Ms. Bennett has more than 30 years of experience directing human resources programs and serving in executive corporate governance roles for large public and multi-state organizations. Her background includes leading policy development, corporate compliance and ethics, labor relations and collective bargaining, pension oversight, employee relations, group insurance design and funding, risk management, and workforce development programs.
Before joining Howard County, Ms. Bennett carried out roles of Executive Director and as the Corporate Policy Director for the Maryland National Capital Park Planning Commission, and in the private sector as a contractor for NASA, Ford Aerospace and other firms to enhance quality assurance and employee/management engagement.
Ms. Bennett has attained national awards for developing progressive and innovative programs/policies that promote workplace excellence and preferred workplace initiatives. Her commitment to equal employment opportunity includes leading the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act within organizations and the development of workplace policies, programs, and training that promote diversity, inclusion and cross-cultural awareness.
Ms. Bennett holds a Business degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, with concentrations in finance and economics. She has served on a number of Boards including non-profit organizations focusing on underserved communities and mental health awareness. She is certified in group insurance plan design and funding, mediation and conflict resolution, and as a diversity engagement trainer. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resources and Management and the Risk Insurance Management Society.
Ms. Bennett serves as Human Resources Administrator for the County, Chair of the joint Pension Committee, and Executive Secretary to the Personnel Board.
Personal statement
As the Human Resources Administrator for Howard County, I feel proud to work to support an exceptional workforce. I believe the success of any organization depends on its people, and I am proud to be part of a team that values its employees and invests in their well-being. By providing our employees with the resources they need to succeed, we are not only helping them achieve their goals but also contributing to the overall success of the County.
I am also proud of the work we do in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. By embracing diversity, we are able to tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas, which ultimately leads to better decision-making and innovation.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball named Louis Winston Chief of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) on September 7, 2021. Chief Winston joined the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services on February 12, 1990, and served under seven fire chiefs and six county executives. He served three decades in the Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief prior to his retirement in January 2020.
As a servant leader, Chief Winston recognizes the importance of the growth and well-being of people and communities. He leads the Department with open, honest, and transparent collaborative leadership that embraces the diversity and inclusion of Howard County to help maintain safe and engaged communities. Understanding the importance of both external and internal customer services, Chief Winston continues to focus the Department on providing high quality diverse services that promote life safety and the well-being of its members.
A graduate of Loyola Blakefield, Winston holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). He is also a graduate of Leadership Howard County’s Premier Class of 2015 and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute 2015.
A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Winston is a past recipient of the Howard County Government’s Mentorship Award, Baltimore County Recreation and Parks’ Shining Star Award and Turner Station Community Service Award.
