Politics & Government

Laura Neuman Named Anne Arundel County Executive

Neuman is the current chief executive officer of the Howard County Economic Development Authority.

In a 4-3 vote late Thursday, the Anne Arundel County Council chose Howard County official Laura Neuman to be the next Anne Arundel County Executive.

Neuman replaces John Leopold, who was convicted of misconduct in office. Leopold resigned from the post this month after a judge found him guilty on two counts.

Neuman was seen as a surprise choice, besting several more high-profile candidates.

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Currently the CEO of Howard County’s Economic Development Authority, Neuman is known for her personal story of overcoming adversity.

She has been outspoken about her past as a rape victim as a young woman. She went on to become a successful entrepreneur.

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“At a very early age I decided I was going to live a very independent and a different life,” Neuman told Patch in 2011 when she was selected as a candidate for the Howard County post. "So, that really was my plan from the earliest years. I just didn’t know what that meant.”

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman reacted to the news of Neuman's new position Thursday night via Twitter.

"Econ Devel. Chief Laura Neuman will make a terrific County Exec. #AnneArundel residents will be impressed with her drive & passion," he wrote.

Above, find Patch's Twitter coverage of the meeting in which Neuman was chosen.


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