Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will leave his post later this month to serve as interim president of Baltimore City Community College.
Ball, who is in his second and final term as Howard County’s leader, announced Monday afternoon that he will step down Nov. 16.
Before becoming the county’s first Black executive in 2018, Ball spent four years leading BCCC’s Complete College Baltimore program, which provides career support, transfer assistance, tuition waivers, and other resources to help students pursue and complete a four-year degree. He called his former role at the community college “one of the best jobs I ever had.”
“To return to an institution that holds such a special place in my heart is a full-circle moment,” Ball wrote in a Facebook post announcing the change. “BCCC is a place of possibility, where dreams can be nurtured, barriers broken, and futures are transformed.
Brandee Ganz, the county’s chief administrative officer, will serve as acting county executive until Howard County’s newly elected executive is sworn in on Dec. 7. Howard County voters will elect their next executive on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Baltimore City Community College’s current and 14th president, Debra McCurdy, told faculty and staff in a message last week that she plans to retire Dec. 31.
“I look forward to bringing that same spirit of service, collaboration, and compassion to BCCC, building upon the progress made under Dr. McCurdy’s leadership, and working alongside our faculty, staff, and students to strengthen pathways to opportunity and success,” Ball’s Facebook announcement reads. “I plan to continue leading with love, listening with intention, and working together to ensure that every student who walks through BCCC’s doors has the opportunity to realize their potential and build a brighter future.”
Ball has worked in Howard County government for 20 years, including the past eight years as county executive and 12 years before that on the county council.
In addition to heading BCCC’s Complete College Baltimore program, Ball previously worked as an assistant professor at Morgan State University, director of special projects at Towson University, and a faculty member at University of Phoenix.
In his message to Howard County residents, Ball closed by channeling the children’s television personality Fred Rogers.
“Mr. Rogers once reminded us of the importance of being a good neighbor. For eight years, you have given me the privilege of being your county executive, but long before I held that title, I was your neighbor. Long after I leave this office, I will always be your neighbor.
“Thank you for being mine.”
