Ball fills top administration posts
Howard’s top government administrator to keep job, key advisers being replaced
Howard County Executive-elect Calvin Ball announced several members of his incoming administration Wednesday, saying he plans to keep the county’s chief administrative officer who has served under three prior county executives.
Lonnie Robbins was appointed deputy chief administrative officer in 2004 by James Robey, a two-term Democrat. Robbins was promoted to chief administrative officer by Ken Ulman, a Democrat who also served two terms. He was kept in the post by Allan Kittleman, a Republican who lost to Ball in this month’s election after one term.
“It has been an honor to serve as [chief administrative officer] for the past 11 years, and I have been fortunate to have worked with thousands of Howard County employees, residents, businesses, and stakeholders during my tenure,” Robbins, 68, said in a statement. “I look forward to assisting the new administration to ensure efficient operation of government and effective use of tax dollars in delivering services.”
Ball, who has been a member of the County Council for 12 years, will be sworn in as Howard’s first black county executive in less than a week. His transition team is expected to make a number of policy and personnel recommendations in the coming weeks.
He has the option to retain or dismiss 93 people who serve in appointed positions, according to Kittleman spokesman Paul Milton. The positions include department heads, executive staff and the chiefs of the police and fire departments.
Ball is replacing Robbins’ deputy with Angela Lagdameo Cabellon, a former social services officer and deputy chief of children, youth and family services for Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services. The deputy position under Kittleman was held by Nancy E. Gray.
Sameer Sidh will serve as Ball’s chief of staff. Sidh formerly led planning, coordination and project management at Towson University. Sidh’s position under Kittleman’s administration was held by B. Diane Wilson. Jennifer Jones, a Howard County native, will be Sidh’s deputy.
Maureen Evans Arthurs will serve as the director of government affairs and strategic partnerships. Since 2015, Evans Arthurs has been legislative director for Del. Shelly Hettleman, a Democrat who represents Baltimore County.
Shaina Hernandez will serve as Ball’s senior policy adviser. Hernandez will leave her role as director of local government affairs and strategic initiatives for the Greater Baltimore Committee. Hernandez formerly served in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s press office.
Kimberly Pruim will be director of constituent services and community partnerships. Pruim served as Ball’s assistant for nine years and on a multi-jurisdictional roundtable aimed at addressing airport noise.
Scott Peterson will lead Howard’s communications office. Peterson was press secretary for outgoing Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker. Peterson’s position was held by Deidre McCabe, a Kittleman appointee.