2025 William Donald Schaefer Policy Conference and Award Ceremony: Grand Challenges- State and Local Innovation
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore will host its annual William Donald Schaefer Conference and Award Ceremony on Monday, May 5th, in Annapolis. This year’s conference topic is Addressing Grand Challenges: State and Local Innovation.
The conference and award ceremony celebrates the legacy of William Donald Schaefer, in whose honor the Schaefer Center was established.
The keynote address is on Addressing Grand Challenges in Public Administration, led by James-Christian Blockwood, President and CEO, National Academy of Public Administration.
The sessions during the conference all touch on different grand challenges, starting with the first session, Modernizing and Reinvigorating Public Service. The next session is Connecting Individuals to Meaningful Work, followed by the last session, Building Resilient Communities.
During a luncheon for the ceremony, the 2025 William Donald Schaefer Award will be presented, followed by a 40th Anniversary Celebration for the Schaefer Center
You can register for the conference and award ceremony here
For more than 50 years, William Donald Schaefer served the citizens of Baltimore and Maryland as a city councilman, city council president, mayor, governor, and comptroller. His commitment to solving problems and strong belief in bettering society are both foundational pillars of the Schaefer Center. The center is proud to carry on the legacy of its namesake.
To learn more about previous awardees and previous conference years visit this page.
Schaefer Center for Public Policy Announces Appointment of Maryland Municipal League Chief Executive Officer Theresa Kuhns to Advisory Board
Theresa Kuhns, Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Municipal League (MML), has joined the Advisory Board for The University of Baltimore’s Schaefer Center for Public Policy. Kuhns, an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of association experience, oversees the MML’s daily operations, strategic communications, and partnerships.
As CEO of MML, Kuhns leads a dedicated 15-member staff in key practice areas, including advocacy and public policy, leadership development, and member experience. She also serves as publisher of The Local, MML’s bimonthly magazine.
Beyond her role at MML, Kuhns brings valuable expertise through her service on various boards. She is a Board of Trustees member for the Local Government Insurance Trust and the National League of Cities Mutual Insurance Company. Additionally, she contributes to the National League of Cities Housing Supply Committee, working to address critical housing challenges across the country.
Kuhns’s distinguished career spans multiple facets of association management, including operations, policy advocacy, and executive communications. Her leadership and expertise will help Schaefer Center’s Advisory Board in its continued efforts.
Schaefer Center for Public Policy Research Analyst Catherine Znamirowski named 2025 ASPA Founders' Fellow
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) has selected Catherine Znamirowski, University of Baltimore as a 2025 Founders’ Fellow, recognizing her exceptional achievements and commitment to public service. This prestigious program identifies emerging leaders in public administration, providing them with professional development opportunities to enhance their impact in the field.
As part of the 2025 Founders’ Fellows cohort, Catherine will participate in a year-long series of mentorship and learning experiences, beginning with ASPA’s Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Throughout the year, she will engage in research presentations, tailored programming, and one-on-one mentorship with an experienced public service professional.
This honor underscores Catherine’s dedication to advancing effective, equitable, and innovative solutions in public administration. Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement.
Former Baltimore County Administrative Officer and University of Baltimore Alumna Stacy L. Rodgers Joins University of Baltimore's Schaefer Center for Public Policy
Dr. Ann Cotten, Executive Director received a University System of Maryland Board of Regents Staff Award
Dr. Cotten was selected in the category of Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community and was honored at a special ceremony hosted by the University System on September 20th. The awards are the highest honor the board presents to exemplary staff members.
Dr. Ann Cotten, Executive Director featured on Maryland Association of Counties Podcast
Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program Graduate Spotlight: Orlando Lily
Schaefer Center’s Certified Public Manager® Program Graduate shares how beneficial the program is. Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program Participant announced as Public Servant of the Year by the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce
The St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) proudly announced that County Administrator David Weiskopf has been named Public Servant of the Year by the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce.NextGen Leaders for Public Service Spotlight: Maryland Public Television
Schaefer Center’s NextGen Leaders for Public Service Spotlights partnership with Maryland Public Television.William Donald Schaefer Conference and Award Ceremony Featured on WJZ-Baltimore
Schaefer Center’s William Donald Schaefer Conference and Award Ceremony Featured on WJZ-Baltimore
WJZ-Baltimore: What if a chatbot could instantly give you instructions for getting a certain permit? What if council meeting minutes could be posted within minutes? What if your wait time at the DMV was cut in half?
These are just some ways artificial intelligence could be used in state and local government. AI was the topic of a groundbreaking conference in Annapolis Tuesday morning, put on by the University of Baltimore.
It’s a complex problem. “Why seemingly simple jobs take long if they’re farther from the main operations,” said Berke Attila, Director of General Services in Baltimore City.
You can watch the full feature on WJZ’s Website Here
William Donald Schaefer Policy Conference and Award Ceremony: AI and the Future of Government
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore will host its annual William Donald Schaefer Conference and Award Ceremony on Tuesday, May 7 in Annapolis. The topic for this year’s conference is AI and the Future of Government.
The conference and award ceremony celebrates the legacy of William Donald Schaefer, in whose honor the Schaefer Center was established.
The conference includes an opening presentation on Integrating AI into the Work of the State Government in Maryland, led by Nishant Shah, senior advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Maryland Department of Information Technology.
The first session, AI in Government, will focus on reshaping organizations across sectors through human-machine collaboration presented by Dylan Hayden, author of The Public Administrator’s Guide to ChatGPT.
The second session, Integrating AI Technologies into Mission Delivery (AI @ Work) will focus on leveraging AI as a powerful decision-making tool and strategic priority for government. It will be presented by Monica Casanas, mayor of Colmar Manor, Md, Berke Attila, Director, Baltimore City Department of General Services, and Babila Lima, Director, Enterprise Management Office, Baltimore City Information and Technology.
During a luncheon for the ceremony, the Schaefer Center’s Past Advisory Board Chair, the Hon. James T. Smith, Jr., will present the 2024 William Donald Schaefer Award to Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator for Maryland.
For more than 50 years, William Donald Schaefer served the citizens of Baltimore and Maryland as a city councilman, city council president, mayor, governor, and comptroller. His commitment to solving problems, and strong belief in bettering society, are both foundational pillars of the Schaefer Center. The center is proud to carry on the legacy of its namesake.
To learn more about previous awardees and previous conference years visit this page.
Schaefer Center Partners with The Baltimore Banner, WJZ-TV, and WYPR to Host Baltimore City Mayoral Candidate Forum
Schaefer Center in partnership with The Baltimore Banner, WJZ-TV, and WYPR to Host the Baltimore City Mayoral Candidate ForumSchaefer Center Partners with WBFF FOX45 and The Baltimore Sun to Host U.S. Senate Democratic Candidate Forum
Schaefer Center in partnership with WBFF FOX45 and The Baltimore Sun is hosting a Maryland U.S. Senate Democratic Candidate ForumMaryland Certified Public Manager® Program Graduate appointed Superintendent of Natural Resources Police
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore is excited to congratulate Col. Orlando D. Lily, Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program graduate, on his appointment as Superintendent of Natural Resources Police
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) formally welcomed Orlando D. Lilly as the 11th Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police on Wednesday. The former Baltimore County Police Major and Navy veteran was sworn in at DNR headquarters in Annapolis. Lilly assumes the rank of Colonel.
Lilly, 55, takes over the post most recently held by Col. Adrian Baker, who retired in January 2023. Acting Lieutenant Colonel Brian Rathgeb has served in the acting Deputy Superintendent position since July 2023.
“Col. Lilly has gone above and beyond throughout his law enforcement career, building a legacy of dedication and professionalism,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “We know that with Col. Lilly at the helm, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will be in good hands. His commitment to equitable policing, community-building, and leadership will ensure Natural Resources Police officers continue to effectively serve Marylanders through fair and equitable enforcement of the state’s natural resource laws.”
Schaefer Center Featured on WYPR's Midday with Tom Hall
Schaefer Center Executive Director Ann Cotten was on Midday with Tom Hall, WYPR to talk about educating the next generation of leaders in public service!Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program Graduate appointed St. Mary’s County Director of Emergency Services
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore is excited to congratulate Jennifer Aubert-Utz, Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program graduate, on her appointment as the Director of Em
ergency Services for St. Mary’s County.
Aubert-Utz is a 24-year veteran of the Baltimore County Fire Department, serving recently as an Assistant Fire Chief where she provided executive leadership and professional oversight to over 1,000 career and 2,000 volunteer members.
Aubert-Utz currently serves as the Chairperson at the Maryland Center for the Study of Health Effects of Fire and serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Fire Rescue Training & Education Commission. Her expertise extends to serving as a technical expert with the International Fire Service Training Association, contributing to the revision of their publications and training manuals. Additionally, she has served as a professional advisor for the National Fire Protection Association Responder Forum.
Aubert-Utz holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University with an emphasis in Public Safety Leadership. She has also earned the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer designation, as well as the Certified Public Manager® certification through the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Aubert-Utz was honored among the 2017 Baltimore Sun’s “50 Women to Watch” and received the 2018 Baltimore County LaFrance Muldrow “Woman Making a Difference” award. Additionally, she is a member of the Leadership Baltimore County Class of 2018 and holds several professional fire service affiliations.
University of Baltimore Magazine Feature's NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program
PUBLIC SERVICE, PERSONAL GROWTH 
UBalt’s newest initiative defines the next generation of internships for students and employers.
A year ago, Dr. Ann Cotten, B.S. ’85, M.S. ’86, CERT ’92, D.P.A. ’03, director of The University of Baltimore’s Schaefer Center for Public Policy, and Dr. Roger Hartley, dean of the College of Public Affairs, co-authored an opinion piece for The Baltimore Sun addressing the “solvable problem” of unpaid internships and unveiled the University’s ambitious and sweeping solution.
Now entering its second year, the NextGen Leaders for Public Service program gives undergraduate and graduate students from all majors at UBalt the opportunity to explore a career in public service. The program comprises a variety of academic and co-curricular initiatives, but NextGen’s unique paid internship opportunities are the cornerstone.
To read more of the feature please click here
Voices of Public Service Welcomes J.B Jennings, State Senator
Voices of Public Service is a monthly series that gives students the opportunity to learn about public service careers from seasoned professionals. Guest speakers include government and nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and business leaders who have made a civic contribution to society.
Senator J.B. Jennings, B.S. ’97, was elected to the Maryland Senate in 2011. In addition to serving on the Finance Committee, Executive Nominations Committee, Rules Committee, and Spending and Affordability Committee, Senator Jennings is the 
Minority Leader of the Senate.
Senator Jennings grew up in Baltimore County and attended Baltimore County Public Schools. At the age of 16, became a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 47). After graduating from Dulaney High School, Senator Jennings pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Baltimore.
Senator Jennings got his start in politics with then-Congressman, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., as an intern and caseworker. He handled a majority of the constituent matters with such passion and resolve that he eventually became a staff assistant. Despite his service as a volunteer firefighter and legislative assistant, Senator Jennings remained committed to his childhood passion for agriculture and local farming. He left his job with Congressman Ehrlich and became co-owner of The Mill of Hereford, a farm feed and supply store.
Currently, Senator Jennings. is taking classes at Johns Hopkins to further his education and he is also the President and CEO of his own cyber-intelligence company, as well as a cybersecurity technician with the National Security Agency. He, and his wife, Michelle, have two children, J.W. (5) and Kate (3). The Jennings reside at their farm in Joppa, Maryland where Michelle boards horses and cares for an array of farm animals.
Schaefer Center Launches new NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program
In December 2022, the Schaefer Center launched its new NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program. Learn more about the launch and the Schaefer Center’s work to support Maryland’s Public Service pipeline.
Promoting excellence in Maryland’s public and nonprofit organizations
Established in 1985, the William Donald Schaefer Center for Public Policy is Maryland’s preeminent applied research and policy analysis center. As part of the University of Baltimore’s College of Public Affairs, the Schaefer Center promotes excellence in Maryland’s public and nonprofit organizations through applied research, technical assistance, policy analysis, policy conferences, and professional development programs.
The Schaefer Center’s mission is to help government and nonprofit organizations help people by leveraging the expertise of the university community in its work to:
Prepare public servants for the challenge of tomorrow through its professional development programs.
Develop future leaders through applied learning activities for students
Inform decision-makers through applied research, technical assistance, and program evaluation.
Promote public discourse through policy analysis and conferences.
