HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will step down from office on November 16 to take on a new leadership role as interim president of Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), marking a transition from county government to higher education.
Ball, who has served as Howard County executive since 2018, was re-elected to a second term in 2022. Before entering county government, he worked as director of Complete College Baltimore at Baltimore City Community College.
In a statement shared on social media, Ball said his departure from county government would not mark the end of his public service.
“While my time in office is coming to a close, my commitment in public service is not,” Ball said. “I am deeply honored to be selected as the interim President of Baltimore City Community College. To return to an institution that holds such a special place in my heart is a full-circle moment.”
Brandee Ganz to Serve as Acting Howard County Executive
Following Ball’s departure on November 16, Brandee Ganz, Howard County’s chief administrative officer, will serve as acting county executive.
Ganz will oversee the county government during the transition period until the newly elected Howard County executive takes office on December 7.
The arrangement will ensure continuity in county leadership between Ball’s departure and the beginning of the next administration.
Ball to Begin College Leadership Role in January 2027
Ball is scheduled to assume the position of interim president of Baltimore City Community College on January 1, 2027.
His appointment follows the retirement of Dr. Debra McCurdy, who led the college for seven years.
The college’s Board of Trustees acknowledged McCurdy’s contributions and highlighted the importance of the leadership transition as BCCC prepares for its next chapter.
“Leadership transitions are an opportunity to honor the contributions of those who have served while renewing our commitment to the mission and future of our institution,” said Dr. Roger Ward, interim chair of the Baltimore City Community College Board of Trustees.
Ward also thanked McCurdy for her years of service, recognizing her leadership during a period that required stability and perseverance.
He said her experience and commitment to the college’s mission helped position the institution for continued growth and success.
Search for Permanent BCCC President Expected
Baltimore City Community College’s Board of Trustees plans to provide additional information about the search for a permanent president in the coming months.
Until then, Ball will prepare to take over the interim leadership position in January 2027, while Howard County moves through its own executive transition in November and December.
The leadership changes will bring an end to Ball’s tenure as Howard County executive and mark his return to Baltimore City Community College, where he previously worked before entering elected office.
