MACo and Howard County sadly announce the passing of Hugh Nichols, who served as Howard County Executive from 1978-1986, and as MACo President during part of his final year in office.

Prior to his county service, Mr. Nichols served in the Maryland House of Delegates, as a leader on the Appropriations Committee. He was elected County Executive in 1978, and re-elected without opposition four years later to his second term, the maximum under the county charter. In 1986, while serving as MACo President but facing the term limit advancing, he left the position to accept a professional opportunity with a southern U.S. power company.

Read more on Mr. Nichols’ political career on the Maryland State Archives page.