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The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for an upcoming vacancy on the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB). The first full term of Chair Treava Hopkins-Laboy will expire on Dec. 31, 2026, and she has expressed an interest in continuing to serve. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
Board Membership and Eligibility
In addition to Ms. Hopkins-Laboy (Democrat), the Board includes Vice Chair Era Pandya (Unaffiliated), and Barbara Sapin (Democrat). Applicants must be registered to vote in Montgomery County as a Democrat, a Republican or without party affiliation. The Montgomery County Board of Elections will verify voter registration. Under Article 4, Section 403 of the Charter of Montgomery County, Maryland, one member shall be appointed each year for a three-year term. No member may hold political office or participate in any political or public office during the member’s term of office. The Board elects its own Chair and Vice Chair each year.
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Board Responsibilities
Generally, the Board oversees the Merit System and protects employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. The Board processes grievance and disciplinary appeals by issuing written decisions following a review of written records or after conducting appropriate hearings.
Time Commitment
The Board normally meets once per month during the day for approximately two hours. Additional time is required for preparatory work. Hearings are scheduled during the day, with consideration given to the Board’s availability. The duration of hearings depends on the issues in each case and may extend beyond one day.
Salary
Board members currently receive $8,943.40 per year, while the Chair receives $11,470.58 per year. The compensation is adjusted annually in December to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington, D.C. Area Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Application Information
A cover letter expressing interest, including a resume (no more than four pages in length) listing professional and civic experience, primary home address, political party affiliation, a telephone number, and an email address should be sent via email to Council.Clerk@montgomerycountymd.gov addressed to Council President Fani-González, or sent via mail to Council President Fani-González, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 12, 2026. It is the Council’s policy not to consider applications received after the deadline. After the closing date, Councilmembers will review applications and select applicants to interview.
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Council staff may request a redacted resume or bio to include as part of the information shared with the public. The interviews and appointment process are open to the public and will be televised, streamed live, and available on YouTube and Facebook. All applicants will be required to provide a financial disclosure statement of assets, debts, income, and family property interests. Only the appointed candidates will be required to make the financial statement available for public review.
Read the original article at mccouncil
