A pioneering journalist and spa advocate, Mary Bemis forged a vocabulary for spa reportage that is widely used by those who cover the issues today. The Founder and Editorial director of InsidersGuidetoSpas.com, Mary was recently honored by Medika Life with the “Top 30 Influential Voices Transforming Wellness.” She is an inaugural honoree of Folio’s Top Women in Media Award and the recipient of the International Spa Association’s Dedicated Contributor Award. Her spa media roots run deep. In 1997, she launched American Spa magazine, in 2007, she co-founded Organic Spa magazine, and in between serving on the ISPA, NYSPA, and WSPA Board of Directors, Mary was on the launch teams of Luxury SpaFinder and New Beauty magazines.

Mark has 37 years of advertising sales experience in various media, including newspaper, radio, magazine, television, internet, and event marketing. Mark creates effective cross-channel campaigns for advertisers while overseeing distribution and circulation at TABLE Magazine. As Associate Publisher at TABLE for the past eight years, Mark has enjoyed seeing the growth of the publication along with the transformation from a food and drink quarterly to an upscale bi-monthly lifestyle magazine. He lives in Ross Township with his wife, Diana Bucco, and has three children. Mark enjoys golf, bowling, biking, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Pat Eckert–Water Sommelier & Author, Founder of Fine Liquids/Germany

Pat Eckert is a certified Water Sommelier, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind Fine Liquids/Germany, a premier international distributor of rare and exclusive mineral waters. Based in Germany, Eckert has established himself as a leading authority in the “Fine Water” movement, combining a unique background in psychiatric care and award-winning media design to approach water with both sensory empathy and aesthetic rigor.

In 2018, he transformed Fine Liquids/Germany into a global hub for “petites maisons”—distinctive, terroir-driven waters—making them accessible to gastronomes worldwide. He is the creator of AQA FINELLI, a premium mineral water sourced from the Taunus mountains. In 2024, AQA FINELLI became the first German brand in history to be nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Zenith Global Water Drinks Awards in both the Best Natural Still and Best Natural Sparkling categories.

An active educator, Eckert is the author of “The Colors of Water | Rethink Water” and the founder of the Colors of Water Academy, which trains the next generation of water sommeliers. He holds the world’s largest water bottle collection (Aqapolis) with over 3,500 exhibits and collaborates on avant-garde projects like the space mission “The Drop Beyond” with artist Samuel Stubblefield. A seasoned international juror, Eckert has judged at the Taste Awards in Athens, San Sebastian, and Budapest, bringing a rigorous, clinically-honed palate to the 36th Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting.

Terry Gilberg–Host, Producer: Television/Radio The Terry Gilberg Show

Smart, funny, and plugged in, Terry Gilberg is an award-winning journalist, talk host, and media personality. For over 35 years, she’s worked in film, television, radio, and on podcasts. She’s reported on breaking news and headline events, and has interviewed dignitaries, politicians, scientists, and thought leaders in national security, finance, academia, religion, and technology. Terry has moderated debates, hosted roundtables, and specializes in long-form interviews with expert guests. She’s the host of two news-driven, issue-oriented programs, “The Terry Gilberg Show” and “Terry’s Take on the Topics,” thought-provoking shows that entertain and educate. Her radio show “Think! America” was nationally syndicated. Terry holds two degrees from Stanford University, is a world traveler, and resides in Washington DC.

Allison Gore–Aka “Nova Nomz” Social Media Influencer

Nova Nomz is a food influencer based in Northern Virginia. Since March 2024, the platform has grown into a regional powerhouse with 240,000+ followers, dedicated to celebrating the best flavors and events the Northern Virginia and DC areas have to offer. A champion of local quality, Nova Nomz understands that the finest food experiences begin with the purest ingredients, starting with the water. She is thrilled to be a judge to help crown this year’s world-class waters.

Danielle Hedges–Programming director/On air WVRC Media

Danielle Hedges is a Hedgesville, WV native.  Danielle has been in radio for almost 30 years and loves being able to talk to listeners and to be a part of the community.  She is the Programming Director and morning show host of Hometown Mornings with Danielle on Cool 92.9 WXDC.  This is her second year being a judge.

Danielle and her husband, Lee, have been married for 28 years and have 3 children(Kacey, Karee and Kaden), 2 dogs Chase and Ryder) and a cat (Sky).  In her free time, Danielle loves spending time with her family, going to volleyball and basketball games and Nascar races.  She collects snowmen, Vintage Pyrex dishes and loves to decorate for every holiday.

Mark Kraham — Owner of Kraham Consulting

Mark Kraham has kept a close eye on events in the four-state area for the past 40 years. Working in radio and television he has covered the major stories taking place in this region. He was the News Director at WHAG/WDVM the NBC station in Hagerstown Maryland. Berkeley Springs is Mark’s adopted home, and he visits frequently. Year after year Mark has provided local, national, and international coverage of the Water Tasting. Many of his reports have been featured on the Today Show, MSNBC, Fox News, and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, among others. But most notably Mark has served as a judge at the water tasting for the majority of the 34 years the Berkeley Spring International Water Tasting has been held.

He recently left the news world to work in the non-profit sector and is now Director of Communications for the Asian American Center of Fredrick Maryland. An organization whose mission is to help immigrants with English classes, job training, and citizenship.

Mark is honored to once again this year serve as a judge for the water tasting.

Frances Kuo, Correspondent/Producer CGTN America (China Global Television Network)

Frances Kuo is a Correspondent/Producer for CGTN America, a Chinese/international TV station in Washington, D.C.  She covers international news, with a focus on stories about climate change and sustainability.  Frances has garnered several international and regional journalism awards for her work during her time at CGTN America and her previous positions at local TV news stations across the U.S.  She has also served as an adjunct journalism and communications professor.

Aleah & Seth Myers–Travel Bloggers/Content Creators

Aleah and Seth are Washington, DC-based travel bloggers and content creators with a passion for inspiring their community to explore mindfully and adventurously. Aleah is an environmental science teacher turned content creator, and Seth works in green energy efficiency. Together, they use their backgrounds to tell thoughtful stories about outdoor travel and unique experiences while showcasing road trip itineraries and off-the-beaten-path destinations across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond