Braveboy, Adams-Stafford Sworn In; Jackson Transitions to New Role as Interim State’s Attorney

After serving as state’s attorney for six years, Aisha Braveboy is ready to get to work as Prince George’s newest county executive, following a Juneteenth at the Samuel Riggs Alumni Center in College Park, Maryland.

Despite federal efforts to fire federal workers and a worsening economic climate, Braveboy holds optimism in her new role. 

“I see a future filled with promise, filled with prosperity and filled with love,” Braveboy said. “My job as a county executive is to ensure that everyone feels that feeling each and every day.”

A longtime Prince Georgian and graduate of Largo High School, Braveboy takes on the county executive role following the election of predecessor Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) to the U.S. Senate in November, and Tara Jackson’s interim leadership since December.

In a day celebrating freedom and Black history, the inauguration featured special speakers including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and actress Taraji P. Henson. 

“I have had the honor of watching her work up close, and I can tell you from the work that I have already seen, you should understand why I’m so excited about the future of Prince George’s County,” Moore said. “She’s someone who has shown that she doesn’t just have a vision for the future, but she’s someone who’s shown that she knows how to deliver upon that future as well.”

DMV native Taraji P. Henson gave thanks to Braveboy and encouraged audience members to give back to Prince George’s County. 

“It’s not about me, it’s about this queen here,” she said, while gesturing to Braveboy. “I am so proud of you and I’m so excited about the work that we are going to do. Thank you for lifting us up.”

Braveboy won nearly half the vote in a crowded February primary field including County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D) and former County Executive Rushern Baker, and she easily defeated Air Force veteran Jonathan White (R) in the June 3 general election.

The former state’s attorney has pledged an ambitious litter cleanup campaign and streamlining the permit process to promote new business throughout the county. She is also looking at opportunities for the Six Flags site, expected to close in early November. 

In addition to sharing plans for the future of Prince George’s, the new county executive is also beginning to tap leaders under her administration.

Braveboy has selected Metro Transit Police assistant chief George Nader as the new chief of Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). Current PGPD Chief Malik Aziz has been selected as one of the finalists to lead Phoenix’s police department. 

“This appointment is a commitment,” said Braveboy. “A commitment to equity in policing, to innovation in practice and to a safer future for every community. Chief Nader’s return to this department is not simply to resume a role, but to reimagine what’s possible.”

She previously selected Shawn Joseph as the interim Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) superintendent and Maxine Bardwell will serve as the chief administration officer. 

After six years as Prince George’s County state’s attorney, and a successful campaign, Braveboy is ready to get to work as county executive.

“I know that our best days are absolutely ahead,” said the new county executive. “We will get there by unifying, and we are united.”

Jackson to Serve as Interim State’s Attorney

Jackson, who has been serving as the interim county executive since December, was appointed by circuit court judges to serve as the interim state’s attorney. 

Prior to becoming interim county executive, she served from December 2020 as the county’s chief administrative officer. She began her career in public service as a prosecutor in the State’s Attorney office. 

“As I reflect on the past six years, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together, from a global pandemic and launching meaningful police reform, to building new schools, expanding healthcare access, and driving historic economic development,” Jackson said in her final biweekly address. 

She also expressed pride in some of the accomplishments during her tenure as chief administration officer including a reduction in overall crime, opening 10 new schools, and the Blue Line Corridor’s investment. 

As state’s attorney she plans to emphasize safety for county residents. 

“My philosophy is simple. I will always try to do the right thing; to seek truth, to uphold the law, and to pursue justice,” Jackson said during a news conference following her appointment. “I will advocate for those who are victimized and be fair to those who are accused.”

Adams-Stafford Sworn In to District 5 Seat 

Newly minted District 5 Prince George’s County Councilmember Shayla Adams-Stafford (D) was sworn in on June 17 at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, and she will hold a victory celebration in Glenarden’s Gold Room on June 21. With her election, the Council has a full roster of 11 members for the first time in over a year.

In the primary, Adams-Stafford defeated a field of candidates including CountyStat Director Ryan Middleton and Cheverly Councilmember Christopher Wade. In the general election, she was victorious over longtime Cheverly civic activist Fred Price Jr. (R). 

“I cannot be more grateful to every person that helped me get here,” Adams-Stafford said. “This was a community effort.”

Council Chair Edward Burroughs III (D-District 8), who endorsed Adams-Stafford early in her campaign, is ecstatic for his former colleague on the Board of Education to join him on the Council. 

“I am so excited for the future of our County Council and the direction we are heading with the addition of Shayla Adams-Stafford,” said Burroughs. “I was honored to serve alongside her on the Prince George’s County Board of Education where her work ethic was unmatched. I know her bold ideas and commitment to positive change will continue to shape our county for the better, and that she is prepared to hit the ground running.”