Montgomery County Maryland Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Montgomery County Maryland has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative oversight, strategic operations, information technology, and legislative support.

Committed to delivering essential public services to residents and businesses, Montgomery County Maryland maintains a robust framework for community development, public health, and regulatory excellence across the region.

Leadership Roles at Montgomery County Maryland

  • Chief Operating Officer - Vicki Baltimore
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Emil Wolanin
  • Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department - Karen Randolph
  • Chief of Staff - Victoria Tajzai
  • Chief Information Officer - Lionel Bernard
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Paul Ellis
  • Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart - Cecily Thorne
  • District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) - Sharon Ledner
  • Chief Information Officer & Director - Gail Roper
  • Deputy Director - Ed Baggett
  • Vicki Baltimore - Chief Operating Officer

    Vicki Baltimore, the Chief Operating Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the internal scaling and logistical execution of essential public services. Baltimore focuses on optimizing the delivery of community development programs and transportation management initiatives to ensure maximum efficiency. By refining operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the quality of service provided to residents and local businesses. Vicki Baltimore coordinates with department heads to align daily activities with the county's long-term strategic vision. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics and implementing process improvements to reduce administrative bottlenecks. Through the oversight of facility management and resource distribution, the Chief Operating Officer supports the effective functioning of the entire government entity. Baltimore drives organizational growth by fostering collaboration and ensuring that all operational units remain focused on delivering high-quality, accessible services to the diverse population of the county.

    Emil Wolanin - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Emil Wolanin, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, oversees the integration of regulatory oversight and public health initiatives. Wolanin manages the complex logistics required to maintain county facilities and deliver critical services across the jurisdiction. By bridging the gap between policy development and field execution, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer ensures that government programs remain responsive to community needs. Emil Wolanin directs the implementation of large-scale projects, focusing on the efficient allocation of personnel and financial resources. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the Board and other executives to address operational challenges and improve service delivery standards. Through the application of rigorous management practices, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer supports the overall stability and growth of the county. Wolanin drives the success of public initiatives by maintaining a clear focus on operational excellence and accountability.

    Karen Randolph - Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department

    Karen Randolph, the Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the operational deployment of enterprise-wide software and business solutions. Randolph focuses on the logistical aspects of technology integration, ensuring that all departments have the tools necessary to perform their functions effectively. By overseeing the implementation of business process automation, the Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department improves the efficiency of licensing, permits, and regulatory oversight. Karen Randolph coordinates with IT teams to ensure that technology investments align with the operational requirements of the county. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that impact the entire government infrastructure. Through the optimization of enterprise solutions, the Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department drives significant improvements in service delivery and administrative productivity. Randolph maintains a focus on long-term scalability and the continuous improvement of digital business processes.

    Victoria Tajzai - Chief of Staff

    Victoria Tajzai, the Chief of Staff at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the strategic agenda and coordinates high-level policy initiatives for the executive office. Tajzai manages the flow of information between departments, ensuring that leadership priorities remain synchronized with the overarching mission of the county government. By facilitating communication across diverse agencies, the Chief of Staff enables efficient decision-making processes that impact public health, transportation, and community development. Victoria Tajzai oversees the implementation of key administrative projects, providing guidance to staff while maintaining alignment with legislative goals. This role requires constant engagement with stakeholders to address pressing regional concerns and improve service accessibility. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff ensures that the executive team remains focused on long-term growth and stability. Tajzai secures the operational integrity of the county by managing complex internal relationships and driving organizational excellence.

    Lionel Bernard - Chief Information Officer

    Lionel Bernard, the Chief Information Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy necessary for modern government operations. Bernard oversees the deployment of secure systems that support court operations, legal proceedings, and public health data management. By modernizing legacy platforms, the Chief Information Officer enhances the accessibility of government services for residents and businesses throughout the jurisdiction. Lionel Bernard drives innovation by integrating advanced data analytics and cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information while improving operational transparency. This leadership role involves close coordination with other C-suite executives to ensure that technology investments directly support the county's strategic goals. Through the implementation of scalable digital solutions, the Chief Information Officer fosters a more responsive and efficient government environment. Bernard maintains a focus on technological resilience, ensuring that all systems remain robust and capable of meeting the diverse needs of the community.

    Paul Ellis - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Paul Ellis, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Montgomery County Maryland, supports the executive office by managing daily administrative functions and coordinating inter-departmental projects. Ellis facilitates the execution of policy directives, ensuring that all government agencies remain aligned with the strategic goals of the county. By overseeing the preparation of briefings and managing stakeholder communications, the Deputy Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding public health and community development. Paul Ellis maintains a focus on operational efficiency, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and improve the delivery of services to residents. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Chief of Staff to address emerging issues and maintain organizational cohesion. Through proactive management and clear communication, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives the successful implementation of county-wide initiatives. Ellis ensures that the executive office remains responsive and effective in its mission.

    Cecily Thorne - Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart

    Cecily Thorne, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the legislative agenda and constituent services for the office of Councilmember Kate Stewart. Thorne manages the research and policy development required to address local issues, including transportation management and community development. By facilitating communication between the Councilmember and the public, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart ensures that resident concerns are effectively represented in government proceedings. Cecily Thorne oversees the daily operations of the office, coordinating with other legislative staff to advance policy goals. This leadership role involves analyzing complex data to support informed decision-making on public health and educational resources. Through strategic planning and effective advocacy, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart drives the success of legislative initiatives. Thorne maintains a focus on community engagement, ensuring that the office remains accessible and responsive to the needs of the district.

    Sharon Ledner - District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery)

    Sharon Ledner, the District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the legislative operations and strategic outreach for the office of Councilmember Craig Rice. Ledner oversees the development of policy initiatives that address educational resources and community development programs within the district. By coordinating with other government agencies, the District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) ensures that the Councilmember's priorities are integrated into the broader county agenda. Sharon Ledner manages the office staff and facilitates communication with constituents to address local concerns and improve service delivery. This leadership role involves analyzing legislative proposals and providing recommendations to support effective governance. Through meticulous planning and execution, the District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) drives the success of the office's legislative goals. Ledner maintains a focus on public service, ensuring that the district's needs are met with efficiency and transparency.

    Gail Roper - Chief Information Officer & Director

    Gail Roper, the Chief Information Officer & Director at Montgomery County Maryland, leads the strategic vision for the county's information technology department and oversees the delivery of digital services. Roper manages the implementation of comprehensive technology policies that support court operations, legal proceedings, and public health initiatives. By directing the department's resources, the Chief Information Officer & Director ensures that all technological infrastructure remains secure and capable of meeting the demands of the community. Gail Roper coordinates with other executive leaders to align IT strategy with the county's overall mission of providing efficient public services. This leadership role involves managing large-scale digital transformations and fostering a culture of innovation within the department. Through the oversight of critical systems, the Chief Information Officer & Director drives the operational success of the county. Roper maintains a focus on technological advancement, ensuring that the government remains at the forefront of digital service delivery.

    Ed Baggett - Deputy Director

    Ed Baggett, the Deputy Director at Montgomery County Maryland, manages critical administrative workflows and operational efficiency across various county departments. Baggett coordinates with department heads to ensure the seamless delivery of public services, ranging from licensing and permits to regulatory oversight. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Director optimizes resource allocation to meet the evolving needs of the community. Ed Baggett maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility and policy implementation, ensuring that all county initiatives align with broader government objectives. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Deputy Director supports the effective functioning of local government infrastructure. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with other executive leaders to address complex logistical challenges. Ultimately, Baggett drives the operational success of the county by fostering a culture of accountability and high-performance service delivery for all residents and local businesses.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Montgomery County Maryland Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Montgomery County Maryland?
    Montgomery County Maryland is led by Vicki Baltimore (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Emil Wolanin (Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer) and Karen Randolph (Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department).
    Who is part of Montgomery County Maryland’s executive team?
    The executive team of Montgomery County Maryland includes leaders such as Vicki Baltimore (Chief Operating Officer), Emil Wolanin (Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer), Karen Randolph (Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Montgomery County Maryland have?
    Montgomery County Maryland has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Montgomery County Maryland’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Montgomery County Maryland includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.