HCEA 2026 Elections

Bio Sketches and Names were printed exactly as they were submitted. Candidates are listed below alphabetically.

Bio sketches for HCEA Officer were limited to 100 words. Board of Director, MSEA, and NEA Delegate were limited to 55 words.

Voting begins online on January 26th and closes February 13th.

Please visit the MSEA election webpage for more information on the candidates for MSEA and NEA positions.

HCEA President & Delegate to the NEA & MSEA Assembly: 1 (one) seat- (August 1, 2026 -July 31, 2029)

Benjamin Schmitt

An elementary school art teacher of 25+ years, I’ve also served as HCEA VP, member of the HCEA BOD, Building Rep, and served on several committees. During my first term as president, we negotiated two contracts, including the three-year deal we have now. We’ve cultivated new union leaders on our BOD and Rep Council. Also, we’ve created the Special Education and Early Career Educator Committees, revamped the ESP Committee, all to help advocate and collaborate for the changes needed in HCPSS. Vote for me to continue & improve this work, and be your voice as HCEA President for another term.

 

HCEA Vice President & Delegate to the NEA & MSEA Assembly: 1 (one) seat- (August 1, 2026 -July 31, 2029)

Teri Dennison

I am currently seeking another term as HCEA Vice President,
My involvement with HCEA is as follows:
Past Building Rep, BoD, Secretary and Treasurer, for multiple terms.
Former member of ESP Sick Bank, currently on SLB Appeals committee
Representative on numerous committees including Benefits Advisory Committee, Human Resources Advisory Committee, ESP Negotiation , ESP Committees for (HCPSS and HCEA), Operating Budget Review Committed, Calendar, Facility and School Planning Advisory and Policy committees, Delegate to MSEA Convention, NCUEA, TURN and NEA ESP Conferences.
I strongly feel honesty, integrity, equality and fair treatment for all are our cornerstones.

Matt Gresick

Matt Gresick has built his career on empowering educators and strengthening schools through collaboration, advocacy, and union values. He believes that by standing together, educators can secure the supports they need to thrive and ensure students succeed. As HCEA Vice President, Matt will fight tirelessly for fair conditions, equitable opportunities, and a stronger public school system. CLICK HERE to view Matt’s election flyer.

 

HCEA Board of Directors & Delegate to MSEA Rep Assemblies: 5 (five) seats- each a two-year term (August 1, 2026-July 31, 2028)

Jennifer Coker

Jenn Coker is a longstanding HCEA Rep and active on the Organizing Committee and the Negotiations Team. An HCPSS educator for 19 years, she knows how hard you work in all your many roles educating the students of Howard County. Jenn wants to continue to fight for the pay, benefits, and working conditions you deserve!

Alison Daniels

Alison Daniels joined HCPSS in 2008. As a certificated teacher, she has taught every grade between 6th and 12th. As an HCEA member, Alison handed out Apple ballots, joined the march in Annapolis, stood outside the Board, demanding better for educators, co-chaired the Human & Civil Rights committee, and served on the Board of Directors.

Casey Retterer

Membership Committee Co-Chair 2023-Present. HCEA Board of Directors 2023-Present. Government Relations and Organizing Committee work. OMHS science teacher and HCEA member 2008-present. Currently a WLHS and LKMS parent. Board game enthusiast. Magic: the Gathering Cube aficionado. Generally recognized as competent and knowledgeable. Willing to serve and happy to help.

Q Smith-Green

 

HCEA Delegate to the MSEA Rep Assembly: Ocean City, MD October 16 & 17, 2026

Krystal Campbell

Krystal Campbell, special educator, seeks to continue as your delegate. She remains committed to strengthening educator voice by representing members’ concerns and advocating for policies that support teaching, learning, and improved workplaces.

Kathy Chrzanowski

As a 23 year teacher, all in HCPSS, I would be honored to represent HCEA at the MSEA Rep Assembly. Thank you for considering me for the position!

Ed Chrzanowski

As a teacher in my 24th year, I have been honored to represent HCEA at the MSEA convention the last few years and would be honored to represent you again. Thank you for your consideration!

Arnita Clemons

I have worked as an ESP in Howard County for 20years. I have had the pleasure of serving as HCEA Representative as well as ESP Committee and negotiations Committee. Which allows me to listen to my colleagues’ concerns professionally and confidentially. As a delegate, I would be able to use my knowledge and skills

Jennifer Coker

Jenn Coker is a longstanding HCEA Rep and active on the Organizing Committee and the Negotiations Team. An HCPSS educator for 19 years, she knows how hard you work in all your many roles educating the students of Howard County. Jenn wants to continue to fight for the pay, benefits, and working conditions you deserve!

Daniel Cortes

As a delegate to MSEA and NEA, I will represent educators’ voices with integrity and commitment. I believe in advocating for fair pay, better working conditions, and equitable opportunities for all students. Together, we can strengthen our unions, support each other, and advance public education for every teacher and learner.

Amber Dawson

As one of the Co Chairs of the HCEA ESP Committee, I bring more than 10 years of K-12 classroom experience, having served in many different support roles (lunch monitor; daily, long-term, permanent substitute; SPED and ELD paraeducator). I seek to serve all ESPs in addressing needs with collaborative advocacy.

Leirdre Galloway

Please re-elect Leirdre Galloway as your delegate! As a BOD and Resolutions Co-Chair, I love using my experience listening, lobbying, and advocating his work truly energizes me! I humbly seek your vote and remain committed to creating plans that uplift our diversity , grow membership, strengthen union participation, and keep our Apple Ballot union working.Re-elect L. Galloway

Meron Girma

Meron Girma is a Library Media Specialist with the Howard County Public School System and a member of the HCEA. With over 20 years in education, she advocates for equity, innovation, and teacher empowerment. Meron seeks to serve as a Delegate to MSEA and NEA to further amplify educator voices.

Erika Goldsmith

My name is Erika Goldsmith, I have been working at OMHS for 10 years as a special educator and prior to that I was at the Homewood Center in the Bridges program. In my 10 years at OMHS I have been a HCEA rep and attended MSEA and NEA representative assemblies.

Elizabeth Greer

Please consider letting me be your voice again this year at the conventions. I am honored to be able to be all the voices of those whom can not attend as well as bring back very useful information for all my fellow educators.

Matthew Gresick

As an educator with over 20 years of experience, teaching urban, rural, and suburban areas from middle to high school level students. Some highlights in the political realm have been running as a candidate for Baltimore County Board of Education, chairing a government relations committee, advocating, organizing, and leading issues related to public education interests

Alaina Hazlett

I am a media specialist at Deep Run Elementary School. This is my seventh year teaching, my third year in the county, and hopefully my second year as a delegate to MSEA!

Dylana James

As a long-time member and former HCEA representative, I want to support educators and students of Howard County. A teacher of 26 years, I believe educaton needs action and vocal support, especially in this election season. I have marched in Annapolis, attended board meetings, and traveled to Ocean City in achieving this work.

Danielle King-Beard

I would like to represent you again at next year’s convention. For 21 of my 24 years teaching, I have worked with people across the state to make sure our spaces are safe for all! Students and staff deserve that and so much more! Please vote for me, so I can continue my work.

Georgianne Mcneirney

As a seasoned educator, I hope to continue to share what I have learned and what I will learn with my colleagues as a representative. Our vocation has not changed, but our manner of contributing has. I want to be part of the future educator.

Rebecca Otte

Current alternate building rep. Former building rep, HCEA Director (5 years) and Government Relations Committee Chair (7 years). Past delegate to MSEA and NEA Assemblies since 2018.

Melissa Pilcher

I am an elementary special educator who has been with the county for 5 years. Overall, I have spent over 20 years as a teacher in multiple districts. I am passionate about all kids, but especially our kids with special needs, and I am not afraid to be loud to get heard!

Christina Rosendorf

I have been a building rep at my school for 11 years. In that time I have been an advocate for my colleagues, a resource on union related things, and a sounding board when issues/complaints arise. I would love an opportunity to go to Denver and Ocean City in 2026 to help grow our union.

Steven Satterfield

As a dedicated K-12 educator and current high school Academic Life Skills teacher, I have years of advocating for teachers, their students and families. I started my career teaching K/1 and 4/5. I’m committed to equity, inclusion, and strong representation for educators and students alike. I would welcome the opportunity to continue supporting you.

Benjamin Schmitt

Current HCEA President, with over 25 years of experience as an elementary school art teacher. Previously served in many other capacities within HCEA, including VP, member of the BOD, and Rep Council. Please vote for me to continue representing you at the state and national representative assemblies.

Melissa Schmitt

I have been an elementary teacher for 15 years. As a HCEA building representative, I find it very fulfilling to work with my colleagues to improve our school and district. Attending MSEA RA and NEA RA allows me to use my voice to help educators at the state and national levels.

Q Smith-Green

Samuel Walters

WLHS Science Paraeducator, MSEA ESP Organizing Committee ESP Bill of Rights, HCEA- BoD 2019-25, Negotiations 2019-22, NEARA Delegate 2020-23, NEAESP Conference 2019-2023, MSEA – RA 2020-25, Many presentations on ESP Pay Equity / Living Wage – 20-24CBC SLC 2022, Civil/Human Rights 22 & 23, NEA NCESP and 13 for ESP Bill of Rights campaign.

Odessa Windear

Greetings! My name is Odessa Windear. I am a Special Education Teacher. I aim to be a strong proponent of literacy – strengthening speaking, listening, and writing skills, acquiring knowledge, and exploring and developing an appreciation of various literary works. As a Delegate I will represent and act on behalf of educators and their students.

 

HCEA Delegate to the NEA Convention: Denver, CO July 3-7 2026

Matt Braddock

Currently on the HCEA Board of Directors. Co-chair of the Bylaws Committee and member of the Negotiations Team. Have served as a delegate to MSEA RA and attended both MSEA and NEA leadership conferences.

Krystal Campbell

Krystal Campbell, special educator, seeks to continue as your delegate. She remains committed to strengthening educator voice by representing members’ concerns and advocating for policies that support teaching, learning, and improved workplaces.

Daniel Cortes

As a delegate to MSEA and NEA, I will represent educators’ voices with integrity and commitment. I believe in advocating for fair pay, better working conditions, and equitable opportunities for all students. Together, we can strengthen our unions, support each other, and advance public education for every teacher and learner.

Alison Daniels

Alison Daniels joined HCPSS in 2008. As a certificated teacher, she has taught every grade between 6th and 12th. As an HCEA member, Alison handed out Apple ballots, joined the march in Annapolis, stood outside the Board, demanding better for educators, co-chaired the Human & Civil Rights committee, and served on the Board of Directors.

Amber Dawson

As one of the Co Chairs of the HCEA ESP Committee, I bring more than 10 years of K-12 classroom experience, having served in many different support roles (lunch monitor; daily, long-term, permanent substitute; SPED and ELD paraeducator). I seek to serve all ESPs in addressing needs with collaborative advocacy.

Leirdre Galloway

Please re-elect Leirdre Galloway as your delegate! As a BOD and Resolutions Co-Chair, I love using my experience listening, lobbying, and advocating his work truly energizes me! I humbly seek your vote and remain committed to creating plans that uplift our diversity , grow membership, strengthen union participation, and keep our Apple Ballot union working.Re-elect L. Galloway

Meron Girma

Meron Girma is a Library Media Specialist with the Howard County Public School System and a member of the HCEA. With over 20 years in education, she advocates for equity, innovation, and teacher empowerment. Meron seeks to serve as a Delegate to MSEA and NEA to further amplify educator voices.

Erika Goldsmith

My name is Erika Goldsmith, I have been working at OMHS for 10 years as a special educator and prior to that I was at the Homewood Center in the Bridges program. In my 10 years at OMHS I have been a HCEA rep and attended MSEA and NEA representative assemblies.

Sarai Gray

I would be honored to represent HCEA at the NEA Convention.

Elizabeth Greer

Please consider letting me be your voice again this year at the conventions. I am honored to be able to be all the voices of those whom can not attend as well as bring back very useful information for all my fellow educators.

Dylana James

As a long-time member and former HCEA representative, I want to support educators and students of Howard County. A teacher of 26 years, I believe educaton needs action and vocal support, especially in this election season. I have marched in Annapolis, attended board meetings, and traveled to Ocean City in achieving this work.

Danielle King-Beard

I would like to represent you again at next year’s convention. For 21 of my 24 years teaching, I have worked with people across the state to make sure our spaces are safe for all! Students and staff deserve that and so much more! Please vote for me, so I can continue my work.

Kathleen Maclaughlin

I’ve been a teacher for 20 years and am Nationally Board Certified. I work with Special Education students. I’ve been active in the union since attending the MSEA Sparks program in 2008. For years I’ve been a delegate to the MSEA and NEA representative assemblies, and I take my duties as a representative seriously.

Georgianne Mcneirney

As a seasoned educator, I hope to continue to share what I have learned and what I will learn with my colleagues as a representative. Our vocation has not changed, but our manner of contributing has. I want to be part of the future educator.

Rebecca Otte

Current alternate building rep. Former building rep, HCEA Director (5 years) and Government Relations Committee Chair (7 years). Past delegate to MSEA and NEA Assemblies since 2018.

Melissa Pilcher

I am an elementary special educator who has been with the county for 5 years. Overall, I have spent over 20 years as a teacher in multiple districts. I am passionate about all kids, but especially our kids with special needs, and I am not afraid to be loud to get heard!

Christina Rosendorf

I have been a building rep at my school for 11 years. In that time I have been an advocate for my colleagues, a resource on union related things, and a sounding board when issues/complaints arise. I would love an opportunity to go to Denver and Ocean City in 2026 to help grow our union.

Steven Satterfield

As a dedicated K-12 educator and current high school Academic Life Skills teacher, I have years of advocating for teachers, their students and families. I started my career teaching K/1 and 4/5. I’m committed to equity, inclusion, and strong representation for educators and students alike. I would welcome the opportunity to continue supporting you.

Benjamin Schmitt

Current HCEA President, with over 25 years of experience as an elementary school art teacher. Previously served in many other capacities within HCEA, including VP, member of the BOD, and Rep Council. Please vote for me to continue representing you at the state and national representative assemblies.

Melissa Schmitt

I have been an elementary teacher for 15 years. As a HCEA building representative, I find it very fulfilling to work with my colleagues to improve our school and district. Attending MSEA RA and NEA RA allows me to use my voice to help educators at the state and national levels.

Q Smith-Green

Samuel Walters

WLHS Science Paraeducator, MSEA ESP Organizing Committee ESP Bill of Rights, HCEA- BoD 2019-25, Negotiations 2019-22, NEARA Delegate 2020-23, NEAESP Conference 2019-2023, MSEA – RA 2020-25, Many presentations on ESP Pay Equity / Living Wage – 20-24CBC SLC 2022, Civil/Human Rights 22 & 23, NEA NCESP and 13 for ESP Bill of Rights campaign.

Jen Wilson

I have served on the HCEA Board of Directors for three years. I would like to represent your voice as a delegate to NEA RA.

Odessa Windear

Greetings! My name is Odessa Windear. I am a Special Education Teacher. I aim to be a strong proponent of literacy – strengthening speaking, listening, and writing skills, acquiring knowledge, and exploring and developing an appreciation of various literary works. As a Delegate I will represent and act on behalf of educators and their students.