Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Team Members to Join Leadership Maryland’s 2025 Classes
NEW CARROLLTON, MD (February 24, 2025) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day announced that two team members will join Leadership Maryland’s 2025 professional development classes. Chief Operating Officer Garret King will join Leadership Maryland’s 2025 Executive Program Class. Dolores Deel, Asset Management Officer and Portfolio Administrator in the Division of Credit Assurance, will be a member of the 2025 Emerging Leader Program Class.
“Growing Maryland’s economy, strengthening our state’s sustainability, and ensuring equity for all takes leadership, so it is essential to grow and strengthen the next wave of leaders to carry the torch forward,” said Secretary Day. “Both Garret King and Dolores Deel are passionate, experienced public servants who exemplify the professionalism and dedication of the department’s team, and I congratulate them on this tremendous opportunity.”
Chief Operating Officer Garret King will bring his expertise in government, project management, and agency operations to Leadership Maryland’s 32nd Executive Program Class of 53 business and community leaders. The program will feature five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main regions and issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and diversity. More than 100 business, government, education, nonprofit, and community experts will serve as panelists and guest speakers.
“I’m honored and excited to have been chosen for Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program Class of 2025,” said King. “I am more than eager to collaborate with my fellow classmates as we embark on an eight-month journey exploring the most critical issues affecting our state and contribute our expertise to drive meaningful change.”
Building on her years of experience helping manage the department’s multi-billion investment portfolio, Dolores Deel will join the Emerging Leader Program 2nd Class as part of 36 rising stars and high-potential employees who are poised for upward growth within their organizations. The program will feature six day-long sessions that will include both interactive training and panel discussions featuring leaders from across the state as guest speakers. The curriculum offers a holistic approach to leadership development, designed to help participants increase their self-awareness, skills, and tools to become inclusive and impactful leaders.
“The duty of providing affordable housing has been entrusted to our agency by the residents of Maryland. Housing provides security to the most vulnerable, and as someone who has experienced discrimination first hand, I’m grateful for this responsibility and to work for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development,” said Deel. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow my leadership through the Emerging Leader Program and learn new ways to serve and support my fellow Marylanders.”
The department’s recent Leadership Maryland graduates include Deputy Secretary Juila Glanz (Executive Program 31st Class) and Director of Communications Allison Foster (Emerging Leader Program 1st Class). Glanz, who joined the department in March 2023 and was appointed as Deputy Secretary in December 2023, previously served as City Administrator and Acting Mayor of Salisbury. Foster has served as the department’s Director of Communications since May 2023 and previously worked at the City of Salisbury as a Media Specialist.
Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs by harnessing the strength of the state’s business and community leaders. Supported by an alumni network of leaders from all industries and regions of the state, Leadership Maryland has provided professional development to thousands of Marylanders to influence positive change and build a better Maryland.