Headlines – County Government Appoints Asha Smith as Equal Alternative and Human Relations Officer

Smith’s previous roles included working with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, New York City’s Commission on Human Rights

Annapolis, MD (July 19, 2021) Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the hiring of Asha Smith as Anne Arundel County’s new Equal Opportunities and Human Relations Officer.

“Asha Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to our team, including her key role in our school system’s response to the pandemic,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “I would like to thank Joelle Ridgeway and Kelly Lovett for taking on this role as actors.”

Asha Smith is an attorney and human resources professional with extensive compliance experience in state, state, and local equal opportunity and disability laws. Her experience includes developing and implementing policies, investigating and resolving internal complaints, assisting with employee training and advising executives.

Most recently, Ms. Smith was senior manager for EEO and ADA compliance for Anne Arundel County’s public schools, where she managed discrimination and harassment issues, reasonable accommodation, and sick leave such as FMLA for more than 10,000 employees. She led the school system’s COVID-19 vacation and housing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Anne Arundel County’s history is so special – it was designed as a place where early settlers would escape religious persecution,” said Asha Smith, equal opportunity and human relations officer. “I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to contribute to this story and the county’s enduring vision of being” the best place for everyone. “

Ms. Smith began her legal career as a law enforcement attorney for the New York Human Rights Commission. It investigated and resolved suspected violations of the city’s anti-discrimination law in the areas of employment, housing and public housing.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Ms. Smith worked in the advertising industry as a media planner for a small communications company and a fundraiser for The Advertising Council (the nation’s leading producer of public service advertising).

Ms. Smith holds a BA in Government and a Masters in Public Administration from Cornell University. She received her law degree from New York University School of Law. She is a proud native of New York City and lives in the Annapolis area. Your first day of work is Monday, July 19th.