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Council interviews nominee Nestor Alvarenga for Mid-County regional services director
Summary
The county executive nominated Nestor Alvarenga to lead the Mid‑County Regional Services Center; Alvarenga described his community organizing, county liaison and media experience and said his first-year priorities would be relationship building, community engagement and implementation of services.
Montgomery County officials interviewed Nestor Alvarenga on Sept. 16 as the county executive’s nominee for director of the Mid‑County Regional Services Center, which serves the northeast portion of the county from Ashton to Wheaton. Rich Maddalino, chief administrative officer, formally introduced Alvarenga and asked the council for favorable consideration of the nomination.
Why it matters: The regional services director coordinates county services, convenes community partners and advises the council on regional priorities. The Mid‑County office covers a diverse area with distinct service needs and substantial language‑access and outreach requirements.
Nominee’s background and priorities: Alvarenga told the council he was born in El Salvador, grew up in the Wheaton area, attended Wheaton High School and the University of Maryland, and has worked across public, nonprofit and media sectors. He cited prior county work as Hispanic community liaison in the executive office, communications work with Telemundo, advocacy with CASA, and involvement in pandemic outreach, unaccompanied‑minor responses and language‑access campaigns.
If confirmed, Alvarenga said his first‑year priorities would be to strengthen relationships with Mid‑County council members and community stakeholders, establish regular, culturally competent outreach where residents live and gather, and develop an actionable first‑year work plan with measurable implementation steps. He emphasized racial equity and “implementation is key,” saying the office should go beyond planning to deliver services and build trust.
Council reaction: Council members representing Mid‑County districts expressed support. Council Member Natalie F. Gonzalez said she has known Alvarenga for years and expects “someone who will follow up and connect and get things done.” Several other members praised his community roots and cross‑sector experience.
What’s next: The nomination was presented to the council; the sponsors asked for a favorable vote later in the day. The transcript records the interview and council members’ statements but does not record a confirmation vote during the Sept. 16 afternoon session.
Ending: Alvarenga framed the role as a connector between county government and communities and pledged to prioritize outreach, partnership and implementation if confirmed.
