Montgomery County Maryland Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Montgomery County Maryland has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative coordination, operational oversight, information technology, and legislative support.

Committed to delivering essential public services, Montgomery County Maryland fosters community development and regulatory excellence through a comprehensive framework of local government programs and infrastructure management.

Leadership Roles at Montgomery County Maryland

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - James Norris
  • Chief Operating Officer - Vicki Baltimore
  • Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department - Karen Randolph
  • Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department - Karen Hawkins
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Gregory Boykin
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Patrick Campbell
  • Chief of Staff - Lee Harrell
  • Chief Information Officer - Lionel Bernard
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Councilmember Hans Riemer - Thomas Heyboer
  • Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart - Cecily Thorne
  • James Norris - President & Chief Executive Officer

    James Norris, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the overarching strategic vision for all public service delivery. Overseeing the administrative framework, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that local government initiatives align with the evolving needs of residents and businesses. This leadership role involves managing complex regulatory oversight and coordinating with various departments to maintain high standards of public health and safety. By optimizing resource allocation across the jurisdiction, James Norris directly impacts the efficiency of community development programs. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term fiscal stability while driving initiatives that support educational resources and transportation management. Through rigorous policy implementation, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the operational integrity of the county, ensuring that all government services remain accessible and effective for the diverse population residing within the regional boundaries.
    James Norris

    Vicki Baltimore - Chief Operating Officer

    Vicki Baltimore, the Chief Operating Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the execution of core public services and facility management. Overseeing the daily delivery of licensing, permits, and regulatory oversight, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational units function at peak efficiency. This leadership role involves managing the physical assets and service centers that provide critical support to the community. By optimizing service delivery models, Vicki Baltimore improves the accessibility of government resources for residents and businesses. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to resolve operational bottlenecks and enhance the quality of public health and safety programs. Through the implementation of standardized procedures, the Chief Operating Officer maintains consistency across all county facilities. This role focuses on scaling operational capacity to meet the demands of a growing population, ensuring that the government remains a reliable provider of essential services throughout the entire jurisdiction.

    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, directs the operational strategy for the enterprise technology division. Overseeing the implementation of business solutions, the Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department ensures that all departments have the tools necessary to deliver services effectively. This role involves managing the integration of enterprise-wide software and hardware systems that support court operations and public health initiatives. By optimizing the internal business processes, Karen Randolph enhances the overall productivity of the government workforce. The Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department collaborates with the IT division to ensure that enterprise solutions remain aligned with the broader technological roadmap. Through the management of complex business systems, the Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department supports the delivery of high-quality services to the community, ensuring that the county maintains a competitive and efficient operational environment.

    Karen Hawkins - Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department

    Karen Hawkins, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the fiscal operations and budgetary oversight for the entire government entity. Overseeing the allocation of funds for public services, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department ensures that all financial activities comply with regulatory standards and support the strategic mission of the county. This role involves monitoring revenue streams and expenditures to maintain long-term fiscal health. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Karen Hawkins improves the transparency and accountability of government spending. The Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department coordinates with other departments to ensure that financial resources are directed toward high-impact community development programs and essential infrastructure projects. Through the management of complex fiscal data, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department provides the executive leadership with the insights necessary to make informed decisions. This position focuses on securing the financial stability required to sustain the diverse range of services provided to the public.

    Gregory Boykin - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Gregory Boykin, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the tactical execution of departmental programs and service delivery. Overseeing the daily operations of key public service units, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all programs meet the established performance metrics. This role involves managing the coordination between field operations and administrative support to maintain high service standards. By optimizing the deployment of resources, Gregory Boykin enhances the responsiveness of the county to community needs. The Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to refine operational strategies and improve the efficiency of public health and transportation initiatives. Through the oversight of departmental workflows, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer maintains consistency in service delivery across the jurisdiction. This position focuses on driving operational excellence to ensure that the government remains a reliable and effective provider of essential services for all residents.
    Gregory Boykin

    Patrick Campbell - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Patrick Campbell, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, supports the executive leadership in managing the complex operational landscape of the county. Overseeing the implementation of cross-departmental projects, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer ensures that all initiatives align with the strategic goals of the government. This role involves facilitating communication between various operational units to resolve conflicts and improve service delivery. By streamlining the coordination of public health and community development programs, Patrick Campbell enhances the overall effectiveness of the county. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer monitors the performance of key service areas and provides actionable insights to the executive team. Through the management of inter-departmental workflows, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency and service quality. This position requires a broad understanding of the government's functional areas to ensure that all operations contribute to the successful delivery of essential services to the community.

    Lee Harrell - Chief of Staff

    Lee Harrell, the Chief of Staff at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the daily administrative operations and internal communications for the executive office. Coordinating between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that policy directives translate into actionable public service programs. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and managing the flow of information to support effective decision-making across the government entity. By streamlining internal processes, Lee Harrell enhances the responsiveness of the county to community needs. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives, ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader mission of providing essential services. Through careful oversight of organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff maintains alignment with the strategic goals established by the executive leadership. This position requires constant engagement with various stakeholders to ensure that the administrative infrastructure remains robust and capable of supporting the diverse requirements of the local population.

    Lionel Bernard - Chief Information Officer

    Lionel Bernard, the Chief Information Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, architects the digital infrastructure and technology systems that support all government operations. Overseeing the modernization of data management and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures that public services remain secure and accessible through digital platforms. This role involves integrating advanced software solutions to streamline court operations, legal proceedings, and community development tracking. By driving the digital transformation of the county, Lionel Bernard enhances the transparency and efficiency of government interactions. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technology investments with the strategic goals of the organization. Through the deployment of scalable cloud infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer supports the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that residents have reliable access to online resources. This leadership position focuses on maintaining a resilient technological foundation that powers the essential services provided by the local government.

    Thomas Heyboer - Deputy Chief of Staff, Councilmember Hans Riemer

    Thomas Heyboer, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Councilmember Hans Riemer at Montgomery County Maryland, manages legislative priorities and constituent relations for the council office. Overseeing the development of policy proposals, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Councilmember Hans Riemer ensures that legislative agendas address the pressing concerns of the community. This role involves coordinating with various government departments to facilitate the passage and implementation of local ordinances. By fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, Thomas Heyboer bridges the gap between public needs and government action. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Councilmember Hans Riemer monitors the impact of legislative decisions on public health, transportation, and educational resources. Through strategic planning and advocacy, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Councilmember Hans Riemer supports the councilmember in achieving long-term policy objectives. This position requires a deep understanding of the local political landscape to ensure that all legislative efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the county.

    Cecily Thorne - Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart

    Cecily Thorne, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the legislative and constituent affairs for the council office. Overseeing the development of policy initiatives, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart ensures that the councilmember's agenda addresses the critical needs of the community. This role involves managing the legislative process and coordinating with other government departments to advance public service goals. By fostering engagement with residents and local businesses, Cecily Thorne strengthens the connection between the council and the public. The Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart monitors the progress of key policy projects and provides strategic guidance to ensure successful outcomes. Through the management of the council office, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart supports the effective representation of the community's interests. This position requires a proactive approach to legislative advocacy and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents within the county.

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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 James Norris (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Vicki Baltimore (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 James Norris (President & Chief Executive Officer), Vicki Baltimore (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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions Department, Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer.