ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the appointments of Nicholas “Nick” Mooneyhan as the new Director of the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks, TJ Mayotte as the new Director and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the County’s Department of Technology and Communications Services (DTCS), and Ofelia Ross Ott as the new Administrator of the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI).
Howard County Government is fortunate to have Nick, TJ and Ofelia. Together, these three talented leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and guidance that I know will lead our County forward. Nick, TJ and Ofelia’s leadership will help us further ensure all who live, work and play here are afforded the best quality of life and opportunities.
Set to begin as the County’s new Department of Recreation & Parks on July 31, 2023, Nick Mooneyhan comes to Howard County with 27 years experience in recreation and parks. Nick began his career in 1996 as a park maintenance worker for the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission. For the past 20 years, Nick has dedicated his expertise and passion for recreation and parks to the Columbia Association (CA) and the Columbia community. While working for CA, Nick served as the Director of Golf Maintenance and the Director of Open Space. As Director of Open Space for CA, Nick oversaw the maintenance and operations of 3,600 acres of natural land, 114 miles of pathways, 171 playgrounds and three man-made lakes, tennis courts, basketball courts and facility grounds, as well as organizing Lakefront events. Nick is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture.
“With a proven track record in managing parks, coordinating successful events and leading diverse teams, I am confident Nick with help further enhance the County’s commitment to preserving our natural environment and ensuring our residents have access to a bountiful array of topnotch recreational opportunities and programs,” added Ball.
TJ Mayotte brings more than 20 years’ experience across the government, defense and financial services industries to his new role as DTCS Director and CIO, which he is set to begin on August 7, 2023. Most recently, TJ served the Director of Security Governance, Risk and Compliance for HealthEquity, a financial services company committed to improving access to healthcare. Prior to this role, he was DTCS’s Deputy CIO, where he aided in the development of the County’s IT strategy, led a series of program improvement initiatives and started Transform Howard, the County’s program to bridge the digital divide. Prior to Howard County, TJ’s experience spanned a wide range of technology-focused roles, including developing the cyber resilience program for a Fortune 200 financial services company, leading a cyber damage assessment program for the Department of the Army and serving as a project manager for various technology initiatives. He began his career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy and is a veteran of the Iraq War. TJ earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and his master’s in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.
“An experienced information technology and cybersecurity executive, TJ will be returning to Howard County Government in an even more important strategic leadership role,” said Ball. “With experience in the military, the private sector and in local government, TJ will bring a broad and informed perspective as we work to achieve digital equity in our community.”
With more than 30 years’ experience in the field of aging, Ofelia Ross Ott has been a part of the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services’ OAI team since 2000. In her current role as Operations Manager, Ofelia assists with strategic planning, goal setting and directing the operational effectiveness of OAI in support of its vision, mission and goals. She has also served as Home and Community Based Services Division Manager and Long-Term Care Specialist. In her various roles, Ofelia consistently strived to develop and foster partnerships with other agencies to improve and strengthen policies and services available to the residents of Howard County in the community and the long-term care setting. Additionally, as a passionate Elder Justice Advocate, she played a vital role in the development and coordination of bringing partners and other agencies to serve the county’s most vulnerable adults. Ofelia is a graduate of Florida International University. Ofelia began her new position as OAI Administrator on July 5, 2023.
“Ofelia is a manager with leadership and training expertise that includes more than 25 years in management, supervision, customer service, advocacy, conflict resolution, senior mediation and navigation of the long-term care industry,” said Ball. “Her expertise and experience in the field of aging, make her the best candidate to help us ensure Howard County is a place where our residents can live out the remainder of their years comfortably, successfully and feeling valued and supported.”