MACo Communications Affiliate Welcomes New Leadership, Plans First In-Person Conference

MACo’s PIOs and Communications Professionals Affiliate Group welcomed a new leadership team during the 2026 MACo Summer Conference and is already looking ahead to a major first: an in-person conference dedicated to Maryland’s county communicators. Sarah Kilmon of Talbot County will serve as President, Sarah Campbell of Frederick County as Vice President, and Victoria Zelefsky of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation as Secretary. The Communications Affiliate brings together public information officers, communications professionals, and…

Comments Off on MACo Communications Affiliate Welcomes New Leadership, Plans First In-Person Conference
MACo Book Club Tackles “How to Not Know”

MACo’s “good government” Book Club met again in August – with a book called How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers. The participants connected the book to work and life priorities, as always. At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials and other guests can join a discussion on a book affecting public service and best practices as officials, employees, and colleagues. The selection for August 2026 was How to…

Comments Off on MACo Book Club Tackles “How to Not Know”
Women of MACo To Welcome Delegate Heather Bagnall as Featured Speaker

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and Delegate Heather Bagnall to Speak at Women of MACo Luncheon A hallmark of the annual MACo Summer Conference is the opportunity to hear from leaders at every level of government on the issues shaping Maryland's counties. This year's Women of MACo Luncheon will feature two distinguished guest speakers: Congresswoman April McClain Delaney, who represents Maryland's 6th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, and Delegate Heather Bagnall, Chair of…

Comments Off on Women of MACo To Welcome Delegate Heather Bagnall as Featured Speaker
Maryland County Employees Complete NACo Leadership Academy

More than 20 Maryland county employees have completed the National Association of Counties (NACo) High Performance Leadership Academy, strengthening leadership skills that support county governments and the communities they serve. The April 2026 graduating class includes employees from Baltimore, Charles, and Harford counties, representing a wide range of professions including public works, information technology, public health, human resources, recreation, utilities, engineering, animal control, and environmental programs. Congratulations! Baltimore County Jameca Craig, Public Health Nurse Supervisor…

Comments Off on Maryland County Employees Complete NACo Leadership Academy
Maryland Environmental Leader Kim Coble Announces Retirement

Kim Coble, a longtime advocate on environmental and climate policy issues in Maryland, has announced plans to retire as executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) and Maryland LCV Education Fund. Coble has led the organization since 2019, overseeing a period of significant growth and helping shape several major environmental policy discussions in Annapolis. Prior to joining Maryland LCV, she served in leadership roles at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, where she…

Comments Off on Maryland Environmental Leader Kim Coble Announces Retirement
MABE Names New Executive Director

The Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) has selected Joseph “Joe” Goetz as its next Executive Director, bringing a former local school board president and longtime education advocate into a key statewide leadership role. Goetz will begin on April 27, leading the association that represents all 24 Maryland public school systems. For counties and school systems alike, the role carries significance. MABE plays a central role in school board governance, public education advocacy, and…

Comments Off on MABE Names New Executive Director
New Leadership Cohort Launches for County Administrators and HR Leaders

A new leadership development opportunity is launching for county leaders responsible for workforce strategy, organizational culture, and team performance. The Workforce Network Leadership Program is a 10-week online cohort designed specifically for county administrators, human resources professionals, and their teams. The program focuses on strengthening leadership capacity across local governments while providing practical tools for managing people, aligning departments, and leading organizational change. The program is built specifically for local government leaders and allows participants…

Comments Off on New Leadership Cohort Launches for County Administrators and HR Leaders
Leadership Insights: Stoicism for Public Service in a Contentious Age

MACo brings you a special feature from the Illinois State Association of Counties Quarterly Newsletter.  We live and work in a political climate defined by polarization, distrust, and an endless stream of information and opinion. For elected officials, this environment can create a daily cycle of urgency, frustration, criticism, and emotional fatigue. Stoicism—an ancient philosophy now enjoying a modern resurgence—offers meaningful, practical tools for leadership amid this turbulence. Its core lessons help leaders remain grounded,…

Comments Off on Leadership Insights: Stoicism for Public Service in a Contentious Age
Women Legislators of Maryland To Celebrate 54 Years of Historic Leadership

Maryland’s women leaders celebrate the 54th anniversary of the nation’s first Women’s Caucus and offer a moment to recognize meaningful milestones and reaffirm the work still ahead. Maryland’s Women Legislators will mark another milestone this winter, celebrating the 54th anniversary of the nation’s first Women’s Caucus at their Annual Opening Reception. The event, hosted by the Women Legislators of Maryland Foundation, Inc., will take place Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM…

Comments Off on Women Legislators of Maryland To Celebrate 54 Years of Historic Leadership
Carroll’s Summer Jobs Program Builds Future Workforce

Counties across Maryland are continually seeking innovative ways to prepare young people for the workforce. Carroll County has a program that does this and strengthens connections with local businesses. This year, Carroll County’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) matched 37 high school students with 18 local businesses, providing six weeks of real-world work experience in various industries, including technology, retail, and recreation. The program doesn’t just place kids in jobs; it builds confidence, career readiness,…

Comments Off on Carroll’s Summer Jobs Program Builds Future Workforce