Press Releases - County Council

Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Upcoming Vacancy on the Merit System Protection Board

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 4, 2025

The deadline for applying is Monday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m.

The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for an upcoming vacancy to serve on the Merit System Protection Board. The term of Chair Sonya Chiles will expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. 

In addition to Ms. Chiles (Democrat), the Board includes Vice Chair Treava Hopkins-Laboy (Democrat) and Era Pandya (Unaffiliated). According to Article 4, Section 403 of the Charter of Montgomery County, Maryland, no more than two members of the Board may belong to the same political party. No member shall hold political office or participate in any political or public office during the member’s term of office. Applicants can be registered to vote in the County as a Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated voter. The Montgomery County Board of Elections will verify voter registration.

Generally, the Board oversees the Merit System and protects employees 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 $8,839.54 per year, while the Chair receives $11,337.37 per year. The compensation is adjusted annually in December to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington, D.C. Area Consumer Price Index.

A cover letter expressing interest, including a resume (no more than four 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 Stewart, or sent via mail to Council President Stewart, County Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, 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: 25-287
Media Contact: Helen Xu