September 8, 2026

Schaefer Center Introduces 2027 Certified Manager Program Cohort

Photos of all members of the 2027 Certified Public Manager cohort

Cohorts 25, 26, and 27 began the program in August

 

The Schaefer Center for Public Policy in The University of Baltimore College of Public Affairs has announced the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program Class of 2027. Over the next 10 months, participants will complete a rigorous course of study on core competencies of public sector management. Upon graduation, they will earn the nationally recognized Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential.

 

The 2027 class includes 72 state, county, municipal, and nonprofit managers and supervisors from across Maryland.

 

Dr. Ann Cotten, executive director of the Schaefer Center and director of the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program, said, "Participants come from agencies across the state, and through shared learning experiences, they gain new skills and a network of colleagues committed united by a common mission: serving the people of Maryland and advancing excellence in public service."

 

Participants in Cohorts 25, 26, and 27 include:

 

State of Maryland Agencies:

 

  • Muhammed Abdullateef, assistant secretary, Maryland Department of General Services
  • Yonas Asfaw, family investment supervisor I, Maryland Department of Human Services - Calvert County Department of Social Services
  • La Sherra Ayala, deputy director, Maryland Department of Human Services - Baltimore City Department of Social Services
  • Gary Byrd, IT director, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Yana Cascioffe, senior program manager, Office for Refugees and Asylees, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Crystal Corbin, assistant director of administration, Maryland Department of Human Services - Somerset County Department of Social Services
  • Brigette Crawford, HR director, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • Kai Daniel, natural resources planner IV, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • Tiffany Davis, director organizational development and engagement, Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Transit Administration
  • Myra Davis, division director of special projects and Privatization, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Jamar Day, special assistant, Maryland Department of General Services
  • Fatoumata Diarra, HR officer III, Maryland Department of General Services
  • Brian Eiermann, constituent services manager, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Sheneka Frasier, deputy program manager, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • Joshua Friedman, principal counsel/assistant attorney general, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
  • Shameka Gilliam, division director of customer service and intergovernmental, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Angelique Gladden, HR manager, Maryland Department of Human Services - Howard County Department of Social Services
  • Kimberly Godwin, manager of legal services and collection, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Michelle Goodman, assistant director, local general administration, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Jordan Grove, chief, unemployment insurance employer services, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Jenna Janocha Hugg, director of policy and training, Maryland Department of Human Services - Child Support Administration
  • Priscilla Johnson, director of equal employment opportunity/fair practice officer, Maryland Office of The Public Defender
  • Jennifer Kane, assistant director, local government administration, Maryland Department of Human Services - Washington County Department of Social Services
  • Arathi Kemparaju, administrator, Maryland Department of Labor - Maryland Occupational Safety and Health
  • Geraldine Martin Bailey, Administrator Office, Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Aviation Administration
  • Katharine McLeod, special projects manager, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Raquel Meyers, assistant executive director, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Shakeara Monya, finance director, Maryland Department of Human Services - Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services
  • Fredrick Omanya, lead project manager, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • Mary Dela Onyemaechi, division chief, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • Martin Proulx, chief, marketing and agricultural development, Maryland Department of Agriculture
  • Tiffany Rexrode, director, Maryland Department of Human Services - Washington County Department of Social Services
  • Mauricio Reyes, constituent services coordinator, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
  • Christy Reyes, chief of staff, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Jaime Riley, assistant director, Maryland Department of Human Services - Wicomico County Department of Social Services
  • Melissa Scarborough, major, Support Services Bureau, Maryland Natural Resources Police
  • Norman Simpson, IT assistant director, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Shelba Stanford, human capital manager, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Tonya Sturdivant, HR director, Maryland Department of General Services
  • Katherine Swanson-Palmer, program manager, Maryland Governor's Workforce Development Board - Career and Technical Education Committee
  • Kyle Thompson, assistant director of administration, Maryland Department of Human Services
  • Jasmin Todman, budget manager, Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Port Administration
  • April Watkins, UI professional V, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Zina Weems, grant administrator, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Lance Wolf, deputy director of procurement, Maryland Department of Health
  • Tasha Woodberry, employer/employee relations supervisor, Maryland Department of Labor
  • Muhammad Yasin, communications systems administrator, Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Aviation Administration

County Agencies:

 

  • Ernestine Bridges, administrative manager, Howard County Government
  • Korey Anthony Chisholm, special projects coordinator, Local Behavioral Health Authority, Prince George's County Government Health Department
  • Sandra Hasty, IT training manager, Prince George's County Government
  • Tom Jones, deputy director of general services, Calvert County Government
  • Robert Mitchell, director of the environmental programs department, Worcester County
  • Charlene Sharpe, legislative analyst, Worcester County
  • Ma'neh Tcheffo, human resources testing administrator, Prince George's County Government
  • Elizabeth Thomas Tanner, director of information technology, Allegany County Government
  • Jake Trudeau, manager inspections and permits personnel administration, Anne Arundel County Government
  • David Yingling, deputy county administrator, St. Mary's County Government

Municipal Government Agencies:

 

  • Kirk Banton, interim chief of police, Town of District Heights
  • Krystina Bryant, chief, Baltimore City Department of Public Works
  • Jennifer Divis, economic development / main street manager, Town of Snow Hill
  • Ashley Drakeford, director of public engagement, City of Seat Pleasant
  • Amanda Gregg, chief housing and community development officer, City of Hagerstown
  • Crystal Hypolite, chief of staff, City of Laurel
  • Clate Jackson, chief administrative officer, Town of Forest Heights
  • Brad Kouyoumjian, chief, recruitment and talent acquisition, Baltimore County Government
  • Jeremy Mose, deputy city administrator, City of Brunswick
  • CJ Reading, code compliance supervisor, City of Hyattsville
  • McKenzie Wright, deputy chief financial officer, Parking Authority of Baltimore City
  • Cynthia Yost, town manager, Town of Greensboro

Nonprofit Agencies:

 

  • Mariah Benjamin, manager, supply chain and logistics, Tuerk House Inc.
  • Zabihullah Noory, finance manager, Tuerk House Inc.
  • Candas Parke, partnership manager, Family League of Baltimore

Learn more about the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program and The University of Baltimore's Schaefer Center for Public Policy.

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