09 Nov K&A Completes Search for Council Administrator for Montgomery County
November 9, 2017 – ROCKVILLE, Md., The Montgomery County Council has selected Marlene Michaelson as the next Council Administrator, effective February 1, 2018. Ms. Michaelson, who has served for 29 years as the Council’s senior analyst for planning issues, will succeed retiring Council Administrator Steve Farber, who was appointed in October 1991.
“The Council is fortunate to have a wealth of dedicated and talented people who work on behalf of County residents,” said Council President Roger Berliner. “Marlene Michaelson is an outstanding member of this group. Her energy, expertise and professionalism will serve her and the Council well in this new role.”
The Council Administrator, the principal adviser to the Council, helps develop and implement the Council’s policies and work program, oversees the Council staff, and represents the Council on several County boards, including the investment boards of the County’s retirement plans.
“Montgomery County is known nationally as a high performing government that delivers quality services,” said Council Vice President Hans Riemer. “A big reason is the expert work of the Council staff. As Council Administrator, Steve Farber has led by example, and we are all grateful for his exemplary service. Marlene Michaelson has been an extremely valuable staff member. We look forward to her leading the Council staff in a new era marked by significant leadership change in County government.”
As a senior legislative analyst for the Council, Ms. Michaelson is responsible for advising the Council on land use and park issues, including master plans. She also represents the Council on state and regional issues related to land use at organizations including the Council of Governments Region Forward Coalition.
Before coming to the Council, Ms. Michaelson served from 1982-1988 as a senior financial analyst for Lane and Edson, P.C. in Washington, D.C. She has a Master’s degree in city and regional planning with a concentration in finance from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from State University of New York at Albany. She served for many years as president of the board of directors for Red Wiggler Community Farm.