The Howard County Council this week named Diane Schwartz Jones as council administrator. Jones replaces Delegate Jessica Feldmark, who was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2018.

Jones previously served as the director of the Department of Permitting Services for Montgomery County. Jones will direct the legislative activities and orchestrate daily operations of the County Council.

According to a press release:

“After conducting a thorough search for a new Administrator, we are pleased to welcome Ms. Jones to the County Council. With her extensive experience working in county government, we are confident that Ms. Jones will be successful in this role,” said Chairperson Mercer Rigby. “I would also like to take this moment to thank past Administrator Jessica Feldmark for her invaluable contributions and service to the County Council over the last five years.”

Jones brings three decades of experience working in county government. She started in Montgomery County’s Attorney’s Office in 1986 before serving as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer from 2007 until 2011. In 2011, she became Director of the Department of Permitting Services. During her time with Montgomery County government, Jones proved herself to be instrumental in restructuring their Department of Permitting Services.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to assist the County Council and its members as they work to address important public policies and decisions on behalf of the residents and businesses of Howard County,” said Diane Schwartz Jones. “I look forward to working with the talented staff of the County Council office.”

Jones holds a Juris Doctorate degree from University of Baltimore School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement with a minor in Political Science.

Read the full press release for more information.