FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Millersville, MD — The Maryland Environmental Service (MES) is pleased to announce the latest appointments to its distinguished Board of Directors: welcoming aboard Ms. Moalie Jose, P.E., Mr. Brendon Baatz, and Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr., P.E. Each new appointee brings with them fresh perspectives and expertise that promises to continue to guide MES in meeting the agency’s mission of protecting and enhancing the environment for the benefit of the people of Maryland.

“I am delighted to welcome these new members to the MES Board of Directors,” said Dr. Charles Glass, P.E., Executive Director of MES. “The new appointee’s backgrounds complement those of our current Board Members, and I look forward to their contributions and guidance in support of the work of the talented and dedicated teams at MES.”

In addition to the new appointments, the Board has also ushered in a new era by electing its first-ever female chairperson, Ms. Shelley L. Heller, who has been a member of the MES Board of Directors since 2021. Ms. Heller is the County Administrator for Kent County, MD, and has extensive experience in budgeting, contract implementation, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Salisbury University. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for MES, underlining its commitment to inclusivity and recognizing the significant contributions women make in the environmental sector.

MES is a not-for-profit business unit of the State of Maryland and a leader in the environmental management sector. MES plans, constructs, and operates projects within four operating groups in areas such as environmental dredging and restoration, solid waste management, water and wastewater services, stormwater management, environmental monitoring, geospatial and engineering services, and renewable energy. The MES Board of Directors meets regularly to offer direction to the agency across areas such as finance and procurement, human resources, project management, and administration.

Meet the new MES Board Members:

Ms. Moalie Jose, P.E., appointed on July 1, 2023, holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from The University of Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Ms. Jose actively participates in the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA). She also chairs the CWEA mentoring committee for the City of Baltimore’s YH2O program and graduated from WEF’s Water Leadership Institute in 2022. She is a certified Organization Management Practitioner and a licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and Virginia.

Mr. Brendon Baatz was also appointed on July 1, 2023. Mr. Baatz is the Vice President at Gabel Associates, an energy and environmental consultancy. Prior to this role, Mr. Baatz held positions at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Maryland Public Service Commission, and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor. His academic achievements include a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University Tempe.

Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr., P.E. is a professor emeritus of civil engineering and former dean of Howard University’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences. He worked at Howard University for 38 years, where, in addition to being dean, he served as the Samuel P. Massie Professor of Environmental Engineering. Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Howard University, a Master of Science degree in sanitary engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, a Doctorate in applied sciences from the University of Delaware, and a Certificate in College Management at Carnegie-Mellon University. He was appointed to the MES Board of Directors on July 19, 2023, replacing the late Hiram L. Tanner, Jr., P.E.

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