Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Vacancy on the Merit System Protection Board

For Immediate Release: Friday, September 6, 2024

Deadline to apply is Monday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 6, 2024 — The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for a vacancy to serve on the Merit System Protection Board. The term of Chair Barbara Fredericks expires on Dec. 31, 2024, and she has indicated she will apply for reappointment. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.

In addition to Ms. Fredericks (Unaffiliated), other members of the board are Vice Chair Sonya Chiles (Democrat) and Treava Hopkins-Laboy (Democrat). By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be a Republican, someone who declines to affiliate with a party or a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.

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.

The board normally meets once per month during the day for approximately two hours, additional time is also required for preparatory work. Hearings are scheduled with consideration given to board availability and held during the day. Duration of hearings is dependent upon issues of a given case and may last more than one day.

Members of the board currently receive $8,699.28 per year, which is adjusted annually in December to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer Price Index (CPI). The chair receives $11,157.73 per year, also CPI adjusted annually.

Board members are restricted in political activity while serving. Section 403 of the County Charter states, in part: “No member shall hold political office or participate in any campaign for any political or public office during the member’s term of office.”

A cover letter expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages in length) listing professional and civic experience, home address, political party affiliation, a telephone number, and an email address should be sent via email to [email protected] addressed to Council President Friedson, or sent via mail to Council President Friedson, County Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2024. 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.

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. A financial statement of assets, debts, income, and family property interests will be required of all applicants. Only the appointed candidates will be required to make the financial statement available for public review.

Release ID: 24-311
Media Contact: Helen Xu

For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=45780