Proposed FY26 Budget Presented to County Council
By LINDSAY WATTS
Prince George’s County Council Media
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Acting County Executive Tara Jackson presented her proposed draft of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the County Council.
The $5.8 billion proposed operating budget comes at a turbulent time, with a myriad of challenges and economic uncertainties. The county remains focused on prioritizing education, public safety, economic development, and core services residents depend on.
“The unprecedented actions at the federal level, including mass layoffs and funding cuts, pose a significant threat to our county and state,” said Council Chair Jolene Ivey. “This is one of the most difficult budget years in recent history and there are some tough decisions to make, but we are committed to finding solutions and protecting essential services for our residents.”
The Council will thoroughly analyze the budget, solicit input from the community, make necessary adjustments, and approve a final budget by June 1, 2025, as mandated by the County Charter. Fiscal Year 2026 begins on July 1, 2025.
To view the County Executive’s proposed budget, visit https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/management-budget/operating-budget/2026-fiscal-year-proposed-budget?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
All Council meetings, including budget sessions, are live streamed and available via the Council’s website for on-demand viewing. For updated information on the Council budget process, committee work sessions, and public hearings, visit the Council’s FY 26 Budget Portal.
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Girado Smith, CEO of Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Selected as an Honoree for the Washington Business Journal’s 2025 Diversity in Business Awards
By PRESS OFFICER
ESFCU
GREENBELT, Md. (March 12, 2025)— Girado Smith, CPA, President/CEO of Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU), has been named an honoree for the Washington Business Journal’s 2025 Diversity in Business Awards. The prestigious recognition celebrates diversity and inclusion in the workforce while honoring inspiring leaders of color who are making a lasting impact in the Greater Washington business community.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as an honoree for this award and commend the Washington Business Journal for recognizing and celebrating diverse business leaders and their contributions,” said Girado Smith, CEO of ESFCU. “This honor is a testament to the incredible colleagues who have supported me throughout my journey and to our dedicated Ambassadors and board of directors, whose unwavering commitment makes our mission of supporting our communities a reality.”
Smith’s rise through the ranks of one of Maryland’s leading credit unions reflects his deep expertise and dedication to the financial services industry. Beginning his career at ESFCU as an Accounting Manager, he advanced to Assistant Vice President of Accounting, Vice President of Accounting & Finance, and Executive Vice President & Chief Finance Officer, before stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer. His experience, leadership, and commitment to workplace culture continue to drive innovation and growth at ESFCU.
Under Smith’s leadership, ESFCU recently merged with Howard University Employees Federal Credit Union (HUEFCU), significantly expanding the range of financial services for Howard University employees, students, alumni, and Howard University Hospital staff. With more than 200 employees, 14 branch locations, and $1.2 billion in assets, ESFCU has been serving the education community since 1955. In April 2024, the Washington Business Journal recognized EFSCU as the 12th largest credit union in the Greater Washington area.
“It’s not just about the numbers,” Smith says. “From the very first loan we made until now, it’s about deepening the trust and impact we have within the communities we serve. Every member’s success is our success.”
Honorees for the WBJ 2025 Diversity in Business Awards are selected based on professional accomplishments, community leadership, philanthropy, and industry impact.
Smith and his fellow honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on April 24, 2025. To learn more about the Washington Business Journal’s 2025 Diversity in Business Awards, visit Meet the Diversity in Business Awards honorees of 2025 - Washington Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2025/02/27/diversity-business-awards-2025.html.
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU) has proudly served the education community since 1955, providing financial solutions tailored for educators, students, and their families. With $1.2 billion in assets, 14 branch locations, and more than 200 employees, ESFCU is committed to supporting its members with personalized banking services, financial education, and community-driven initiatives. www.esfcu.org.
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Agreement Between University of Maryland Global Campus and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families to Boost Services for Vets
By PRESS OFFICER
University of Maryland Global Campus
ADELPHI, Md. (March 11, 2025)—University of Maryland Global Campus and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families have signed an agreement that will help each organization communicate their shared goal to empower veterans and military families.
“Both the university and the department provide benefits, services and support for the large number of Maryland veterans,” said Keith Hauk, UMGC’s Vice President of Stateside Military Operations. “The Department will help encourage veterans to take advantage of the university’s academic programs, while the university will publicize the Department’s services among our students.”
With more than 8,300 active service members, veterans and their families from Maryland enrolled in university programs, UMGC has a ready audience to promote the Department’s programs that include benefits, health programs, community care, support for the homeless, suicide prevention and education support.
“Our commitment is to provide meaningful opportunities for Maryland veterans and their families,” said Secretary Anthony Woods, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. “Through the partnership with the University of Maryland Global Campus, we are offering access to higher education, helping them advance their careers, and enhancing their overall quality of life. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to supporting those who have served, and together, we are helping build brighter futures for our heroes.”
In return, the Department will publicize with veterans and their families educational resources provided by the university as well as university events aimed at veterans. UMGC offers more than 135 academic programs in workforce-relevant areas such as cybersecurity, business, data analytics, healthcare management, information technology, and nursing.
The university also offers coaching and counseling with personnel that are specifically trained to work with military-affiliated students and staffs the Hildebrand Veterans Student Lounge at the Dorsey Station (Md) Education Center. The Vessey Virtual Student Union is an online resource that is also available 24/7 to military-affiliated students.
UMGC will serve as a partner in the Department’s Maryland Joins Forces (MJF) initiative that is mobilizing partners across many sectors.
That initiative seeks to reduce veteran and military spouse unemployment and make it easier for spouses to transition in the state without career disruptions. It wants to make sure that no military-connected family experiences food insecurity or homelessness. It promotes education so that veterans and their families gain the skills and credentials they need to advance their careers. It wants military-connected families to live healthier lives, both physically and mentally. And, it seeks to promote volunteer opportunities so that military families can serve with non-military families to reduce the civil-military divide.
“All of these are goals that the university shares,” Hauk said, “and we already are doing our part in providing services, events and information for our thousands of military families around the world who have come to the University to accomplish their educational goals and advance their careers.”
The partnership is designed to build trust in communities engaging in efforts to improve outcomes for veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors receiving services and benefits from both the Maryland department and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) was established in 1947 to serve adults in the workforce and the military. Today, UMGC enrolls some 90,000 students annually, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well as certificates in more than 135 fully online and hybrid programs and specializations.??? UMGC now offers classes to military service personnel and their families at some 175 locations in more than 20 countries. More than half of the university’s students are active-duty military personnel, their families, members of the National Guard and veterans.?
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