TOWSON, MD—A former Baltimore County leader has died.

Officials say former Baltimore County Executive Roger B. Hayden has passed away.

Hayden served as County Executive from 1990 to 1994.

He was also a member of the Baltimore County Board of Education from 1974 to 1987 and from 2017 to 2019.

“We collectively mourn the passing of former County Executive Roger Hayden,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “A dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for public education, he exemplified what it means to give back to our communities. My sympathies are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

“I was a senior in high school when Roger Hayden was elected Baltimore County Executive and helped usher in a two-party system in Baltimore County,” said Councilman David Marks. “He kept his promises to cut county spending, which proven unpopular but established the tone of fiscal discipline that endured in Baltimore County for decades.”

“It was during Roger Hayden’s administration that the county passed the Honeygo Plan, which curbed development and improve design standards in rural northeastern Perry Hall,” Marks added.

Hayden’s business career spanned management positions in finance, operations, facilities management, and transportation at Eastern Stainless Steel, George Transfer, the Baltimore Orioles, and Towson University. His career began in the mailroom at Eastern Stainless Steel and ended as president of The Hayden Consulting Group, which specializes in business and organizational issues.

“Roger Hayden, in every conversation and with every vote, was focused on making the best decisions for the students and staff of Baltimore County Public Schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “I, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to work with him for long, but I know that his voice and his leadership will be missed on the Board of Education. We all benefited from the depth of his knowledge of Baltimore County government and schools. The nearly 15 years that he spent on the school board are only part of his substantial legacy in this community. We join his family in celebrating his life and achievements.”

The members of the Baltimore County School Board remembered Hayden’s many contributions to Baltimore County and its schools and his strength of character.

“Roger was truly a champion of children and worked tirelessly for the needs of all students in Baltimore County Public Schools,” said Board Member Cheryl Pasteur. “We will remember Roger for his service to the community, his sense of humor, and his great stories. We express our deepest sympathy to his family, and we wish them comfort and peace.”