Samuel Shoge

Co-founder & Partner

About Sam

Sam Shoge is a strategist and facilitator who thrives at the intersection of bold ideas and practical execution. His portfolio of work spans nonprofits, municipalities, small businesses, and community initiatives — each project rooted in one core commitment: helping leaders break through stagnation and deliver results that matter.

At Rivers & Roads Consulting, Sam has guided nonprofits through strategic planning, developed a marine trades workforce strategy for a coastal town, created and led a minority entrepreneurship accelerator, and designed technical assistance programs for Maryland municipalities. He has facilitated community engagement for infill mixed-use development projects and authored strategic economic impact studies for local governments.

Earlier in his career, Sam proved his ability to lead in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. He steered a major community nonprofit through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring stability during a time of upheaval. He also served as project lead on a $250 million economic development initiative, representing county government interests and navigating complex community engagement and permitting processes.

Sam’s perspective is shaped by a deep commitment to community engagement and development. He believes that successful strategies must reflect the voices of diverse stakeholders, and that true impact is measured not just in bottom lines, but in the difference organizations make in the communities they serve. Known for galvanizing leaders to think boldly and at scale, he pairs vision with execution, ensuring every client he guides can move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Industries of Focus

  • Education & Workforce Development
  • Government & Public Sector
  • Economic & Community Development
  • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Real Estate Strategy & Land Use

Services of Focus

  • Strategy & Planning
  • Workforce & Talent Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
  • Real Estate Strategy & Land Use

Previous Experience

  • Executive Director, Kent County Chamber of Commerce
  • Economic Development Coordinator, Talbot County Department of Economic Development & Tourism
  • Owner & Operator, Shore Studios

Education

  • B.A., Environmental Studies – Elon University

Boards & Civic Leadership

Current

  • Board Member, Sandy’s Garden, Inc.
  • Panelist, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Grant Program Review Panel
  • Board Member, Fello

Past

  • Board Member, Shore Regional Health
  • Board Member, Chesapeake College Foundation
  • Council Member, Chestertown Town Council
  • Commissioner, Chestertown Planning Commission
  • Advisory Board Member, Chestertown Main Street

Speaking & Publications

  • “When Preservation Fails: The 5-Plex That Became a Grass Lot,” American Institute of Architects, Maryland Chapter
  • “Lowering Retail Barriers and Lifting Communities,” National Main Street Conference