Cardin named chair of U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland was named chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, September 27. He replaces Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey. Cardin is a Democrat who has served on the Foreign Relations Committee ever since he joined the Senate in 2007. He’s also co-chair of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, better known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. In a statement, Cardin said he’s accepting the…

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Sarah Kogel-Smucker is Montgomery County’s New Climate Change Officer

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that Sarah Kogel-Smucker is the new Climate Change Officer. Ms. Kogel-Smucker joins Montgomery County after leading the creation of the climate change division of the District of Columbia’s (DC) Office of the People’s Counsel. Prior to her work in the District, she served as senior counsel for the New York City Law Department’s Environmental Division. In this role, she advocated for the deployment of affordable clean energy initiatives,…

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State Board of Education Announces Transition Team and State Superintendent Search Committee

The State Board has laid the groundwork for moving forward through the next phase of the transformation at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The State Board has put into place a transition team to ensure the operational continuity of the Department and maintain the provision of critical services and assistance to members of the public and to local education agencies. The focus of the transition team will be to maintain clear direction on critical…

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FREE NACo Webinars on Civic Engagement, ARPA, Disaster Mitigation, Summer Hunger, Housing, and Ransomware

The National Association of Counties (NACo) hosts free webinars every month to provide county leaders and professionals with knowledge on best practices and hot topics in various areas. Join NACo for the following webinars September 18th through September 28th. Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Junior Commissioner Program and Civic Engagement for Youth SEPTEMBER 18, 2023, 2:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.          REGISTRATION Are you interested in engaging the next generation in civic participation…

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Cyberattack Simulation Exercise – Online, Participatory, and FREE for MACo Members

The Professional Development Academy hosts a quarterly Cyberattack Simulation exercise, and our September simulation has been fully sponsored! That means you and an unlimited number of your colleagues can join the virtual training at NO COST. The simulation is a reality-based exercise that prepares risk leaders for cyberattacks by assessing current readiness state and identifying gaps in preparedness. It is intended for anyone involved in cybersecurity management, risk defense, policy management, finance, or data access.  Simulation Topic: Ransomware September 11 –…

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FREE NACo Webinars on Cyber, Civic Engagement, and Behavioral Health

The National Association of Counties (NACo) hosts free webinars every month to provide county leaders and professionals with knowledge on best practices and hot topics in various areas. Join NACo for the following webinars September 7th through September 14th: TechKnow Series: NACo Tech Xchange Overview - Resources and Tools for Your CIO Strategy  September 7th, 2023 | 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.          REGISTRATION Overview - This is a first in a…

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Mayor Scott to Nominate Chief James Wallace to Lead Baltimore City Fire Department

On 7.26.2023, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that he will nominate Chief James Wallace as the new Fire Chief to lead the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD).  As a 33-year fire service professional of the Baltimore City Fire Department, Chief Wallace brings a wealth of experience and an exceptional track record of leadership and dedication to the Baltimore City Fire Department and its emergency response team. He has led the Office of Emergency Management since…

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Gov Wes Moore Appoints Snead as New Member of MD Transportation Authority Board

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced the appointment of Anne Arundel County Transportation Officer Samuel Snead to a four-year term on the Maryland Transportation Authority Board. The Board serves as the policy-setting, decision-making, and governing body for the Maryland Transportation Authority, which finances, builds, operates, preserves, and improves the state’s toll facilities and toll roads. “Samuel Snead’s extensive background and proven track record in the transportation sector make him the perfect candidate to serve this…

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Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Announces Key Personnel Appointments

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has announced key personnel appointments. Horacio Tablada, former secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), has been named Director of the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (EPS), effective July 31. Mr. Tablada will succeed current Director David Lykens, who will be retiring from the Baltimore County government. Mr. Tablada will be the first Hispanic-American leader of a Baltimore County department. “Mr. Tablada’s experience in environmental…

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County Executive Pittman Announces New Office of Equity and Human Rights Director

Asha Smith, previously the county’s Equal Opportunity and Human Relations Officer, will helm the new office and continue the commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. On July 11, 2023, County Executive Pittman announced the appointment of Asha Smith as the new Director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR), which was created to further support the county’s development of policies, programs, and procedures that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion. “Embedding equity, diversity, and…

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