptance, respect, and inclusion of all.