Latest news with #LegislatoroftheYear
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Political notes: Lawmakers get a pat on the back, Kamonjoh, Thomas get new jobs, more
House Appropriations chair Ben Barnes (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) and Senate Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone discuss the budget with reporters during the 2025 legislative session. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Who says being a lawmaker is a thankless job? The Arc Maryland said thanks to four lawmakers Thursday, recognizing them at the Arc Maryland's 65th Convention and Awards banquet for their part in clawing back nearly $300 million in proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone (D-Howard), Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes (D- Prince George's and Anne Arundel), Sen. Cory McCray (D-Baltimore City) and Del. Emily Shetty (D-Montgomery) were each given a Legislator of the Year award Thursday at the Arc Maryland's 65th Convention and Awards banquet. As chairs of committees that create the state budget, Guzzone and Barnes were influential in restoring millions in funding back to the DDA, which oversees the services for people with developmental disabilities, after Gov. Wes Moore (D) initially proposed $457 million in cuts for the 2026 budget citing unsustainable growth and costs. Much of the work to restore almost $300 million to the agency occurred in budget subcommittees in the respective chambers, with McCray leading the effort in the Health and Human Services subcommittee and Shetty leading the Health and Social Services subcommittee. 'This was a heck of a year – one that we would not like to be repeated,' Guzzone said in accepting his award. It was a grueling session for advocates in the developmental disabilities community. Hundreds of people with disabilities, their families and support staff rallied in Annapolis against the hefty cuts, and significant lobbying efforts continued throughout session. Guzzone recognized the persistent lobbying from the developmental disability community this session as 'inspiring' and an example of democracy at work. 'I am just touched by the fact that all of you keep telling your stories, bringing them to the legislature,' he said 'And there are others in the legislature who really stepped up.' 'This was a session when we needed all hands on deck,' he said. 'The team of people who came together who said, 'No way, we're not going to let this happen. We're going to work with the administration to make this thing — this enormous amount of money — we're going to figure out a way to deal with it.'' Teresa Thomas, who designed and led a neurodiversity internship program at MITRE and supported pilot neurodiversity hiring programs at federal agencies, is joining Melwood Community Services to lead and expand its abilIT initiative, the organization announced last week. CONTACT US The abilIT program bridges the gap between people with disabilities and careers in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity, with free training for eligible individuals to help them get industry-recognized certifications, and foll0w-up help finding an IT-related job . As director, Thomas will drive the expansion of the program, which recently won an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to take the program nationwide. According to a Melwood news release announcing the appointment, Thomas has spent nearly a decade in neurodivergent talent recruiting and retentio. She has led and trained teams in neurodiversity-focused best practices, co-authored influential works on the topic – including the Neurodiversity@Work Playbook: Federal Edition – and is a parent to an adult on the autism spectrum. 'Teresa Thomas is a passionate advocate for neuroinclusive workplaces, having facilitated employment for neurodiverse individuals across industries in the U.S. and globally. She is the ideal leader for Melwood's abilIT program, and we're thrilled to welcome her expertise and dedication,' said Melwood President & CEO Larysa Kautz. 'I'm honored to lead the abilIT team and contribute to a transformative program that changes lives by preparing adults with disabilities for rewarding careers in a high-demand sector of our economy,' Thomas said in the Melwood release. The abilIT program addresses critical challenges: high underemployment and unemployment rates among neurodivergent and disabled adults, the growing demand for IT and tech talent, and the need for a cohesive national solution. To learn more about abilIT or to apply for the program visit Edward Kamonjoh, who was recently director of impact management at Calvert Research and Management, was named last week as the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System's next senior corporate governance manager. Kamonjoh will 'oversee the strategic execution of the System's governance program, including proxy voting, the integration of material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment due diligence, and board-level engagement initiatives,' according to an agency release announcing the appointment. 'Edward's appointment signals a deepened commitment by the System to uphold leading governance practices, informed engagement and responsible stewardship across our investment operations,' State Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, chair of the SRPS Board of Trustees, said in the release. 'We are confident that his global perspective and policy fluency will enhance our governance framework in meaningful and measurable ways.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Kamonjoh has more than two decades of corporate governance and investment experience. At Calvert Research and Management, part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, he designed and led a landmark impact stewardship program, according to the SRPS release. He has also worked at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), The 50/50 Climate Project and Climate Safe Lending. In his new role, he will advise the system's chief investment officer and the board of trustees, he will be responsible for implementing a proxy voting program, include ESG — environmental, social and governance — into investment considerations, and will represent SRPS with corporate issuers, regulatory bodies and policy organizations. 'Edward's industry experience and passion for principled investing make him uniquely equipped to guide the System through an evolving governance landscape,' said Comptroller Brooke Lierman, vice chair of the SRPS board and chair of the investment committee. 'His leadership will help ensure our governance program not only reflects the highest standards but also delivers on our long-term investment and fiduciary goals.' Kamonjoh officially began his job Wednesday, when he was introduced at the SRPS Board of Trustees meeting. Maryland State Retirement Agency Chief Investment Officer Andrew Palmer has been named to Blueprint Capital Advisors' 2025 'Power100' list as a leading allocator among institutional investors. The Power 100 is a nonprofit enterprise designed 'to shine a spotlight on alternative investment organizations, professionals and investors that are high performing, impacting the industry and narrowing societal gaps related to wealth, health, education, and other areas important to us all.' 'This recognition speaks to the work of our investment team and the broader mission of the Maryland State Retirement Agency,' Palmer said in a release from the retirement agency. 'It's gratifying to see how our investment strategy not only secures the long-term retirement benefits of our members but also contributes meaningfully to the future of the investment industry.' It is the second consecutive year Palmer has been named to the Power 100. Under his guidance, the agency said, the investment division has consistently pursued innovative strategies while staying grounded in the fiduciary responsibilities owed to Maryland's public employees and retirees. 'Andy's recognition is a reflection of the values we prioritize at SRA: integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to the public good,' said SRA Executive Director Martin Noven. 'We're proud that our investment program is not only producing strong results for members, but also serving as a model for principled, inclusive leadership in the broader investment community.' The list also features other prominent state pension systems, including CalSTRS, the New York State Common Retirement Fund, and the Employees' Retirement System of Hawaii. A full list of the 2025 Power 100 honorees is available at
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Senator Oliveira named Legislator of the Year by Mass. Association of Physician Associates
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Senator Jake Oliveira has been named Legislator of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates (MAPA), and will be formally recognized next week for this honor. Local firefighters graduate from Firefighting Academy Senator Oliveira was named for this award in recognition of his commitment to advancing healthcare policy in Massachusetts, ensuring that PAs can continue to effectively treat and serve patients across the Commonwealth. Oliveira will be celebrated for his achievements at MAPA's Spring Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conference on Saturday, March 22. The conference will be held at MGM Springfield beginning at 9:00 a.m. At the event, healthcare professionals across the state will convene to discuss significant issues pertaining to the PA field and patient care. For more information about the organization, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
