Montgomery County Council unanimously confirms Chevra Evans to at‑large seat

The Montgomery County Council on its final session of the year unanimously confirmed Chevra Evans as the county’s at‑large council member, filling the vacancy left by Gabe Albornoz’s December resignation.

Council President Fanny Gonzalez opened the appointment discussion, saying the council had “received 67 applications” and interviewed three finalists before nominating Evans. Councilmember Sydney Katz moved the nomination, calling it “my pleasure to nominate Chevra Evans for the at‑large seat” and noting Evans’s eight years on the Montgomery County Board of Education and two terms as its president.

Multiple colleagues spoke in her support. Councilmember Will Jawando said he had known Evans for more than 15 years and predicted she would “work harder, care more, and be more dedicated.” Councilmember Evan Glass and others highlighted Evans’s experience navigating budgets and crises, with Glass saying Evans was “battle tested” and ready to join the council.

The council took a hand/voice vote; President Gonzalez announced the motion “passed unanimously.” The president said Evans would be sworn in later the same day and would take the dais at the next meeting on Jan. 13.

Why it mattered: The appointment gives the council a full at‑large membership as it heads into a challenging budget season. Multiple speakers said Evans’s background on the school board and familiarity with county budgets would help the council respond to revenue pressures and constituent needs.

What’s next: The council confirmed committee assignments tied to the new member and announced several committee chair changes. Evans’s formal swearing‑in and assignment to the Education and Culture Committee and the GO Committee were noted by the president.