County Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance are required to complete 8 Core Courses and 6 Elective Credits – MACo announces 6 Elective Courses to be held at the 2025 Summer 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 Fellows with questions about their transcripts should contact registrar Elizabeth Hinson at ehinson@umd.edu.

2 Core Courses are also being offered at the 2025 Summer Conference.

2025 MACo Summer 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.)

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

The Cyberattack “Hot Wash” – Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong

Description: Local governments are frequent targets for malicious online predators seeking sensitive data, financial compensation, or simply to create disruption and chaos. Despite active protections, multiple jurisdictions have faced cyberattacks in recent years with effects ranging from minor disruptions to severe system outages. This panel brings together experts who will share firsthand perspectives on the fallout from these cyber invasions, including effects on critical computer systems, delivery of public services, and overall staff effectiveness. Panelists will also evaluate the effectiveness and availability of rescue and recovery resources provided by state agencies, federal programs, insurers, and outside consultants. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the growing cyber threat landscape facing local governments and learn about state and federal resources designed to support prevention, response, and recovery efforts.
Speakers:
- Christine Anderson, Chief Administrative Officer, Anne Arundel County
- Bob Kelly, Chief Information Officer, St. Mary’s County
- John Garstka, Director, Cyber Warfare, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
- Travis Edwards, Senior Director of Local Cybersecurity, DoIT
Moderator: The Honorable Nick Allen, MD House of Delegates – invited
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025; 10:00 am – 11:00 am

New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent

Description: Workforce challenges over the last few years have been a national, state, and local issue. Matching candidate skills and interests to available positions in the public and private sector these days requires innovative strategies. Getting creative about the training and recruitment of viable candidates has the potential to help employers navigate the uncertain terrain left by the pandemic and other market variables. In particular, seniors, students, federal workers, and stay-at-home parents represent untapped potential that can breathe new life into the ranks of the public and private workforces. Join this panel of experts to discuss training and recruitment strategies to reach and activate these specific populations in every jurisdiction.
Speakers:
- Carmel Roques, Secretary of Aging, Maryland Department of Aging
- Brad Phillips, Executive Director, MD Association of Community Colleges
- Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor
- Ellen LaFrankie, Acting Executive Director, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board (invited)
- LaRee Siddiqui – Coordinator, Postsecondary Access, Department of Strategic Planning & Accountability, Division of Equity and Innovation, Howard County Public School System
Moderator: The Honorable Jim Rosapepe, Vice Chair, Budget and Taxation Committee, MD State Senate
Date/Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Leading Through Limits: Protecting Public Health

Description: As local health departments (LHDs) shift from pandemic response back to core public health services, they face increasing pressure to do more with less. Temporary federal funds that supported workforce, IT, and infrastructure improvements are winding down, while state budget changes are shifting more financial responsibility to counties. Health Officers are forging partnerships, prioritizing investments, and focusing on high-impact strategies to maintain community health. This session will explore how LHDs are managing limited budgets, setting priorities, and making the case for modernizing Maryland’s local health funding formula to support long-term stability and outcomes.
Speakers:
- Elizabeth Kromm, Interim Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, MD Department of Health
- Matt Levy, Health Officer, Prince George’s County
- Gena Spear, Health Officer, Allegany County
- Larry Polsky, Medical Director, Calvert County
Moderator: The Honorable Emily Shetty, MD House of Delegates
Date/Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

The Bottom Line on Green Spaces: ROI of Parks and Recreation

Description: Parks and recreation aren’t just community amenities—they’re powerful economic drivers. From boosting property values to reducing healthcare costs and attracting new residents, strategic investment in these assets can yield impressive returns for counties of all sizes. This panel will explore how parks and recreation programs contribute to economic development, with a focus on proven methods for measuring and communicating both the tangible and intangible benefits. Learn how accessible playgrounds, educational programming, and outdoor wellness opportunities can enhance quality of life, strengthen local economies, and position your county as a destination of choice for families and businesses.
Speakers:
- Sandi Olek, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, DNR
- Jessica Leys, Director, Anne Arundel County Parks
- Steve Miller, Director, Wicomico County Parks
- Sean Harbaugh, Chief of Staff, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
Moderators:The Honorable Regina T. Boyce, MD House of Delegates
Date/Time: Friday, August 15, 2025; 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

On the Front Lines of Food Safety: Why Local Inspections Matter

Description: County food and restaurant inspections save lives by preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting public health. Regular, thorough inspections not only safeguard communities but also support local economies by maintaining consumer confidence and reducing costly outbreaks. Panelists from across Maryland’s environmental health agencies will discuss the economic benefits of investing in strong inspection programs, including lower healthcare costs and stronger local businesses. As federal support for public health programs faces cuts, continuing and strengthening local inspection efforts is more critical than ever.
Speakers:
- Rick Kessler, Director of the Land and Material Administration, MD Department of the Environment
- Cliff Mitchell, Director, Environmental Health Bureau, MD Department of Health
- Lisa Laschalt, Director of Environmental Health, Charles County
- Kenneth Welch, Senior Administrator, Montgomery County Department of Health
Moderator: The Honorable Ron Watson, MD State Senate
Date/Time: Friday, August 15, 2025; 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Maryland’s Fiscal Outlook: Balancing State Budget Challenges and Priorities

Description: Maryland’s fiscal landscape is under severe pressure, and counties will increasingly feel the impact, particularly as uncertainty at the federal level compounds existing challenges. In this timely interview-style session, Maryland’s Comptroller will center a conversation with MACo’s Executive Director, to discuss the significant forces shaping the State’s budget outlook — from revenue volatility to long-term structural constraints. Attendees will learn what’s driving fiscal decision-making, how these dynamics may affect county governments, and how a strong state-local partnership can support sharper forecasting, data-driven planning, and more sustainable funding.
Speakers:
- The Honorable Brooke Lierman, Maryland Comptroller
- Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, MACo
Moderator: Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, MACo

Date/Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025; 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: