Maryland Executive Nominations Committee approves nominees and bids farewell to Secretary Edwards

The Executive Nominations Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on March 31, 2025, to address several key appointments and conclude the session's activities. The meeting began with discussions regarding the status of a county commissioner appointment, which had not yet been received by the committee. Members noted that there was some confusion about whether the necessary information had been submitted in a timely manner, but it was agreed that the matter would be resolved shortly.

The committee proceeded to vote on nominees for the Board of Contract Appeals. Mr. Michael Stewart was approved unanimously, while Mr. Michael Carnahan's nomination was separated for a distinct vote. Senator Reidy expressed his opposition to Carnahan's appointment, but the committee ultimately approved him as well, with Reidy's dissent noted for the record.

The meeting also included a review of recent appointments for Baltimore City, which had been addressed in an addendum. As the session neared its conclusion, committee members reflected on the hard work of the staff and the outgoing Secretary of Appointments, Tisha Edwards. Several senators expressed gratitude for her leadership and contributions during her tenure, highlighting her role in processing over 3,300 appointments.

Senator Hayes and others praised the diversity and quality of the nominees put forth during the session, emphasizing the importance of representativeness in Maryland's boards and commissions. Edwards expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the committee and her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to the incoming Secretary, Molly Byron.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the teamwork and dedication displayed throughout the session, marking a successful end to the committee's work for the year.