About Stephen
Stephen wants to give you what Mount Airy has given him.
Stephen and his wife have lived in Mount Airy for 32 years and have been blessed to raise their family there. Stephen believes that all Mount Airy residents should enjoy the same sense of safety, serenity, economic opportunity, and quality of life that has provided his family with years of enjoyment and a sense of community spirit.
Stephen has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to public service, the principles of good governance, and volunteerism.
Several years ago, Stephen was selected to serve on the town’s Growth and Development Task Force, responsible for developing and implementing the Mount Airy 2020 Community Survey. He was grateful when the Mayor appointed him to the Task Force in 2019 because it gave him the opportunity to bring together his professional experience with his passion for the town. This experience on the Task Force gave him strategic insight into the vision residents expressed for the future of Mount Airy, and a deep understanding of the views and concerns that impact their daily life. Stephen realized that the most meaningful way to effect change in addressing these issues and advocating for your vision was to “have a seat at the table.” This is what motivated Stephen to run successfully for town council in 2021.
Stephen has 34 years of dedicated civil service, first at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and then in Federal Government. This includes serving as the Deputy Director for the Office of Nuclear Safety and the Director for the Office of Analysis at the U.S. Department of Energy, and most recently as Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Stephen knows that safety is “personal” and he has applied this caring, safety mindset in serving you and our town.
As a retired scientist and member of the Federal Senior Executive Service, Stephen has led many cutting-edge programs and inter-governmental Task Forces in the areas of environmental protection, safety, and the national defense of our country. As such, Stephen has proven experience in building partnerships and leading change, as well as the business savvy needed to secure budgets and grants.
Stephen treats people with dignity and respect and listens to all voices and opinions. He has no pet projects, but rather is dedicated to taking the actions and delivering the results you have asked for.
Local and National Community Service:
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Served for over 10 years in scouting, first in Cub Scout Pack 1191, then as Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 460. Led the first Troop 460 trip to BSA Florida High Adventure Sea Base. BSA Wood Badge. Carroll District Scouter of the Year.
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Led the Department of Energy’s nationwide participation in the “Feds Feed Families” program to tackle food insecurity, resulting in the Department’s collection of 211,000 pounds of food donated to local food banks.
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Served as a judge in the Gold Star Post 191 American Legion High School Oratory Scholarship Program.
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Served as a canoe guide at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary on the Patuxent River, with a deep appreciation for preserving Maryland’s natural beauty and heritage.
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Member of the Mount Airy 4 County Lions Club, with a passion for its mission to feed families in need, support youth, and protect the environment.
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Member of the St. Michael Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Poplar Springs Council 10525, with a passion for its mission to assist the sick, disabled and needy through its principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.
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Created the Town’s Main Street Safety Task Force in partnership with the Mayor, served as its Council Liaison, and delivered meaningful safety improvements for our citizens.
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Served as Council Liaison to the Town’s Recycle and Sanitation Commission.
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Serve as Council Liaison to the Town’s Streets and Roads Commission.
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Serve as Council Liaison to the Town's Economic Development Commission.
Education Highlights
Fellow. Academy of Excellence in Local Governance. University of Maryland School of Public Policy, in conjunction with the Maryland Municipal League (MML). 2023.
Maryland Municipal League Torchbearer Program. MML. 2024. MML program for leaders in local government who seek to continually improve and inspire others to strive for excellence in public service.
Leadership for Strategic Execution. 2010. Stanford University Executive Education.
Senior Executive Fellows Program. 2010. Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education.
Excellence in Government Program / Senior Fellow. 2009. Partnership for Public Service.
Master of Science. Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science. December 1982. University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Received a Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Research Fellowship.
Bachelor of Science. Biology. June 1979. St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, Maryland.