Staff & Contact Information

Maryland Association of Counties (MACo)

169 Conduit Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Ph: 410.269.0043     Fx: 410.286.1775

Complete our “Contact Us” form for general inquiries


Michael Sanderson

Executive Director

Michael Sanderson

Manages general day-to-day operations of the Association, Board of Directors and Executive Committee (officers), and legislative advocacy. Member of the Local Government Insurance Trust Board of Directors.

Policy Team

Natasha Mehu

Legislative Director

Natasha Mehu, Esq.

Leads MACo's Policy Team in coordinating advocacy efforts in Annapolis. Covers community-based policy issues and services provided by county governments. Contributes to MACo publications, issue research, and policy advocacy. Legislative Affairs Areas: health and human services, housing and community development, public safety and corrections, and business affairs. Liaison to affiliates including Health Officers, Human Service Directors, and Corrections.

Les Knapp

Legal & Policy Counsel

Leslie Knapp Jr.

Advises and guides the Association on legal, liability, and regulatory matters, affecting both the Association itself and its member counties. Legislative Affairs Areas: environment, governmental liability and courts, parks and recreation, planning and zoning, and public information and ethics. Liaison to affiliates including Attorneys, Environmental Health, Planners, and Recreation and Parks.

Robin Eilenberg

Research Director

Robin Clark Eilenberg, Esq.

Manages research and information gathering on policy and operational issues relevant to county governments, and serves as a primary conduit for federal policy engagement. Oversees MACo publications and issue research, and analytics supporting policy advocacy. Legislative Affairs Areas: education, employee benefits and relations, and intergovernmental relations. Liaison to affiliates including Aging, Emergency Managers, Human Resources, and Information Technology. 

Barbara Zektick

Associate Director

Barbara Zektick

Contributes broadly to MACo's advocacy and policy efforts in Annapolis. Provides principal policy coverage for a range of policy areas including state budget and fiscal issues, taxes and revenues, finance and procurement, and transportation and public works.  Liaison to affiliates including County Administrators, Budget & Finance Officers, and County Engineers.

Kevin Kinnally

Policy Associate

Kevin Kinnally

Provides primary coverage for public education, elections, intergovernmental issues, and related topics. Works with policy staff to review legislation and advance county positions. Works with MACo affiliate organizations to develop information helpful to MACo communications and advocacy efforts.

Member Services Team

Virginia White

Member Services Director

Virginia White

Manages all facets of conferences and events. Manages the overall communications, marketing, outreach, and partnership plans. Assists with scheduling advocacy efforts during the legislative session of the General Assembly. Liaison to the Board of Directors and the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance.

Leslie Velasco

Administration & Finance Director

Leslie Velasco

Manages financial reporting, personnel issues, general office administration, telecommunications administrator, and conference exhibits. Serves as the liaison to National Association of Counties’ Financial Services Center.

Allison Valliant

Administrative Coordinator

Allison Valliant

Provides general office support. Manages office scheduling for staff and in-house meetings. Maintains membership database and serves as editor of the MACo Directory. Serves as conference registrar for attendees, speakers, and moderators.

Nicolette Querry

Outreach Coordinator

Nicolette Querry

Manages Association's website, Conduit Street blog, and This Week on Conduit Street publication. Facilitates the Corporate Partner Program and secures sponsors for conferences and events. Coordinates promotional and communication efforts. Tracks MACo appointments for statewide commissions, boards, and workgroups.

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