Yvonne Harper

I am a public policy and government affairs professional with a strong background in education policy, legislative strategy, and community engagement, currently serving in Government Affairs at the Maryland State Department of Education, a role I have held since February 2026, where I support legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, executive communications, and cross-agency coordination related to Maryland education policy and public affairs initiatives. I advise leadership on legislative priorities, policy implementation, and strategic relationship management with members of the Maryland General Assembly, advocacy organizations, and community leaders, and develop policy memos, briefing materials, legislative summaries, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

I am also a candidate for the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee (District 10), a role I have held since February 2026, where I engage with residents and community organizations, support voter education and registration initiatives, and advocate for policies that expand opportunity and strengthen public education.

Prior to my current roles, I served as Procurement Policy Advisor at the Maryland Department of General Services for nearly one year, where I supported statewide procurement modernization efforts through strategic policy development, regulatory analysis, and operational reform initiatives, interpreted and communicated COMAR regulations, and led agency-wide COMAR training sessions for procurement officers and staff. I also served as Administrative and Policy Communications Coordinator at Public Policy Partners for six months, where I supported legislative, regulatory, and public affairs initiatives for nonprofit organizations, focused on advocacy efforts related to the Maryland Capital Budget, healthcare policy, equal justice, education, and criminal justice, and coordinated virtual advocacy events and stakeholder outreach initiatives.

Earlier in my career, I served as Policy Analyst at The Maryland General Assembly for over a year, where I staffed the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee of the Senate of Maryland, reviewed state legislative and regulatory initiatives, managed communications and relationships between committee members and Senate Leadership, and monitored and analyzed legislative developments impacting the Senate President's agenda.

Across my career in public policy, government affairs, and community engagement, my work has been driven by a commitment to strengthening public education, advancing equity, and building partnerships that create meaningful impact for Maryland communities. Whether I am advising on education policy, engaging with community stakeholders, or supporting legislative strategy, I bring a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven approach that has made a lasting impact on the organizations and communities I serve. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue advancing public policy and community engagement in Maryland.