Brandy Kenner, the Director of Purchasing for Washington County, MD, kicked off the Board of County Commissioners meeting on August 26, 2025, with a heartfelt recognition of Karen Batner, a standout member of the purchasing department. Batner recently achieved her Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designation, a significant accomplishment that underscores her dedication and expertise in procurement.

Kenner highlighted the rigorous requirements Batner met to qualify for the certification, including completing 72 credit hours related to procurement and accumulating three years of active experience in the field. "It takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of time and a lot of dedication," Kenner stated, emphasizing the challenges of passing the certification exam.

In a moment of celebration, the Board presented Batner with a certificate of recognition, acknowledging her achievement and commitment to serving the citizens of Washington County. "Congratulations, Karen," said Kenner, as all five county commissioners signed the certificate, expressing their pride in Batner's accomplishment.

Following this recognition, County Administrator Michelle Gordon noted the busy month ahead, mentioning her participation in various community events and meetings, reflecting the county's ongoing engagement with its residents. The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing individual contributions within local government, setting a positive tone for future discussions and initiatives.