Staff from Town of Thurmont Graduate

Town of Thurmont Senior Administrative Assistant Rebecca Sharer-Long and Human Resources Manager Diana Mehaffie graduated from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance at the University of Maryland. The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Memorial Chapel on the University of Maryland College Park campus.

A total of 139 public officials from across the state received an Academy certificate in the presence of family and friends. All Academy Fellows completed a robust program, which included core and elective classes designed to meet their professional needs as municipal or county officials in local government. Through the program, the graduates not only enhanced their understanding of local government issues and ethical standards for public service, but also developed a foundation for informed policy-making and effective governance.

“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,” said University of Maryland School of Public Policy Dean Robert C. Orr.

“I’m very proud of Becky and Diana for their efforts in obtaining this accreditation. Graduating from the Academy is not easy, and they both deserve our congratulations and appreciation for their dedication in achieving this noteworthy achievement,” expressed Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick.

The Academy, which offered its first classes in 1998, is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, the Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Association of Counties, and the Local Government Insurance Trust.

Pictured from left are Diana Mehaffie, CAO Jim Humerick, and Rebecca Sharer-Long.