About
The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS) was created in 2008 to act as a planning and coordinating body for initiatives that promote the economic stability of individuals and families and reduce the incidence of poverty in Howard County. The Board supports the vision of Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) "A community where everyone has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and live with dignity."
The board generally meets at DCRS 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia, MD 21046. Since the pandemic, the board has also started meeting via Webex. Please contact Cara Baumgartner if you would like to attend the BPSS meeting: cbaumgartner@howardcountymd.gov.
Board members include key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Current Community and Ex-Officio Board Members are listed below.
Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Annual Report
This is an update on the work of the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency where our goal is to create connected systems that offer individuals the opportunity to progress on their own terms. By creating a mix of public and private systems, social networks, and comprehensive resources, we can make considerable progress toward achieving the vision of a connected, resilient, and thriving Howard County community.
New Online Board Application Process
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has launched an innovative online application that transforms the way constituents apply to become members of County boards and commissions. Read the press release.
Board Information
Community Members
Stephen Liggett-Creel, (Board Chair), Community Volunteer
Brooke Abercrombi, Howard Community College
Jennifer Blondo, Key Process Partners
Tracy Broccolino, Executive Director, Community Action Council Howard County
Jennifer Broderick​, Executive Director, Bridges to Housing Stability
Brad Closs, Community Volunteer
Amma Felix, Collegiate Directions
Theresa Forget, Vice President Human Resources, Howard County General Hospital
Michael Garzon, BGE
Mariana Izraelson, Executive Director, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
Stan Levi, Community Volunteer
TBD, Executive Director, Association of Community Services
Gudell Ward, IMEC Group
David Woodruff, APL Credit Union
Ex-Officio Members
Kelly Cimino, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development
Jama Acuff, Director, Department of Corrections
Gregory Der, Chief of Police, Howard County Police Department
Peter Engel, Howard County Housing Commission
Dr. Michael Martirano, Howard County Public Schools System
Maura Rossman, Health Officer, Howard County Health Department
Jacqueline Scott, Director, Howard County Department of Community Resources & Services
Francine Trout, Administrator, Howard County Office of Workforce Development
Daria Willis, President, Howard Community College