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Leadership Change at Howard County Health Department

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Howard County's Health Department braces for a transition as Dr. Maura Rossman, its esteemed Health Officer, prepares for retirement at the end of October.

Dr. Rossman has been a pivotal figure in Howard County's public health since 2007, initially joining as Medical Director before becoming Health Officer in 2012. Her leadership has seen the department navigate crucial public health challenges, including the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, she led the department to achieve national Public Health Accreditation in 2019, maintaining this status through 2025. Her contributions have won her several awards, including being named Marylander of the Year by The Baltimore Sun, a testament to her impactful service.

Transition in Leadership

With Dr. Rossman's departure, Antigone R. Vickery, MPH, will step in as Interim Health Officer. Ms. Vickery, the department’s Deputy Health Officer since 2015, has extensive experience in public health systems management and emergency preparedness—skills honed in previous roles such as leading health initiatives in Anne Arundel County and working at a national level after 9/11. With a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, she is well-prepared to guide the department through this transition.

Impact and Future Directions

Ms. Vickery is committed to sustaining the progress achieved under Dr. Rossman’s leadership. She is poised to address the community's evolving health needs by leveraging the department's strong foundation and team expertise. Her experience will be critical in maintaining the health department's focus on strategic planning and response to public health challenges. This leadership change invites stakeholders to look ahead at the community's health needs and the department's strategic priorities.

  • Leadership Transition: Dr. Maura Rossman to retire; Antigone R. Vickery to step in as Interim Health Officer.
  • Achievements: Attained national Public Health Accreditation, maintained through 2025.
  • Recognition: Dr. Rossman named Marylander of the Year by The Baltimore Sun.
  • Future Focus: Expand on past progress, address evolving public health challenges.