LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Commissioner President James Randy Guy and the St. Mary’s County Health Department will receive two of the highest statewide awards presented by the Maryland Association of Counties during the organization’s Winter Conference December 10–12 in Cambridge.
Guy will be honored with the Marilyn J. Praisner Public Service Award, given annually to a current or former elected county official for exceptional dedication to their county, constituents, and MACo itself. The award commemorates the late Montgomery County council member and former MACo president.
“This award is an incredible honor, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served St. Mary’s County and to have contributed to MACo’s important work over the years,” Guy said. “As I near the end of my final term, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and thankful for the partnerships built in the spirit of strengthening our state and community.”
Separately, the St. Mary’s County Health Department will accept the County Innovation Award for its St. Mary’s County Health Hub program. The initiative coordinates medical, behavioral health, and social services in a single location to streamline care for residents.
“Our team is deeply honored to receive the County Innovation Award on behalf of the St. Mary’s County Health Department and the many partners who bring the Health Hub to life,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County health officer. “This recognition celebrates the commitment of our incredible staff and community partners who work every day to ensure residents have access to compassionate and coordinated care.”
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and senior department leaders will attend the three-day conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. More than 1,000 elected officials, county administrators, and state leaders are expected at the event, held each December just weeks before the start of Maryland’s 90-day General Assembly session.
This year’s theme, “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” focuses on fiscal pressures, housing shortages, transportation needs, infrastructure funding, and modernizing county government operations. More than 30 educational sessions will address state education formulas, environmental regulations, workforce development, and technology integration.
The conference also includes the annual installation of MACo officers and board members. Guy will continue his service on the association’s leadership team.
The MACo Winter Conference serves as the primary preseason gathering for county officials to align priorities ahead of the legislative session that begins January 8, 2026, in Annapolis. Discussions often shape bills and budget requests that directly affect local services in St. Mary’s and Maryland’s 23 other counties and Baltimore City.
