County Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance are required to complete 8 Core Courses and 6 Elective Credits – MACo announces 5 Elective Courses to be held at the 2024 Winter Conference.

The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. The program provides a strong background of necessary skills and knowledge for local government leaders. It was founded by MACo and MML, is facilitated by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, and is sponsored by the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT).

Academy courses are open to ALL conference registrants (register online) – Academy Fellows must complete evaluation forms for each class to earn credit.

Academy Fellows with questions about their transcripts should contact registrar Elizabeth Hinson at ehinson@umd.edu.

2024 MACo Winter Conference Academy Elective Courses

(All courses will be completely in-person, with no virtual option. Participants must be conference registrants to attend – daily options are available.)

View the Core courses being offered at Winter Conference.

Empowering Autonomy: Navigating the Complexities of Adult Guardianship

Description: Adult guardianship is the legal process that protects the safety and welfare of people who are unable to care for themselves. A number of government agencies play a role in making sure an individual in need of guardianship gets the efficient and urgent attention their circumstances demand. But sometimes, when a service passes through so many government silos, confusion and red tape can frustrate the process. This panel of experts will discuss guardianship petitions and the role of state and local agencies with a touchpoint on the process. The discussion will illuminate how the system works, the successes and challenges therein, and potential ways to improve this service for vulnerable individuals.
Speakers:
- Sara Walsh, Circuit Court Magistrate, Baltimore City
- Paul Erdie, CEO, Maintaining Active Citizens (MAC)
- Leslie Ray, Client Community Services Director, MD Dept of Aging
- Mark Millspaugh, Director, Dept of Social Services, Baltimore County
Moderator: The Honorable Karen Toles, MD House of Delegates
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 11, 2024; 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Sandboxing for Bay Restoration: Balancing Flexibility, Innovation, and Compliance

Description: Maryland counties have made remarkable progress in supporting Chesapeake Bay Watershed cleanup efforts. As we approach the 2025 milestone, it is essential to look forward and redefine the future of these initiatives. This panel will examine the next phase of cleanup efforts for Maryland and beyond. Drawing from the CESR Report recommendations and proven on-the-ground examples, the discussion will focus on how “sandboxing” – a strategic approach allowing flexibility and innovation within regulatory frameworks – empowers counties to achieve their clean water goals. Attendees will hear from experts who have successfully employed sandboxing to navigate complex regulations, foster creative solutions, and meet the requirements of the Maryland Whole Watersheds Act. Join this session to explore how sandboxing can shape a more resilient and sustainable future for Maryland counties.
Speakers:
- Lee Currey, Director, Water and Science Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment
- Dylan Behler, Director of Legislative and Constituent Services, Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources
- The Honorable Harry Huntley, Alderman, City of Annapolis
- Erik Michelsen, Deputy Director – Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration, Anne Arundel County
Moderator: The Honorable Lenny Pfeffer, Council President, Dorchester County
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 11, 2024; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Healthcare Hurdles: The Evolving Needs of Incarcerated Individuals

Description: Health service teams caring for incarcerated patients face stark challenges in the field. With limited resources in demanding and highly restrictive environments, care teams make the best of their circumstances while treating one of the most vulnerable populations in the state. As the opioid crisis continues to evolve and behavioral and mental health needs soar, detention centers need to be able to rely on a system of support beyond their walls. Join this panel of experts to discuss how the needs of these populations have evolved, what detention centers are doing to adjust, and where other agencies can step in to help.
Speakers:
- Dr. Stephen Murphy, Division Chief, Medical and Behavioral Health Services, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, Montgomery County
- Jennifer Mroz – Vice President of Clinical Operations, PrimeCare Medical Inc.
- Dr. Laura Hererra Scott – Secretary, MD Dept of Health
- Dr. Oscar Jerkins – Chief Medical Director, MD Dept of Public Safety & Correctional Services, Office of Clinical Services
Moderator: The Honorable Cory McCray, MD State Senate
Date/Time: Thursday, December 12, 2024; 1:30 pm -2:30 pm

From Fields to Festivities: Navigating Environmental Health in Farm Venues

Description: As farms evolve into destinations for weddings, festivals, and other special events, local governments face new environmental health challenges. Farm venues must meet public health requirements, such as proper plumbing, sanitation, food safety, and water supply while maintaining the charm and appeal of rural settings. This session will explore the unique environmental health needs of event-based farm businesses, and the role local governments play in ensuring compliance. Learn how to balance economic growth in agritourism with safeguarding public health through effective oversight and collaboration.
Speakers:
- Les Knapp, Government Relations Director, MD Dept of the Environment
- Bob Mitchell, Environmental Health Director, Worcester County
- Martin Proulx, State Value-Added Agricultural Specialist, Department of Agriculture
Moderator: The Honorable Ed Rothstein, Commissioner, Carroll County
Date/Time: Thursday, December 12, 2024; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Moving Maryland: Updates and Strategies in County Transportation

Description: Join this session to discuss critical transportation issues affecting Maryland’s residents, quality of life, and economy. As the State faces a long-term project shortfall, policy leaders have called for innovative and modern approaches to supporting transportation across its many modes. Hear the latest updates for planning, affording, and building out the next wave of people-moving infrastructure that can launch Maryland’s next steps for success.
Speakers
- Sean Winkler, Senior Policy Advisor for Transportation Equity and Engagement, MD Dept of Transportation
- Jason Stitt, P.E., Public Works Division Director, Frederick County
- Lar J. Siemek, P.E., Director of Public Works, Harford County
Moderator: The Honorable Courtney Watson, MD House of Delegates
Date/Time: Friday, December 13, 2024; 11:15 am – 12:15 pm