Schaefer Center Partners with WBFF FOX45 and The Baltimore Sun to Host U.S. Senate Democratic Candidate Forum
Schaefer Center in partnership with WBFF FOX45 and The Baltimore Sun is hosting a Maryland U.S. Senate Democratic Candidate ForumMaryland Certified Public Manager® Program Graduate appointed Superintendent of Natural Resources Police
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore is excited to congratulate Col. Orlando D. Lily, Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program graduate, on his appointment as Superintendent of Natural Resources Police
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) formally welcomed Orlando D. Lilly as the 11th Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police on Wednesday. The former Baltimore County Police Major and Navy veteran was sworn in at DNR headquarters in Annapolis. Lilly assumes the rank of Colonel.
Lilly, 55, takes over the post most recently held by Col. Adrian Baker, who retired in January 2023. Acting Lieutenant Colonel Brian Rathgeb has served in the acting Deputy Superintendent position since July 2023.
“Col. Lilly has gone above and beyond throughout his law enforcement career, building a legacy of dedication and professionalism,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “We know that with Col. Lilly at the helm, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will be in good hands. His commitment to equitable policing, community-building, and leadership will ensure Natural Resources Police officers continue to effectively serve Marylanders through fair and equitable enforcement of the state’s natural resource laws.”
Schaefer Center Featured on WYPR's Midday with Tom Hall
Schaefer Center Executive Director Ann Cotten was on Midday with Tom Hall, WYPR to talk about educating the next generation of leaders in public service!Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program Graduate appointed St. Mary’s County Director of Emergency Services
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore is excited to congratulate Jennifer Aubert-Utz, Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program graduate, on her appointment as the Director of Em
ergency Services for St. Mary’s County.
Aubert-Utz is a 24-year veteran of the Baltimore County Fire Department, serving recently as an Assistant Fire Chief where she provided executive leadership and professional oversight to over 1,000 career and 2,000 volunteer members.
Aubert-Utz currently serves as the Chairperson at the Maryland Center for the Study of Health Effects of Fire and serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Fire Rescue Training & Education Commission. Her expertise extends to serving as a technical expert with the International Fire Service Training Association, contributing to the revision of their publications and training manuals. Additionally, she has served as a professional advisor for the National Fire Protection Association Responder Forum.
Aubert-Utz holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University with an emphasis in Public Safety Leadership. She has also earned the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer designation, as well as the Certified Public Manager® certification through the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Aubert-Utz was honored among the 2017 Baltimore Sun’s “50 Women to Watch” and received the 2018 Baltimore County LaFrance Muldrow “Woman Making a Difference” award. Additionally, she is a member of the Leadership Baltimore County Class of 2018 and holds several professional fire service affiliations.
University of Baltimore Magazine Feature's NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program
PUBLIC SERVICE, PERSONAL GROWTH 
UBalt’s newest initiative defines the next generation of internships for students and employers.
A year ago, Dr. Ann Cotten, B.S. ’85, M.S. ’86, CERT ’92, D.P.A. ’03, director of The University of Baltimore’s Schaefer Center for Public Policy, and Dr. Roger Hartley, dean of the College of Public Affairs, co-authored an opinion piece for The Baltimore Sun addressing the “solvable problem” of unpaid internships and unveiled the University’s ambitious and sweeping solution.
Now entering its second year, the NextGen Leaders for Public Service program gives undergraduate and graduate students from all majors at UBalt the opportunity to explore a career in public service. The program comprises a variety of academic and co-curricular initiatives, but NextGen’s unique paid internship opportunities are the cornerstone.
To read more of the feature please click here
Voices of Public Service Welcomes J.B Jennings, State Senator
Voices of Public Service is a monthly series that gives students the opportunity to learn about public service careers from seasoned professionals. Guest speakers include government and nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and business leaders who have made a civic contribution to society.
Senator J.B. Jennings, B.S. ’97, was elected to the Maryland Senate in 2011. In addition to serving on the Finance Committee, Executive Nominations Committee, Rules Committee, and Spending and Affordability Committee, Senator Jennings is the 
Minority Leader of the Senate.
Senator Jennings grew up in Baltimore County and attended Baltimore County Public Schools. At the age of 16, became a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 47). After graduating from Dulaney High School, Senator Jennings pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Baltimore.
Senator Jennings got his start in politics with then-Congressman, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., as an intern and caseworker. He handled a majority of the constituent matters with such passion and resolve that he eventually became a staff assistant. Despite his service as a volunteer firefighter and legislative assistant, Senator Jennings remained committed to his childhood passion for agriculture and local farming. He left his job with Congressman Ehrlich and became co-owner of The Mill of Hereford, a farm feed and supply store.
Currently, Senator Jennings. is taking classes at Johns Hopkins to further his education and he is also the President and CEO of his own cyber-intelligence company, as well as a cybersecurity technician with the National Security Agency. He, and his wife, Michelle, have two children, J.W. (5) and Kate (3). The Jennings reside at their farm in Joppa, Maryland where Michelle boards horses and cares for an array of farm animals.
Schaefer Center Launches new NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program
In December 2022, the Schaefer Center launched its new NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program. Learn more about the launch and the Schaefer Center’s work to support Maryland’s Public Service pipeline.
Promoting excellence in Maryland’s public and nonprofit organizations
Established in 1985, the William Donald Schaefer Center for Public Policy is Maryland’s preeminent applied research and policy analysis center. As part of the University of Baltimore’s College of Public Affairs, the Schaefer Center promotes excellence in Maryland’s public and nonprofit organizations through applied research, technical assistance, policy analysis, policy conferences, and professional development programs.
The Schaefer Center is a non-partisan organization that leverages the expertise of the university community in its work to:
- Inform decision makers through applied research and program evaluation;
- Develop public servants through its professional development program;
- Promote public discourse through policy analysis and conferences; and
- Grow future leaders through applied learning activities for students.
