Recognizing Dr. Rossman’s Retirement

October 21st, 2026

Dr. Maura Rossman recently shared with me that she was retiring from the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) and I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for her commitment to serving our community during her tenure.

She has worked for the HCHD since 2007, serving first as Medical Director and Deputy Health Officer of Clinical Services, and more recently, as the Health Officer since 2012. Her dedication to the Howard County community is undeniable, and the students, staff and families in our school system have benefited from her strategic decision making and exceptional leadership abilities.

Her curiosity and interest in improving the lives of our community members was evident with any project she was involved with, always asking great questions and making data-based decisions to better meet the needs of those she was serving.

During her time collaborating with our school system, she was a fierce advocate for students – serving on the planning team for the development of the current School-Based Mental Health program; advocating for suicide prevention; creating the role of the Behavioral Health Navigator; leading the development of the Network of Care online resource list; and, championing the school-based wellness centers to provide free healthcare for students during the school day.

We are seeing the impact of these efforts as reported in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) which reflects changes from 2013 through 2024. There have been significant declines in alcohol use across both middle and high school students; reductions in marijuana and tobacco use across most demographic groups; a major decrease in high school suicide attempts in recent years; and, decreases in suicide planning and consideration among Hispanic high school students.

We will never forget her leadership during an incredibly challenging time as she led Howard County’s public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic through community-based mitigation efforts, data-informed safety policies, and equitable vaccine distribution.

To Dr. Rossman, thank you for being a champion for our students and families through your selfless, relentless, fierce advocacy for the mental health and wellness of those you served. I wish you a wonderful and well-deserved retirement on behalf of HCPSS.

Sincerely,

Bill Barnes
Superintendent