Montgomery County Maryland Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Montgomery County Maryland has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, and information technology.

Committed to public service excellence, Montgomery County Maryland delivers essential regulatory, health, and community development programs to residents while fostering sustainable growth across the region.

Leadership Roles at Montgomery County Maryland

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - James Norris
  • Chief Operating Officer - Vicki Baltimore
  • Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department - Karen Hawkins
  • Chief of Staff - Lisa Mandel-Trupp
  • Chief Information Officer - Lionel Bernard
  • District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) - Sharon Ledner
  • Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart - Cecily Thorne
  • Deputy Director - Ehsan Motazedi
  • Deputy Director - Edgar Gonzalez
  • Deputy Director - Jeffrey Seltzer
  • 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 county departments align with long-term community development goals. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to optimize resource allocation across diverse public health and transportation initiatives. By maintaining rigorous oversight of regulatory functions, Norris drives operational efficiency throughout the jurisdiction. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages complex inter-agency relationships to support the evolving needs of the local population. Through consistent focus on fiscal responsibility and service accessibility, James Norris strengthens the foundation of the county government. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of essential public programs while promoting innovation in local governance.
    James Norris

    Vicki Baltimore - Chief Operating Officer

    Vicki Baltimore, the Chief Operating Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the internal business processes and organizational efficiency of the government entity. Overseeing the daily functions of administrative departments, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all service delivery models remain cost-effective and scalable. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental workflows to improve the overall responsiveness of the county to resident inquiries. By implementing performance management systems, Baltimore drives accountability and excellence across all operational units. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to align internal resources with the strategic priorities of the county. Through rigorous oversight of facility management and operational logistics, Vicki Baltimore maintains the high standards required for public service. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer supports the long-term success of the organization by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence in every department.

    Karen Hawkins - Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department

    Karen Hawkins, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the fiscal operations and financial planning for the county. Overseeing the budgeting and accounting processes, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department ensures that all financial activities comply with regulatory standards and transparency requirements. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of funds across various public services to ensure fiscal sustainability. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Hawkins drives the optimization of financial resources. The Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department collaborates with other executive leaders to support the funding of critical community development programs. Through rigorous financial oversight, Karen Hawkins maintains the economic health of the county government. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Department secures the financial stability of the organization, ensuring that resources are available to meet the essential needs of the residents and businesses within the jurisdiction.

    Lisa Mandel-Trupp - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Mandel-Trupp, the Chief of Staff at Montgomery County Maryland, coordinates the executive agenda and facilitates communication between the leadership team and the public. Overseeing the strategic flow of information, the Chief of Staff ensures that all policy initiatives receive proper attention and support. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that require cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement. By organizing executive priorities, Mandel-Trupp drives the successful implementation of the county's mission. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for the executive office, ensuring that all administrative functions align with the broader goals of the government. Through careful management of internal and external relations, Lisa Mandel-Trupp maintains the cohesion of the leadership team. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff supports the effective operation of the county by ensuring that strategic objectives are clearly defined, communicated, and executed across all levels of the organization.

    Lionel Bernard - Chief Information Officer

    Lionel Bernard, the Chief Information Officer at Montgomery County Maryland, directs the digital transformation and technology infrastructure of the government. Overseeing the security and reliability of information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital services remain accessible to residents and staff. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions and data management frameworks to support the diverse needs of the county. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, Bernard drives the protection of sensitive public data. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate technology into public service delivery, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Through the modernization of IT systems, Lionel Bernard supports the digital evolution of the local government. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the county maintains a robust technological foundation, enabling the delivery of high-quality services in an increasingly digital world.

    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 agenda and constituent services for the district. Overseeing the daily operations of the council office, the District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) ensures that all policy proposals align with the needs of the local community. This leadership role involves coordinating with other government departments to address resident concerns and facilitate effective problem-solving. By monitoring legislative developments, Ledner drives the advancement of key initiatives that support the district's growth. The District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) maintains strong relationships with community leaders to ensure that the council remains responsive to public feedback. Through diligent management of office resources, Sharon Ledner supports the effective representation of the district. Ultimately, the District County Councilmember Craig Rice, 2 Chief of Staff (Montgomery) ensures that legislative goals are met with precision and dedication.

    Cecily Thorne - Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart

    Cecily Thorne, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the strategic operations and policy development for the council office. Overseeing the coordination of legislative priorities, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart ensures that all initiatives reflect the interests of the constituents. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the council office and various government departments to resolve complex community issues. By managing the office workflow, Thorne drives the efficient execution of the councilmember's agenda. The Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart monitors local policy trends to provide informed guidance on critical issues. Through active engagement with community stakeholders, Cecily Thorne fosters collaboration and support for legislative goals. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kate Stewart ensures that the office operates with high efficiency, providing effective representation and service to the residents of the district while advancing the broader mission of the county.

    Ehsan Motazedi - Deputy Director

    Ehsan Motazedi, the Deputy Director at Montgomery County Maryland, manages the execution of critical infrastructure and public works projects. Overseeing the daily operations of departmental teams, the Deputy Director ensures that all licensing and permit processes meet established regulatory standards. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executive leaders to streamline community development programs across the county. By implementing data-driven management techniques, Motazedi improves the delivery of essential services to residents and local businesses. The Deputy Director monitors project timelines and budget adherence to maintain high performance levels within the organization. Through active engagement with regional stakeholders, Ehsan Motazedi facilitates the successful completion of public initiatives. Ultimately, the Deputy Director supports the broader mission of the county by ensuring that operational workflows remain efficient, transparent, and responsive to the diverse requirements of the community.

    Edgar Gonzalez - Deputy Director

    Edgar Gonzalez, the Deputy Director at Montgomery County Maryland, architects the strategic planning for transportation management and public transit systems. Overseeing the integration of regional mobility solutions, the Deputy Director ensures that infrastructure projects align with the long-term sustainability goals of the county. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to enhance the safety and accessibility of public facilities. By analyzing traffic patterns and community growth metrics, Gonzalez drives improvements in the overall transportation network. The Deputy Director manages complex logistical challenges to ensure that public services remain reliable for all residents. Through consistent collaboration with other administrative leaders, Edgar Gonzalez optimizes the allocation of resources for critical infrastructure maintenance. Ultimately, the Deputy Director supports the economic vitality of the region by maintaining a robust and efficient transportation framework that serves the needs of a growing population.

    Jeffrey Seltzer - Deputy Director

    Jeffrey Seltzer, the Deputy Director at Montgomery County Maryland, oversees the administration of public health initiatives and community wellness programs. Directing the implementation of health policies, the Deputy Director ensures that all services comply with state and local regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves managing departmental budgets and personnel to maximize the impact of public health outreach efforts. By evaluating service delivery metrics, Seltzer drives improvements in the accessibility of medical resources for the community. The Deputy Director coordinates with other executive leaders to address emerging public health challenges across the jurisdiction. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, Jeffrey Seltzer expands the reach of essential health services. Ultimately, the Deputy Director maintains the integrity of public health operations, ensuring that the county provides high-quality support to residents while fostering a safe and healthy environment for all members of the community.

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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 Hawkins (Chief Operating Officer, Finance 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 Hawkins (Chief Operating Officer, Finance 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, Finance Department, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.