Climate Change Experts Certified For Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan recently recognized four Howard County government officials among 40 professionals in the state who are now Certified Climate Change Professionals, an international credential administered by the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO). The certifications were earned after satisfying the credentialing requirements including six days of training, passing four exams and satisfying 14 hours of elective requirements.

“Climate change is a critical issue facing our planet and our community,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “I’m very proud of our outstanding county employees who received this certification, not only for learning how to make Howard County more resilient against climate change, but for their efforts to create a more sustainable environment and safer community for all.”

Maryland is the first state to formally recognize the ACCO credential. The four officials included, Mike Hinson, Maria Bernadzikowski, Chris Meyer and Katie Canady all from the Howard County Office of Emergency Management. Two others in the county have completed their applications for certification, but the request is pending.