Maria Ford Appointed to Forbes Business Development Council

Maria Ford, President of U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales, joins exclusive Council to share insights on matters impacting the construction industry and empowering the next generation of tradespeople

TOWSON, Md., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, today announced Maria Ford, President of U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales, has joined the Forbes Business Development Council, a prestigious community of senior-level sales and business development executives. The Council convenes leaders across all industries to collaborate and share insight into the latest trends, challenges, solutions and predictions for the future of business.

Ford was selected by a review committee based on her industry experience and track record of successfully impacting business growth, coupled with her personal and professional achievements. As a member of the Council, Ford will regularly connect with other respected executives to offer her thoughts and perspectives on a range of topics on Forbes.com.

Ford has been a vocal advocate for the skilled trades, using her platform to inspire the next generation of workers. From delivering a keynote speech at NABTU’s Tradeswomen Build Nations – the world’s largest gathering of tradeswomen – to penning op-eds and participating in media interviews, she has consistently supported the enablement of individuals to pursue careers in the trades.

Ford’s career began in 1998 when she joined Stanley Black & Decker as an intern. She steadily climbed the ranks, taking on roles of increasing responsibility in sales, product marketing, and channel marketing. Over the years, she became a trusted leader, guiding some of the company’s largest brands and customer accounts.

Today, Ford is a steward of DEWALT’s $2 billion U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales division. Ford champions the organization’s end-users and largest trade associations, contractors and distribution partners throughout the country to empower pros through cutting edge tools and technology solutions.

“It is an honor to be a part of the Forbes Business Development Council and join forces with an accomplished community of visionaries to tackle the challenges facing businesses of every size, across every industry, such as the future workforce,” said Maria Ford, President of U.S. Commercial & Industrial Sales, DEWALT. “My aim is to learn from my peers and spotlight issues and solutions to support the construction industry and the trades with the goal of driving impactful change.”