MML Presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Delegate-Designee Ryan Spiegel; Honorary Lifetime Membership Award to Commissioner Kumar Barve
(June 27, 2023) Annapolis, Md. – The Maryland Municipal League (MML), which represents 157 cities and towns and two special taxing districts in Maryland, presented Ryan Spiegel, former MML President and Delegate-designee, with its esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Summer Conference in Ocean City, Maryland. The League also recognized former Delegate and current PSC Commissioner Kumar Barve as an Honorary Member.
The MML Lifetime Achievement Award honors a current or former elected or appointed official who has demonstrated outstanding service to Maryland municipal government and to MML. Ryan Spiegel was first elected to the Gaithersburg City Council in 2007, quickly getting to work on issues of economic development, the environment, affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, and roads and transit. He founded the Bank On program that has blossomed into a new Financial Empowerment Center and assisted a distressed City-affiliated nonprofit organization.
As President of MML, Councilmember Spiegel ‘Reimagined Tomorrow’ in the summer of 2019, and again after the Covid-19 pandemic hit. His leadership over the years helped secure critical Highway User Revenue funding for municipalities and guided the League through its first-ever virtual conference. Earlier this month, Spiegel was appointed to serve District 17 in the Maryland House of Delegates and is scheduled to be sworn in July 6.
“Following this year’s conference theme, Councilmember and Delegate-designee Spiegel’s leadership before, during, and after his time as President of the Maryland Municipal League has left a tremendous legacy,” said Denise Mitchell, President of MML. “We are fortunate to have his leadership head to Annapolis and continue his good work as a member of the House of Delegates.”
The League also celebrated longtime Delegate from District 17 (representing Rockville and Gaithersburg) and Current PSC Commissioner Kumar Barve with an Honorary Lifetime Membership. Prior to his appointment, he served in the Maryland House of Delegates since 1991, holding leadership roles including Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee, Majority Leader, and Chair of the Montgomery County House delegation.
While in the General Assembly, Barve worked on issues including environmental regulation, energy generation and conservation, and greenhouse gas reduction. Over his three decades, he received numerous awards from MML, including the League’s Superstar Award.
As a Delegate, Kumar Barve’s thoughtful leadership was a massive asset for the State and local governments alike, added Theresa Kuhns. “He was fair while being passionate, found humor in the seriousness of their work, and knew how to get most out of the busiest committee in Annapolis. The Public Service Commission is lucky to have him, and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
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