Annapolis (December 12, 2003) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens today announced the appointment of Alvin C. Collins to the post of Chief of Staff. Mr. Collins has been serving as the County's Human Services Officer since October 2002. Mr. Collins replaces Robert DiPietro who resigned to return to the private sector. "I would like to thank Bob DiPietro for his commitment to the County over the last year, and I wish him well in his new endeavors," Ms. Owens said. "I am thrilled that Al has agreed to serve as my Chief of Staff. He has done a terrific job as Human Services Officer. Given his experience with the Governor, he will be a great addition to my office."
"I am honored that the County Executive asked me to serve as her Chief of Staff," Mr. Collins said. "I look forward to working with her and the staff on the many issues facing County government." He joined the Owens administration from the State of Maryland, where he served as Chief of Staff for Governor Parris N. Glendening and was responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of state government and implementing the Governor's priority policies and programs. Prior to his position of Chief of Staff, Mr. Collins served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the State of Maryland. His responsibilities included oversight of the policies of Maryland's human services agencies, including the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Human Resources, Department of Aging, Office of Individuals with Disabilities, and Maryland Insurance Administration. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Collins served as the Director for the Office of Family Assistance under the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Collins was the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources. Mr. Collins holds a post master's degree in social administration from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, a master of science in education from Harvard University, and a bachelor of science in political science form Southern Connecticut State College. Mr. Collins takes over the duties of Chief of Staff on Monday, December 15, 2003. He will retain some oversight responsibilities for the Human Services Office. | 
