Westminster, MD, Tuesday, September 27, 2022 – Mark Ripper, Director of Technology Services for Carroll County Government, graduated from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance at the University of Maryland. The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Memorial Chapel on the University of Maryland College Park campus.

Mr. Ripper joined more than 90 public officials from across the state to receive an Academy certificate in the presence of family and friends. All Academy Fellows completed a robust program, which included core and elective classes designed to meet their professional needs as municipal or county officials in local government. Through the program, the graduates not only enhanced their understanding of local government issues and ethical standards for public service, but also developed a foundation for informed policy-making and effective governance.

University of Maryland School of Public Policy Dean Robert C. Orr said, “The school is proud to recognize these graduates. Their commitment to public service and to providing the best possible local government to people across the state is not only admirable, it is of great importance.”

Mr. Ripper said, “This professional development program greatly increased my knowledge and had a challenging curriculum that included topics such as risk management, county financial management, employment issues, ethics, open meetings and the Public Information Act. I enjoyed working with staff and officials from other jurisdictions and believe the program makes me a more informed and effective leader for Carroll County.”

The Academy, which offered its first classes in 1998, is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, the Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Association of Counties, and the Local Government Insurance Trust.