The Open Agenda

Another Special Mini Episode of The Open Agenda Is Here!   Get ready for another mini episode of The Open Agenda while you wait for Season 2?   We caught up with Secretary of Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility Walter Simmons this summer at the MACo Summer Conference in Ocean City for a special mini episode! Secretary Simmons joined us for a conversation about the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility, the resources available to support small businesses, and the state's role in helping businesses and Maryland's workforce succeed.   From supporting local entrepreneurs to connecting businesses with valuable state resources, this conversation offers a look at some of the programs and opportunities available across Maryland. Season 2 of The Open Agenda is coming soon! In the meantime, we hope this special conversation will hold you over until we're back with a new season of guests, stories and behind-the-scenes conversations.

Here is a SPECIAL EPISODE from MACo 2026 in Ocean City, MD A Special Mini Episode of The Open Agenda Is Here Need a little Open Agenda to hold you over until Season 2? In honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re releasing a special mini episode featuring Anna Sierra, Assistant Secretary with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management. W caught up with Anna this summer at the MACo Summer Conference in Ocean City to talk about Maryland’s role in emergency management, how state and local agencies work together, and what preparedness looks like at the state level. Anna also shares her own journey from working in emergency management at the local level to serving at the state level, along with some practical reminders about why preparedness matters for all of us. Season 2 of The Open Agenda is coming in October, but we hope this special conversation will hold you over until then! Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://lnk.bio/TheOpenAgenda Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1KGodVkE-dM?si=QAP71hUJybl6NQvX

PART I    LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival.   Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.

PART II   LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival.   Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.

The Department of Natural Resources covers a lot of things in the realms of nature and resources and yes, they are a department. I'll let them fill you in with some guidance from Bruce and Beth.