Governor Larry Hogan Appoints James Fielder as Secretary of Maryland Higher Education Commission

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced the appointment of Dr. James D. Fielder as Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Dr. Fielder has served as the governor's Secretary of Appointments for the past eleven months. Secretary Fielder will replace current Secretary of the Higher Education Commission, Jennie Hunter-Cevera, who will take on a new role as Science Advisor to Secretary Ben Grumbles in the Maryland Department of the Environment. The governor made his appointment after receiving official recommendations from the Higher Education Commission.

In addition to his work in both the public and private sectors, Secretary Fielder has a wealth of experience in the field of higher education, having previously served in positions at Michigan State University, University of Michigan-Flint, and Towson University. In addition, Secretary Fielder holds a doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University. Secretary Fielder has served under four different Maryland governors from both parties, holding positions as Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation; Acting Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development; and Assistant Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development.

“I have every confidence that Secretary Fielder will serve Maryland extremely well in his new role at the Higher Education Commission,” said Governor Hogan. “I look forward to working with him to ensure Maryland maintains its reputation for having world-class higher education opportunities. In addition, I thank Secretary Hunter-Cevera for her leadership, and know she will continue to do great work in her new role at the Department of Environment.”

Secretary Hunter-Cevera has more than 20 years of professional experience in research and development, as well as public policy leadership in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Her new role will include close coordination with the Department’s Science Services Administration on cross-cutting scientific issues and specific projects involving Chesapeake Bay restoration and innovative technologies and partnerships for protection of public health and the environment.

"I am honored that Governor Hogan has expressed his confidence in me and has requested that I take on the exciting role as Secretary of Maryland Higher Education Commission,” said Secretary Fielder.

"It has been an honor to serve as Secretary of the Higher Education Commission, and a privilege to work with the commissioners, along with the agency's talented and highly dedicated staff,” said Dr. Hunter-Cevera. “I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of Maryland in my new capacity at the Department of the Environment."

"I commend Dr. Hunter-Cevera for the amount of improvements she has initiated during her tenure to make our agency more efficient. She truly has served with honor and distinction," said Anwer Hasan, chair of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Secretary Fielder will assume his new role this Thursday, December 17, 2015.