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 10–12, 2025, in Cambridge, MD. This year’s conference is especially meaningful for St. Mary’s County, as both Commissioner President James Randy Guy and the St. Mary’s County Health Department will be honored with prestigious statewide awards.
Commissioner President Guy will receive the Marilyn J. Praisner Public Service Award, established to honor the legacy of former Montgomery County Council Member, MACo Past President, and beloved public servant Marilyn J. Praisner. The award recognizes a current or former elected county official who has demonstrated outstanding service to their county, constituents, and MACo.
“This award is an incredible honor, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served St. Mary’s County and to have contributed to MACo’s important work over the years,” said Commissioner President Guy. “As I near the end of my final term, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and thankful for the partnerships built in the spirit of strengthening our state and community.”
In addition, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will receive the County Innovation Award for the St. Mary’s County Health Hub. This award recognizes superb and leading-edge county programs that improve the overall quality of life and service delivery for residents.
“Our team is deeply honored to receive the County Innovation Award on behalf of the St. Mary’s County Health Department and the many partners who bring the Health Hub to life,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, Health Officer for St. Mary’s County. “This recognition celebrates the commitment of our incredible staff and community partners who work every day to ensure residents have access to compassionate and coordinated care.”
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 1,000 leaders representing various levels of the state's public and private sectors will convene to discuss the top issues facing local leaders.
The 2025 conference theme, “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” 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 sessions, general sessions, meetings, and special events taking place at this multi-day event, participants will leave the conference with a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Maryland’s counties and communities. This year’s discussions will tackle emerging challenges in housing, transportation, and infrastructure, as well as modernizing local government operations through technology, workforce development, and partnerships. Participants will dive into the latest on state education funding, environmental mandates, and fiscal priorities as counties prepare for the 2026 legislative session.
With the MACo Winter Conference comes the annual installation of Officers and Board of Directors, including Commissioner President Guy, who will continue to serve.
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.
