LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and leaders from across St. Mary’s County Government will be attending the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) winter conference from December 11–13, 2024 in Cambridge, MD.
The MACo Winter Conference leads into Maryland’s General Assembly Session—the intensive 90 days of law-making that affect all residents of our state. This year, more than 900 leaders representing various levels of the state's public and private sectors will convene to discuss the top issues facing local leaders. The 2024 conference theme, “Anticipate, Adapt, Achieve: Thriving Through Turbulent Times,” will cover the fiscal and operational challenges being seen across all county service areas. The MACo Winter Conference aims to equip county decision-makers and participants with tools for effective leadership, offering a comprehensive perspective on the pressing issues anticipated during the upcoming Maryland General Assembly Session.
With 30+ educational break-out sessions, general sessions, meetings, and briefings taking place at this multi-day event, participants will leave the conference with a better understanding of county issues and policy priorities. Speakers will address some of the ever-increasing necessities, priorities, and mandates competing for space in local budgets. There will also be meaningful conversations on energy, workforce recruitment and retention, funding public education, and much more. Participants will focus on challenges and best practices in Maryland county services, as well as building relationships at the county, state, and legislative levels, and strategic planning for the coming years.
With the MACo Winter Conference comes the annual installation of Officers and Board of Directors, including Commissioner President James “Randy” Guy, who will continue to serve.
“Serving on the MACo Board of Directors and Legislative Committee is an honor and a vital opportunity to ensure the unique needs of St. Mary’s County are heard and addressed at the state level,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “Active engagement with MACo allows us to advocate for policies that support smaller, rural jurisdictions like ours, ensuring that our residents and priorities are reflected in the decisions that shape Maryland's future.”
Additionally, County Administrator, David Weiskopf will present in the session, “Engaging Employees, Retaining Talent: Strategies for Success”
“Recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce is one of the most pressing challenges facing local governments today,” said Weiskopf. “At St. Mary’s County Government, we’re committed to taking proactive steps to attract top talent and support our employees. By offering innovative benefits like an employee health center, leadership and professional development opportunities, and more, we aim to build a workforce that delivers exceptional service, especially in critical areas such as emergency response and public safety.”
Note to Members of the Press: You are invited to attend the conference and may register free of charge through https://mdcounties.org/MACoCon. Please contact Shantelle Malcolm-Lym at shantelleml@mdcounties.org with requests for interviews of MACo leadership and staff.
About the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo): MACo is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that serves Maryland county governments by articulating their needs and ideas to the Maryland General Assembly. The Association's membership comprises county elected officials and representatives from Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. More at: mdcounties.org.
