TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Council this week announced that it has received applications for the anticipated vacancy in the office of Baltimore County Executive.

With the election last month of County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. to Maryland’s Second Congressional District and his stated his intention resign as County Executive upon his swearing-in on January 3,2025, the County Council will elect the next County Executive in accordance with the Baltimore County Charter.

In response to the County Executive’s announcement, the County Council has received a number of applications. The 12 candidates that filed their applications are as follows:

• Tara E. Ebersole
• Jim Brochin
• Barry F. Williams
• Jon S. Cardin
• Paul Drutz-Hannahs
• Katherine A. Klausmeier
• Aris Melissaratos
• Yara A. Cheikh
• George Perdikakis, Sr.
• William M. Huhn
• Tom Quirk
• Gregory A. Dennis

The County Council will convene a public hearing on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the County Council Chamber. The hearing will enable Baltimore County residents to provide their testimony on the desired qualifications for the next County Executive. Officials added that the public hearing will not be a candidate forum and the purpose of the hearing is not to solicit public testimony that endorses or supports any specific candidate. Public comments will also be received via email though the date of the public hearing at [email protected].

“My colleagues and I are very gratified at the response to the County Executive announcement that was posted on our website. We received quality applications from the candidates, and we sincerely appreciate their interest and willingness to pursue the office of County Executive,” said Council Chairman Izzy Patoka. “We are currently reviewing all submissions carefully and look forward to electing the best candidate for the residents of Baltimore County.”

Additional information is available at the Council’s website or by contacting the Baltimore County Council at
410-887-3196.