Montgomery County Renames Executive Office Building to Honor Former County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart celebrated the renaming of the Executive Office Building (EOB) to honor former County Executive Isiah "Ike" Leggett at a public ceremony on Monday, Feb. 24.

In addition to County Executive Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart, speakers who shared their personal stories of inspiration about Leggett included U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, County Councilmember Andrew Friedson, former Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, Universities at Shady Grove Executive Director Anne Khademian and Catherine Leggett. WUSA Channel 9 evening anchor Lesli Foster served as an emcee for the ceremony.

After the Leggett family, elected officials and other dignitaries gathered on the steps inside the lobby level of the EOB, new signage displaying the name “Isiah ‘Ike’ Leggett Executive Office Building” was revealed. A plaque describing Leggett’s many historic accomplishments and remarkable achievements, along with a proclamation signed by County Executive Elrich and County Council President Stewart are also displayed.

“While this building will now bear his name, Ike’s true legacy isn’t this building,” said County Executive Elrich. “It’s in our neighborhoods, our schools, our parks and community centers across Montgomery County. It’s in the policies that opened doors for those who’d been shut out. It’s in the lives he’s touched, whether they knew his name or not. Ike Leggett didn’t just serve this County, he shaped it. This building, now the Isiah 'Ike' Leggett Executive Office Building, will stand as a reminder of what principled leadership looks like. It will remind every County Executive who walks through its doors of the standard Ike set, one of compassion, strength and unwavering dedication to the people he served.”

Former Montgomery County Executive Leggett made history several times throughout his life and career. In 1986, he became the first person of color elected to the Montgomery County Council. He served four terms on the County Council, was president four times and held several leadership positions. Leggett was also instrumental in passing significant legislation, including the County’s living wage law and public smoking ban.

In 2006, Leggett became the first person of color elected Montgomery County Executive. As County Executive, he addressed local issues like transportation and immigrant labor. He advocated for a statewide gas tax increase to support County transit projects and established a day laborer center to provide a safe space for workers in Gaithersburg. Voters re-elected Leggett to serve two additional terms, ending his third and final term in 2018.

The Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville.

Watch the Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building renaming ceremony on YouTube. Photos of the ceremony can be found on Flickr.

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Release ID: 25-080
Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743
Categories: Executive Office