Anne Arundel County Leaders Share Gratitude Ahead of Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, leaders and newsmakers from Anne Arundel County, Maryland, have reflected on their achievements and expressed gratitude for the past year. From electoral victories to community support, the sentiments shared highlight the personal and professional milestones that have defined 2025.

Celebrating Community and Family

Janice Allsup-Johnson, the newly elected alderman for Ward 4, expressed her appreciation for completing her electoral journey. She noted, “I am thankful that I was able to complete my journey and press on to be a candidate and win this Ward 4 election.” Allsup-Johnson also highlighted her great-grandson’s involvement in her campaign, emphasizing the importance of family support during this time.

Outgoing alderman Ross Arnett expressed his gratitude for the community in Eastport, stating, “I’m thankful for all of the wonderful neighbors that I have and the support they provided during my time as alderman.” Although he will not be with his siblings this Thanksgiving due to geographic distance, he plans to connect with them over the phone.

Chief Amal Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department spoke about the significance of teamwork. “I’m grateful for an amazing team of passionate professional staff and police officers because I know they’re invested in this community,” she noted, emphasizing the department’s commitment to serving the residents.

Reflections on Professional Success

Superintendent Mark Bedell of Anne Arundel County Public Schools shared his thankfulness for both personal and professional support. “From a personal standpoint, I am thankful for my family. They provide a safe haven for me in a job that can be very stressful,” he stated. Bedell also recognized the contributions of his colleagues, remarking on the strong support system within the school district.

Gavin Buckley, the outgoing mayor of Annapolis, reflects on his tenure with gratitude. “At Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the amazing eight years that I’ve had to lead this city,” he noted, highlighting the recent groundbreaking of a new waterfront park that aims to benefit future generations.

State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess expressed her appreciation for her family’s health and the charitable work of her staff, which supported over 134 families in need last year. “I’m very happy for my staff. They’re very charitable… We are known to stuff several pickup trucks full of toys and gifts,” she shared.

Chief of Police Ed Jackson reflected on both personal and professional gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful that we saw another year with reductions in crime.” He also celebrated the resolution of a significant cold case from 37 years ago, which brought closure to a long-standing community concern.

Community leaders are not alone in their reflections. Athletes from the United States Naval Academy also shared their sentiments of gratitude. Senior quarterback Blake Horvath expressed appreciation for his teammates and the opportunity to attend the academy, stating, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy and pursue the sport I love.”

As the year draws to a close, Anne Arundel County leaders emphasize the importance of community ties and personal connections. Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive, remarked, “I am thankful that despite all the chaos and trauma that human beings inflict on one another, our instincts still drive us to seek understanding and peace.”

The reflections shared by these leaders underscore the collective spirit of gratitude that marks this season, reminding residents of the importance of community, family, and shared achievements.