MACo Celebrates a Milestone: Michael Sanderson’s 30 Years

Michael Sanderson has been on the MACo team for 30 years – more than half that time has been spent as the Association’s Executive Director. The membership and attendees of MACo’s 2024 Winter Conference celebrated this milestone at the recent Winter Conference.

Michael SandersonMichael started with MACo in 1994, analyzing policy and advocating for county needs and interests as a member of MACo’s policy team. Prior to his time with MACo, Michael worked as professional staff to the House Ways and Means Committee, and received his degrees in Economics and Public Administration from Syracuse University.  He has taught at Anne Arundel County Community College in the Department of Business and Economics.

Michael served several years as MACo’s Legislative Director, leading the policy side of MACo’s activities. In 2009, he was named the Association’s Executive Director. In that role, Michael guides the organization’s legislative and member service offerings, and builds relationship to strengthen MACo’s efforts in Annapolis. He is well-versed not only in local government issues and legislative advocacy, but also in the state’s budget process and taxation system. He has worked directly on issues ranging from voting systems to tax sales, from children’s service reform to substance abuse treatment programs, from land preservation to tax fairness…and most everything in between.

During his time at MACo’s helm, Michael has weathered many a political storm, guiding the Association through revenue shortfalls and tough budget times, ensuring the county voice was heard loud and clear in Annapolis throughout it all.

Under his leadership, the Association’s services have grown exponentially. He has actively cultivated MACo’s communications channels, starting with the creation of MACo’s daily blog and establishing the Association’s social media presence. Most recently, Michael was the driving force behind establishing MACo’s very successful weekly podcast.

Financial offerings and services have also expanded under Michael’s guidance, with the institution of the Corporate Partner Program, Endorsements Program, and OPEB Trust, producing non-dues revenue for the Association and offering lower cost resources for members. MACo’s dues have remained static since 2009 as a result of these additional programs.

At the recent Winter Conference, MACo President and Congressman-elect, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr., had this to say about Michael’s time with MACo:

Michael has been instrumental in making this Association what it is today – his strategic vision, understanding of local government policy, and instinct for building and maintaining relationships have all contributed to MACo’s reputation and standing as the well-respected advocacy organization we are today.

On X (formerly Twitter), Michael shared a few thoughts about his time with MACo so far:

Please join the MACo Board of Directors and staff in congratulating Michael on his 30 years working on behalf of Maryland’s counties!