ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the appointment of Anju Bennett as Administrator for the Office of Human Resources, effective September 1, 2021. Bennett currently serves as the Corporate Policy and Management Operations Director for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC.)
During our extensive search process, Anju shared her belief that responsive and innovative governance is essential to the continued success of every resident and visitor to our County. Her professional background, experience, skills, personal story, and community involvement make her the ideal candidate to take our Office of Human Resources to a new level.
As a daughter of parents born in India, my family and I immigrated to the United States when I was just four years old. As one of three children, all of whom were born overseas, I learned first-hand the importance of high quality and effective government, public services and strong communities. I’ve had the benefit of living overseas and in many parts of Maryland. However, I chose to raise my family in Howard County for its progressive initiatives, strong engagement, and future-forward community building.
Bennett has more than three decades of experience leading human resources programs, corporate governance, and operations management. Her areas of expertise include organizational policy development, labor relations and contract negotiations, employee relations, group insurance programs, risk management, workplace safety, and budget administration.
“In addition to her work at M-NCPPC, Anju brings considerable experience from the private sector, where she worked as a contractor for NASA, Ford Aerospace, and other firms,” said Lonnie R. Robbins, Chief Administrative Officer. “She has a proven track record of offering leadership and strategies to enhance quality assurance and employee/management engagement.”
Bennett holds a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland, College Park, with concentrations in finance and economics. She is certified in group insurance plan design and funding, conflict resolution, and as a diversity engagement trainer. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resources and Management, the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE).
Bennett has also served on several Boards including non-profit organizations, and as a Trustee for public pension and benefit plans.
She replaces Wanda Hutchinson, who retired in June.