DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

• Regulatory Information Center

Kevin M. Atticks, Secretary of Agriculture (410) 841-5880
Steven A. Connelly, Deputy Secretary (410) 841-5881

Wayne A. Cawley, Jr. Building, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland, February 2009. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Wayne A. Cawley, Jr., Building, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 - 8960
(410) 841-5700; fax: (410) 841-5914
e-mail: mda.news@maryland.gov
web: http://mda.maryland.gov/

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Steven A. Connelly, Deputy Secretary (appointed by Secretary of Agriculture with Governor's approval) (410) 841-5881
e-mail: steve.connelly@maryland.gov

Susan Kivioja, Executive Associate to Secretary & Deputy Secretary (410) 841-5830; e-mail: susan.kivioja@maryland.gov

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
(L00A1104, formerly 31.01.11.04)
FY2026 appropriation: $117,957; authorized positions:
Staff: Harrison B. Palmer (410) 841-5882; e-mail: harrisonb.palmer@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/pages/md-ag-commission.aspx

Thresher, south of Hughesville, Maryland, November 2017. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Appointed by Governor to 3-year terms:
Amy Crone, Chair (chosen by Commission in June, 1-year term), 2026

Nikita Bocharov; Zachary Evans; Kellie Hinkle; Eleanor Merrick Leak; John (Kelly) Lewis; Rachel Lipman; Paula Linthicum; Ann Warfield Merryman; Hunter Pusey; Russell Shlagel; Dorsey (Johnny) Shockley; Richard E. Stonebraker, Ph.D.. Terms expire 2026.

Janna B. Howley; Emma Jagoz; Melissa Leiden Welsh, Ph.D.; Christian Rhodes. Term expires 2027.

Wade Butler; Jennifer Ann Malott; Jenell E. McHenry; Keith Parker; Stefanie J. Reiser; Peter E. Scott. Terms expire 2028.

Ex officio: Darren H. Jarboe, Ph.D., designee of Dean, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park

Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. (Jan., March, June, Sept., Dec.)

COMMITTEE ON YOUNG FARMERS
Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture to 1-year terms:
ten vacancies

ANIMAL WASTE TECHNOLOGY FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Staff: Alisha S. Mulkey (410) 841-5873; e-mail: alisha.mulkey@maryland.gov


Chair: Kevin M. Atticks, Secretary of Agriculture

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture: Jana L. D. Davis, Ph.D.; Charles Glass; Kristin Hughes-Evans; Darren H. Jarboe, Ph.D.; Stephen R. McHenry; Holly Porter; Jennifer L. Rhodes; Parker Welch; Maggie Woodward.

Ex officio: Joseph P. Milone, Ph.D., desginee of Secretary of Commerce; Angelo J. Bianca, designee of Secretary of the Environment; Natalie Snider, designee of Secretary of Natural Resources; Deboarh Herr-Cornwell, designee of Secretary of Planning; Eric Coffman, designee of Director, Maryland Energy Administration; Puneet Srivastava, designee of Dean, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park.

Meetings:

CHIEF OF STAFF
Harrison B. Palmer, Chief of Staff (410) 841-5882
e-mail: harrisonb.palmer@maryland.gov


LEGISLATION & GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
Harrison B. Palmer, Director (410) 841-5882
e-mail: harrisonb.palmer@maryland.gov

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Rachel Felver, Director (410) 841-5888
e-mail: rachel.felver@maryland.gov


Lauren Moses, Public Information Officer (410) 841-5889; e-mail: lauren.moses1@maryland.gov

COUNSEL
Thomas F. Filbert, Principal Counsel (410) 841-5895
e-mail: thomas.filbert@maryland.gov

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE
Joseph Pietro, Agricultural Readiness Officer (410) 841-5904
e-mail: joe.pietro@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
(L00A1105, formerly 31.01.11.05)
FY2026 appropriation: $3,088,108; authorized positions:
Michelle E. Cable, Executive Director (410) 841-5860
e-mail: michelle.cable@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/pages/default.aspx

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/Pages/Board-of-Trustees.aspx

Appointed by Governor to 4-year terms:
Mary E. (Cricket) Goodall, Chair (chosen by Governor), 2027
Gary Dell, Vice-Chair (chosen by Board), 2025
William Buckel, 2028; Tanya Spandhla, 2028; Rev. Dr. Ruby Mae Thomas, 2029.

Representing Committee on Young Farmers: Jenell McHenry, 2028

Representing Maryland Agricultural Commission: Sean M. Hough, 2027

Representing Maryland Farm Bureau: Wayne C. Stafford, 2028

Representing Maryland Grange Representative: Allen Stiles, 2029

Ex officio: Benjamin J. Seigel, designee of Comptroller of Maryland; Steven A. Connelly, designee of Secretary of Agriculture; Deborah Herr Cornwell, designee of Secretary of Planning

Meetings: 4th Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. (except Dec.)

BUDGET & CAPITAL GRANTS
Jeffrey Fretwell, Director (410) 841-5808
Email: jeffrey.fretwell1@maryland.gov
FISCAL SERVICES
Shauna Lu, Chief (410) 841-5856; e-mail: shauna.lu1@maryland.gov

CENTRAL SERVICES
(L00A1103, formerly 31.01.11.03)
FY2026 appropriation: $4,000,005; authorized positions:
Nick Allen, Director (410) 841-5700
e-mail: nick.allen@maryland.gov

HUMAN RESOURCES
Jordan Angeloro, Director (443) 534-2732
e-mail: jordan.angeloro@maryland.gov

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
James Purvis, Chief Information Officer (410) 841-5700
e-mail: jim.purvis@maryland.gov

RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Brenda C. Alexander, Records Officer (410) 841-5845
e-mail: brenda.alexander@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF MARKETING, ANIMAL INDUSTRIES, & CONSUMER SERVICES

Baltimore Farmers' Market, Holliday St. & Saratoga St., Baltimore, Maryland, August 2013. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

SPAY & NEUTER GRANTS PROGRAM
Jennifer J. Swanson, Coordinator (410) 841-5766; e-mail: jen.swanson@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/spay_neuter_program/Pages/default.aspx
SPAY/NEUTER ADVISORY BOARD
Staff: Jennifer J. Swanson (410) 841-5766; e-mail: jen.swanson@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/pages/spay_neuter_advisory_board.aspx

Caroline Griffin, Esq., Chair (chosen by Secretary of Agriculture)

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture: Colin A. Berry; Patty A. Crankshaw-Quimby, CAWA; Betsy Flores; Michelle L. Quigley, D.V.M.; Lisa G. Radov.

Ex officio: Nathaniel E. Boan, designee of Secretary of Agriculture

Meetings: as needed

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL FAIR BOARD
(L00A1211, formerly L00A1107, formerly 31.01.11.07)
FY2026 appropriation: $1,460,000
Harrison B. Palmer, Executive Secretary (410) 841-5882; e-mail: harrisonb.palmer@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Pages/md-ag-fair-board.aspx

Appointed by Governor with advice of Secretary of Agriculture to 5-year terms:
Carl Hobbs, Chair (chosen by Board, 1-year term), 2026
Linda Brown, 2025; Stacy B. Eckels, Ph.D., 2026; Dawn Stiles, 2026; Annette Christine Braun, 2029; John Murphy, 2029; Brittany Nottingham, 2029; Mary Breidenbaugh Amoss , 2030; Rebecca A. (Becky) Stem, 2030.

Meetings: Feb., March, Nov., as-needed

MARYLAND HORSE INDUSTRY BOARD
(L00A1208, formerly 31.01.12.08)
FY2026 appropriation: $407,938; authorized positions:
Anne Litz, Executive Director (667) 408-0407; e-mail: anne.litz@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/pages/md-horse-industry-board.aspx

Appointed by Governor with advice of Secretary of Agriculture to 4-year terms:
Sheila M. Curry, Chair (chosen by Board in July, 1-year term), 2026

Kathleen M. Anderson, D.V.M., 2024; Sheila M. Curry, 2027.

Amy O. Burk, Ph.D.; Adrian Ford III; Carolyn K. Mackintosh; Genevieve H. R. McFarlane, Esq.; Connie Sawyer; Jenile Tapscott; Lisa Watts. Terms expire 2028.

Erin M. Ochoa; Jennifer Page Sulin. Terms expire 2029.

Ex officio: Cassandra R. (Cassie) Shirk, designee of Secretary of Agriculture

Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 10:00 a.m.

HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/horseboard/Pages/health_committee.aspx

Appointed by Maryland Horse Industry Board:
Justin S. Sobota, D.V.M., Chair
Neil Agate; Kathleen M. Anderson, D.V.M.; Karen Becker, D.V.M.; Amy O. Burk, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Callahan, D.V.M.; Kimberly K. Egan, Esq.; Michael D. Erskine, D.V.M.; Adrian Ford III; J. Michael Hopkins; Crystal B. Kimball; Peter F. Radue, D.V.M.; Marla Stevens, D.V.M.

Ex officio: Jennifer Trout, D.V.M., State Veterinarian.

STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS
(L00A1207, formerly 31.01.12.07)
FY2026 appropriation: $1,945,918; authorized positions:
Nathaniel E. Boan, Executive Director (410) 841-5862; e-mail: nathaniel.boan@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/vetboard/Pages/default.aspx

Sheep, Hagerstown, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Appointed by Governor with Senate advice & consent to 5-year terms:
Christine Calvert King, D.V.M, President (chosen by Board in May, 2-year term), 2029
Lynne E. Chaput, 2027; Peter F. Radue, D.V.M., 2028; Heidi Schmechel, V.M.D., 2028; Justin Sobota, D.V.M., 2029; Monica C. Maa, D.V.M., 2030; Patricia A. Crankshaw-Quimby, 2031.

Meetings: monthly; listed on website

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN COMMITTEE
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/vetboard/Pages/vet_tech_comm.aspx

Appointed by State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners with approval of Secretary of Agriculture:
Jessica Lorey, Chair (chosen by Committee)
Ashley Bourgeois; Erin Butler; Reggie Cox, D.V.M.; Carianne Edmonds; Teri Purkey; Ashley Thomas.

Meetings: 2nd Thursday

Cattle, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville, Maryland, August 2019. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

ANIMAL HEALTH PROGRAM
(L00A1205, formerly 31.01.12.05)
FY2026 appropriation: $5,695,012; authorized positions:
Jennifer Trout, D.V.M., Program Manager & State Veterinarian (410) 841-5810
e-mail: jennifer.trout@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/animalhealth/pages/default.aspx

Sheep, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville, Maryland, January 2019. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

FREDERICK COUNTY ANIMAL-HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY (Frederick)
Erin K. Morris, D.V.M., Director (301) 600-1548
e-mail: erin.morris@maryland.gov

WICOMICO COUNTY ANIMAL-HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY (Salisbury)
Kimberly Harris Abramo, Ph.D., Laboratory System Director & Chief Operating Officer (410) 543-6310 e-mail: kimberly.abramo@maryland.gov

Animal Health Laboratory, 1840 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, Maryland, August 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

FOOD QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
(L00A1203, formerly 31.01.12.03)
FY2026 appropriation: $3,947,889; authorized positions:
Molly A. Gillingham, Program Manager (410) 841-5769
e-mail: molly.gillingham@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/pages/food_quality_assurance.aspx

Chicks, Cow Palace, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, Maryland, September 2016. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

WICOMICO COUNTY OFFICE (Salisbury)
Vacancy, Administrative Specialist (410) 543-6610


MARKETING & AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SECTION
(L00A1210, formerly L00A1110, and 31.01.11.10)
FY2026 appropriation: $8,464,594; authorized positions:
Martin Proulx, Chief (443) 924-0329
e-mail: martin.proulx@maryland.gov

AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAM
Kay-Megan Washington, Ph.D., Administrator (410) 841-5778/5770; 1-800-492-5590; e-mail: kay-megan.washington1@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/acrs.aspx

FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
Sara Servin (410) 841-5776; e-mail: sara.servin@maryland.gov

MARYLAND'S BEST
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/Pages/default.aspx

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
Stone G. Slade, Administrator (410) 841-5775
e-mail: stone.slade@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/pages/overseas_visitors.aspx

OFFICE FOR THE CERTIFIED LOCAL FARM & FISH PROGRAM
Karen M. Fedor, Director (410) 841-5773; e-mail: karen.fedor@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/Pages/certified-local-farm.aspx

SEAFOOD MARKETING
Matthew W. Scales, Director (410) 841-5779
e-mail: matthew.scales1@maryland.gov


SEAFOOD MARKETING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Staff: Matthew W. Scales (410) 841-5791; e-mail: matthew.scales1@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Pages/Seafood-Marketing-Advisory-Commission.aspx

Appointed by Governor with Senate advice & consent & advice of Secretary of Agriculture to 4-year terms:
Stephan Abel, Chair (chosen by Commission), 2028
Laura Moreno-Davis, 2026; Daniel N. Worrell, 2026; Kyle D. Gilbert, 2027; Stephen S. Howard, 2027; Jason M. Ruth, 2027; Frederick W. Sieling III, 2028; Brooke Hayden, 2029; Stephanie Pazzaglia, 2029.

Ex officio: Cassandra R. (Cassie) Shirk, designee of Secretary of Agriculture; George O’Donnell, designee of Secretary of Natural Resources.

Meetings: late fall, mid-winter, & early spring

VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE
Martin Proulx, Specialist (443) 924-0329
e-mail: martin.proulx@maryland.gov

U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE, MARYLAND FIELD OFFICE
(L00A1204, formerly 31.01.12.04)
FY2026 appropriation: $8,200
Shareefah Williams, State Statistician (301) 347-8179, 1-800-498-1518
e-mail: shareefah.williams@usda.gov
web: www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Maryland/index.php

WEIGHTS & MEASURES PROGRAM
(L00A1202, formerly 31.01.12.02)
FY2026 appropriation: $2,902,737; authorized positions:
Alison L. Wilkinson, Program Manager (410) 841-5790
e-mail: alison.wilkinson@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/weights_measures/pages/weights_measures.aspx

OFFICE OF PLANT INDUSTRIES & PEST MANAGEMENT

Atrium, Wayne A. Cawley, Jr. Building, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland, May 2013. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

FOREST PEST MANAGEMENT SECTION
(L00A1402, formerly 31.01.14.02)
FY2026 appropriation: $2,552,376; authorized positions: 12
Craig M. Kuhn, Program Manager (410) 879-8034
e-mail: craig.kuhn@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/forest_pest_management.aspx
FOREST HEALTH MONITORING
Heather E. Disque, Coordinator (410) 841-5922; e-mail: heather.disque@maryland.gov

SURVEY & CONTROL
Vacancy, Coordinator (410) 841-5922

CENTRAL REGION OFFICE (Frederick)
Kenton Sumpter, Entomologist (301) 662-2074; e-mail: kenton.sumpter@maryland.gov

EASTERN SHORE OFFICE (Easton)
Heather E. Disque, Entomologist (410) 822-8234; e-mail: heather.disque@maryland.gov

NORTHEAST OFFICE (Street)
Lynn Alexander-Kuhn, Manager (410) 879-8034; e-mail: lynn.kuhn@maryland.gov

SOUTHERN OFFICE (Annapolis)
Grace Nagle, Entomologist (410) 841-5931; e-mail: grace.nagle@maryland.gov

WESTERN REGION OFFICE (Cumberland)
Susan Winebrenner, Manager (301) 777-3601; e-mail: susan.winebrenner@maryland.gov

MOSQUITO CONTROL SECTION
(L00A1403, formerly 31.01.14.03)
FY2026 appropriation: $3,902,302; authorized positions:
Scott S. Larzelere, Program Manager (410) 841-5870
e-mail: scott.larzelere@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/mosquito_control.aspx

CENTRAL OFFICE
Anthony Dewitt, Entomologist (410) 841-5870; e-mail: anthony.dewitt@maryland.gov

COLLEGE PARK OFFICE
Omari Bernett, Agricultural Inspector Advanced (301) 422-5080; e-mail: omari.bernett@maryland.gov

HOLLYWOOD OFFICE
Ralph J. Heard, Entomologist (301) 373-4264; e-mail: ralph.heard@maryland.gov

SALISBURY OFFICE
Daniel J. Schamberger, Entomologist (410) 543-6626; e-mail: daniel.schamberger@maryland.gov

PESTICIDE REGULATION SECTION
(L00A1404, formerly 31.01.14.04)
FY2026 appropriation: $1,756,052; authorized positions:
Robert J. Hofstetter, Program Manager (410) 841-5710; e-mail: rob.hofstetter@maryland.gov
Kelly M. Love, Inspector Manager, Enforcement Program Coordinator (410) 841-5710; e-mail: kelly.love@maryland.gov
Alexander Lehmann, Entomologist, Licensing, Certification & Training Coordinator (410) 841-5710; e-mail: alexander.lehmann1@maryland.gov
Jessica Koontz, Administrative Officer (410) 841-5710; e-mail: jessica.koontz@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/pesticide_regulation.aspx

PESTICIDE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Staff: Robert J. Hofstetter (410) 841-5710; e-mail: rob.hofstetter@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Pages/Pesticide-Advisory-Committee.aspx

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture in consultation with Governor's Office:
Frederick W. Kutz, Ph.D., Chair (chosen by Secretary of Agriculture)
Logan Freeman; Marcie R. Hardin; Richard Kramer, Ph.D.; Lindsay A. Thompson.

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture from Maryland Agricultural Commission: one vacancy

Appointed by Senate President: J. B. Jennings

Appointed by House Speaker: one vacancy

Appointed by Chancellor, University System of Maryland: R. David Myers

Ex officio: Michael. J. Calkins, designee of Secretary of Agriculture; Lillian Deery, designee of Secretary of the Environment; Clifford S. Mitchell, M.D., designee of Secretary of Health; Matthew B. Hurd, designee of Secretary of Natural Resources.

Meetings:

PLANT PROTECTION & WEED MANAGEMENT SECTION
(L00A1405, formerly 31.01.14.05 & 31.01.14.07)
FY2026 appropriation: $3,371,495; authorized positions:
Kimberly A. Rice, Program Manager (410) 841-5920
e-mail: kimberly.rice@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/plant_protection_weed_management.aspx

APIARY INSPECTION
Cybil Preston (410) 841-5920; e-mail: cybil.preston@maryland.gov


BIO-CONTROL PROGRAM
Cathy Stragar (410) 841-5920; e-mail: catherine.stragar@maryland.gov

COOPERATIVE AGRICULTURAL PEST SURVEY & FIELD OPERATIONS
Aaron S. Shurtleff (410) 841-5920; e-mail: aaron.shurtleff@maryland.gov

GINSENG PROGRAM
Steven Bell (410) 841-5920; e-mail: steven.bell@maryland.gov


INVASIVE PLANTS
David Grow (410) 841-5920; e-mail: david.grow@maryland.gov

INVASIVE PLANTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Staff: David Grow (410) 841-5920; e-mail: david.grow@maryland.gov

Kimberly A. Rice, Chair (chosen by Committee)


Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture: Steven K. Bell; Kirsten Hoffman; Lisa Kuder; Jennifer Vaccaro.

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture in consultation with Secretary of the Environment & Secretary of Natural Resources to 3-year terms: Joel Hafner; Larry Hemming; Kathy Thornton.

Ex officio: Catherine E. Stragar, designee of Secretary of Agriculture; Jeffrey Thompson, designee of Secretary of Environment; Sarah Hilderbrand, designee of Secretary of Natural Resources; Harmony A. Miller, designee of Secretary of Transportation; Maile C. Neele, Ph.D., designee of Dean, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park.

NURSERY INSPECTION
Jaime Tsambikos (410) 841-5920; e-mail: jaime.tsambikos@maryland.gov

PEST IDENTIFICATION
Gaye Williams (410) 841-5920; e-mail: gaye.williams@maryland.gov


PLANT DIAGNOSTIC LAB
Noah R. Adamo, Ph.D. (410) 841-5920; e-mail: noah.adamo@maryland.gov


WEED CONTROL
James Calao (410) 841-5920; e-mail: jim.calao@maryland.gov


STATE CHEMIST SECTION
(L00A1409, formerly 31.01.14.09)
FY2026 appropriation: $3,697,798; authorized positions:
Robert J. Hofstetter, Acting Program Manager (410) 841-2721
e-mail: rob.hofstetter@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/state_chemist.aspx

Gyan Aral, Laboratory Manager (410) 841-2721; e-mail: gyan.aral@maryland.gov
Philip Davidson, Registration Manager & Compost Coordinator (410) 841-2721; e-mail: philip.davidson@maryland.gov
Karen Wick, Inspection Manager (410) 841-2721; e-mail: karen.wick@maryland.gov


TURF & SEED SECTION
(L00A1406, formerly 31.01.14.06)
FY2026 appropriation: $1,398,171; authorized positions:
James W. Drews, Chief (410) 841-5960
e-mail: jim.drews@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/turf_seed.aspx

SEED TESTING
Megan Watson, Laboratory Manager (410) 841-5960; e-mail: megan.watson@maryland.gov

TURFGRASS & SEED CERTIFICATION
Ricky M. Boldissar, Coordinator (410) 841-5960; e-mail: rick.boldissar@maryland.gov

OFFICE OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION

CONSERVATION GRANTS
(L00A1504, formerly 31.01.15.04)
FY2026 appropriation: $20,589,660; authorized positions:
Jason D. Keppler, Program Manager (410) 841-5896
e-mail: jason.keppler@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/pages/financial_assistance.aspx
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL CERTAINTY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Staff: Jason D. Keppler (410) 841-5896; e-mail: jason.keppler@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Pages/Ag-Certainty-Oversight-Committee.aspx

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture: Ridgway M. Hall, Jr., Esq.; Trey Hill; Lynne C. Hoot; David Kann; Drew Koslow; N. Wesley Messick; Judith M. O'Neil, Ph.D.; Steuart L. Pittman, Jr.; James K. Raley; Dennis Remsburg; Kelly E. Shenk; Paul Spies; Robert N. Stabler; Wayne C. Stafford; three vacancies.

Meetings:

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
(L00A1506)
FY2026 appropriation: $3,895,966; authorized positions:
Dwight D. Dotterer, Program Manager (410) 841-5959
e-mail: dwight.dotterer@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/pages/nutrient_management.aspx

Bryan D. Harris, Implementation Coordinator (410) 841-5951
e-mail: bryan.harris@maryland.gov


NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(410) 841-5959; e-mail: nminfo.mda@maryland.gov


Appointed by Senate President: Jason C. Gallion

Appointed by House Speaker: Jay A. Jacobs

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture: Amy E. M. Crowl; Matthew S. DeBaugh; Bradley Baker; Dwight D. Dotterer; Parker Welsh; T. Mark Fuchs; David Kann; Alan Girard; Jen Nelson; Holly Porter; Darren H. Jarboe, Ph.D.; Mark I. Schlossberg; Hans W. Schmidt; Lisa Williams; two vacancies.

Ex officio: Kevin M. Atticks, Secretary of Agriculture

Meetings (annual): Spring

PROGRAM PLANNING & EVALUATION
(L00A1502, formerly 31.01.15.02)
FY2026 appropriation: $1,366,759; authorized positions:
Alisha S. Mulkey, Manager (410) 841-5873
e-mail: alisha.mulkey@maryland.gov


GIS SUPPORT
Vacancy, Coordinator (410) 841-5765; e-mail:

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALITY COST-SHARE (MACS) PROGRAM
Thomas Bagamsah, Administrator (410) 841-5898; e-mail: thomas.bagamsah@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/pages/macs.aspx

MARYLAND COVER CROP PROGRAM
Dawn Bradley, Administrator (410) 677-0802; e-mail: dawn.bradley@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/pages/cover_crop.aspx

ECOSYSTEM INCENTIVES PROGRAM
Sarel Cousins, Administrator (410) 841-5945; e-mail: sarel.cousins2@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/Ecosystem-Incentives.aspx

HEALTHY SOILS PROGRAM
Nicholas Miller, Program Specialist (410) 841-5866; e-mail: nicholas.miller2@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/pages/soil-health.aspx

STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Loretta Collins, Executive Secretary (410) 841-5863; e-mail: loretta.collins@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/about_mda/Pages/md-soil-conservation-committee.aspx

Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture:
R. Van Funk, Jr., Cecil County, Chair (chosen by Committee), 2020
Steve Freeman; Terry Nuwer; Amy Posey; Anne-Meredith Webster.

Ex officio: Hans W. Schmidt, designee of Secretary of Agriculture; Gregorio Sandi, designee of Secretary of the Environment; Robert Feldt, designee of Secretary of Natural Resources; Darren H. Jarboe, Ph.D., designee of Dean, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park; Gordon Kretser, designee of Chair, Maryland Agricultural Commission; John Swaine III, President, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.

Advisory members (nonvoting): Suzy Daubert, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; George Turner, State Director, Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Meetings: 3rd Thursday, 9:30 a.m.

LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTALLY ENGAGED FARMING PROGRAM
Elizabeth A. Hoffman, Program Manager (410) 841-5809; e-mail: elizabeth.hoffman@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/LEEF.aspx

MANURE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Alan Masters, Administrator (410) 841-5871; e-mail: alan.masters@maryland.gov


SMALL FARM & URBAN AGRICULTURE PROGRAM
William R. Tharpe, Administrator (410) 841-5869; e-mail: bill.tharpe@maryland.gov
web: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/Small-Farm-and-UrbanAgricultureProgram.aspx

WATERSHED IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
(L00A1507)
FY2026 appropriation: $550,314; authorized positions:
Vacancy, Administrator; e-mail:

RESOURCE CONSERVATION OPERATIONS
(L00A1503, formerly 31.01.15.03)
FY2026 appropriation: $10,349,458; authorized positions:
Byron J. Petrauskas, Program Manager (410) 841-5952
e-mail: byron.petrauskas@maryland.gov

EASTERN SHORE AREA
David J. Mister, Coordinator (410) 677-0802, ext. 1; e-mail: david.mister@maryland.gov

PATUXENT AREA
Adam Lyon, Coordinator (443) 534-1989; e-mail: adam.lyon@maryland.gov

WESTERN & CENTRAL MARYLAND AREA
Keith Potter, Coordinator (301) 732-8610; e-mail: keith.potter1@maryland.gov

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