2026 MdPHA Annual Event

Event Location: Bowie State University - Beacon Room, 14000 Jericho Park Rd. Bowie, MD 20715.

Event Time 6:30pm-9:30pm

**Join us early for a social and networking time before the program kicks off**

This year's guest speakers are: 

Keynote Speaker Dr. Michael H. Forde:

Dr. Michael H. Forde is a visionary leader in public health, dedicated to uncovering the profound connections between our personal histories and our physical well-being. With a background rooted in rigorous research and a heart for human experience, he bridges the gap between clinical data and the soulful narratives that define our existence.

His mission is clear: to empower individuals to heal by making sense of their unique health journeys. By integrating storytelling into public health advocacy, Dr. Forde helps people understand that health isn't just a biological state, it's a narrative that we can reclaim and rewrite for a more vibrant future.

Through his work as a content creator and restorative storyteller, he brings light to the untold stories of health, turning clinical truths into actionable power for diverse communities across the globe.

Guest Speaker Lawrence M. Richardson Jr.:

Lawrence serves as the Deputy Director of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Baltimore County, MD.As the third largest County in Maryland, HHS has a staff of over 1,400 employees and a total budget of over $350 million. As Deputy Director Lawrence oversees Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and Operations for the departments of Health, Social Services, and directs the Local Management Board for Children, Youth, and Families. He also serves on several non-profit boards in the Baltimore metro area. He is President of the Board for Project PLASE which addresses homelessness by providing shelter and employment services, he also serves on the Board of Peake Federal Credit Union, and is the President of the Maryland Chapter of NFBPA.

Prior to becoming the Deputy Director for HHS he spent twelve years in Baltimore County’s Office of Budget and Finance where he was a Senior Analyst leading the County’s performance management efforts. During his tenure with the Budget Office, he handled both operating and capital budgets for K-12 Education, Community Colleges, Public Safety, Recreation, Administration, Human Resources, and the County Executive’s Office. Before joining Baltimore County Lawrence worked as a Business Operations Analyst for DC Water, and as Grants Technician for the National Institutes Health.

In his spare time, he serves on several non-profit boards in the Baltimore metro area. He is President of the Board for Project PLASE which addresses homelessness by providing shelter and employment services, he is the Supervisory Committee Chair for Peake Federal Credit Union, President of the Maryland Chapter of NFBPA, and on the MPA Advisory Board for the University of Baltimore School of Public Affairs. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where has served as an area director and chapter president. Lawrence received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore. He also has a certification in Innovative Public Management from Georgetown University, and Public Performance Measurement from Rutgers University. A father of three, Lawrence is originally from Long Branch, NJ and currently lives in Baltimore County.