LA PLATA, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Board of Trustees unanimously elected new leadership during its June 2025 meeting, following a recommendation from Trustee Cathy Allen, Chair of the Nominating Committee. Sonja Cox of St. Mary’s County was named Chair, Christy Lombardi of Calvert County as Vice Chair, and Shawn Coates of Charles County as Immediate Past Chair. Each will serve a three-year term, guiding the CSM Board of Trustees in advancing the college’s mission to transform lives and strengthen Southern Maryland communities.
Sonja Cox, appointed to the CSM Board of Trustees in 2019, brings extensive leadership experience as President and CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) since 2020. A Certified Public Accountant, Cox holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Johns Hopkins University. She previously served as Vice Chair and Human Resources Committee Chair for the CSM Board of Trustees. “It is an honor to serve the college and our community in this capacity,” Cox said. “CSM is a vital part of Southern Maryland, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue strengthening access to education and opportunity for all residents in our region.”
Christy Lombardi, a 2005 CSM alumna and trustee since 2019, was appointed Vice Chair. Reappointed through 2026, she serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Shore United Bank, N.A., with over 25 years of banking experience. Lombardi holds dual master’s degrees in Management and Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. Her roles on the Maryland Bankers Association Board and Southern Maryland Workforce Development Board enhance her contributions to the CSM Board of Trustees.
Shawn Coates, transitioning to Immediate Past Chair, served as Board Chair from 2022 to 2025 and Vice Chair from 2020 to 2022. A senior federal government leader with over 25 years of experience, Coates holds degrees from Morgan State University and North Carolina Central University, plus graduate certificates from the University of Maryland and Harvard University. “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of this board during such an important chapter in the college’s history,” Coates said, reflecting on leading the CSM Board of Trustees through the COVID-19 pandemic and a presidential search.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson presented Coates with an award, stating, “Thank you for your excellent leadership, focus on student success, and stellar service to the college.” She added, “We are grateful for your leadership and look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.”
The CSM Board of Trustees oversees the college’s strategic direction, supporting its commitment to accessible education across Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties. The new leadership team is poised to advance CSM’s role as a cornerstone of opportunity in Southern Maryland.
