For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for a vacancy to serve on the Merit System Protection Board. The term of Chair Barbara Fredericks expires on Dec. 31, 2024, and she has indicated she will apply for reappointment. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
In addition to Ms. Fredericks (Unaffiliated), other members of the Board are Vice Chair Sonya Chiles (Democrat) and Treava Hopkins-Laboy (Democrat). By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be a Republican, someone who declines to affiliate with a party, or a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.
Generally, the Board oversees the Merit System and protects employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. The Board processes grievance and disciplinary appeals by issuing written decisions following a review of written records or after conducting appropriate hearings.
The Board normally meets once per month during the day for approximately two hours and additional time is also required for preparatory work. Hearings are scheduled with consideration given to Board availability and held during the day. The duration of hearings is dependent upon the issues of a given case and may last more than one day.
Members of the Board currently receive $8,699.28 per year, while the Chair receives $11,157.73 per year. The compensation is adjusted annually to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer Price Index (CPI) and effective Dec. 2, 2024, members of the Board will receive $8,839.54, while the Chair will receive $11,337.37.
Board members are restricted in political activity while serving. County Charter Section 403 states, in part: “No member shall hold political office or participate in any campaign for any political or public office during the member’s term of office.”
A cover letter expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages in length) listing professional and civic experience, home address, political party affiliation, a telephone number, and an email address should be sent via email to [email protected] addressed to Council President, or sent via mail to Council President, County Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2025. It is the Council’s policy not to consider applications received after the deadline. After the closing date, Councilmembers will review applications and select applicants to interview.
Council staff may request a redacted resume or bio to include as part of the information shared with the public. The interviews and appointment process are open to the public and will be televised, streamed live, and available on YouTube and Facebook. All applicants will be required to provide a financial disclosure statement of assets, debts, income, and family property interests. Only the appointed candidates will be required to make the financial statement available for public review.
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Release ID: 24-416