LEONARDTOWN, MD – Commissioner Scott Ostrow and County Administrator David Weiskopf of St. Mary’s County have successfully completed the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance, a program hosted by the University of Maryland.
Ostrow and Weiskopf’s graduation marks a significant achievement for local governance in St. Mary’s County. The Academy, which offers both core and elective classes, focuses on professional development for municipal and county officials. Participants deepen their understanding of public service ethics and local government operations while developing a foundation for informed decision-making.
“The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance was an exceptional opportunity to deepen my understanding of how local government functions, and the important role ethical standards play in public service,” Commissioner Ostrow said in a statement. “I am honored to have participated and look forward to applying what I’ve learned to better serve the residents of St. Mary’s County.”
The program is structured to meet the professional needs of government officials at the local level. Since its inception in 1998, the Academy has focused on improving governance through education, with collaboration from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, the Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Association of Counties, and the Local Government Insurance Trust.
County Administrator David Weiskopf’s participation further underscores the county’s commitment to good governance and ethical standards. Graduates like Ostrow and Weiskopf leave the Academy equipped with enhanced leadership and policymaking skills, both essential for their roles in managing the county’s affairs.
University of Maryland School of Public Policy Dean Robert C. Orr praised the graduates, stating, “The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is proud to recognize these graduates. Their commitment to public service and to providing the best possible local government to people across the state is not only admirable, it is of great importance.”
This training allows officials like Ostrow and Weiskopf to continue serving their communities with greater insight into local governance, informed by both practical and ethical frameworks. Through the Academy’s curriculum, participants engage with real-world scenarios that shape effective local leadership, enabling them to make better-informed policy decisions.
The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance, which started offering courses over two decades ago, remains a vital resource for public officials across Maryland. Its primary goal is to build a more informed and ethical public service at the local level, helping officials navigate the complexities of governance in ways that benefit their constituents.
The success of this program is demonstrated through its long-standing partnerships with local government organizations and institutions. The Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Association of Counties, and the Local Government Insurance Trust have all played key roles in developing and delivering the Academy’s training.
For residents of St. Mary’s County, the graduation of two key officials from this program is a positive step toward ensuring that local government remains responsive, ethical, and effective. Commissioner Ostrow’s commitment to implementing the lessons learned during the Academy speaks directly to the broader goals of the county’s leadership.
Residents and those interested in the Academy can learn more about the program’s mission and curriculum by visiting the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy website at https://spp.umd.edu/research-impact/projects/academy-excellence-local-governance.
