County Administrator Belton Retires from 31-Year Naval Career
On Friday, Sept. 26 at the U.S. Naval Academy, Charles County Administrator Mark J. Belton gave his final salute as a rear admiral of the U.S. Navy. More than 200 family, friends, and colleagues were there to witness this auspicious event.
"It is with sincere gratitude to Rear Adm. Mark Belton and his wife, Mary, and children, that I offer my congratulations on his retirement from the U.S. Navy after 31 years of service to our country",” said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.
Belton personally received the following awards: three Legions of Merit, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal, seven Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was also a member of organizations that received the following unit awards: the Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Navy Battle Efficiency Award.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Mark Belton. He inspires everyone to reach higher, and his accomplishments through 31 years of service to our country are remarkable,” said Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3). “I know Mark will continue his dedication as Charles County’s Administrator with the same hard work and devotion to duty he’s shown throughout his life. Our country is fortunate to have had someone of Rear Adm. Belton’s caliber serving in the U. S. Navy.”
He last served as deputy commander, Naval Supply Systems Command in Mechanicsburg, Pa. His previous assignments as a rear admiral include: commander, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group; reserve director, Logistics Programs and Corporate Operations Division on the Navy Staff (OPNAV41); and director, Energy and Services Division, J9, U.S. Forces, Iraq at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad where he served as the senior forces representative to the Iraqi Ministries of Oil and Electricity.
“Mark Belton's naval service is indicative of his commitment to our nation and to public service in general. I wish him well in his retirement from the Navy and thank him on behalf of our citizens for a job well done,” said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).
“Attending Rear Adm. Mark Belton’s retirement ceremony at the U. S. Naval Academy last week was an honor,” said Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2). “A leader with Mr. Belton’s credentials would be an asset to any organization. We are extremely fortunate to have him as our county administrator.”
“Mark Belton is regarded as a man of unique leadership ability and fairness. Working with someone of his stature is a special experience for me. It’s rare in one’s life that you have an opportunity to meet someone who is outstanding in his profession, his military career, and his personal pursuits. I’m grateful to him for his service,” said Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4).
Vacancies for Commissioner-Appointed Boards, Committees & Commissions
The Charles County Commissioners are seeking county residents to fill vacancies on the following boards, committees, and commissions:
-- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
-- Alarm Review Board
-- Animal Matters Hearing Board
-- Area Council on Aging
-- Board of Appeals
-- Cable Advisory Commission
-- Charles County Tax Assessment Appeal Board
-- Commission for Women
-- Commission on Individuals with Disabilities
-- Grants Advisory Panel
-- Heritage Commission
-- Homeowner’s Association Dispute Review Board
-- Library Board of Trustees
-- Sheriff Disability Review Board
-- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan Committee (SORP)
-- Wicomico Scenic River Commission
There are 2 vacancies on the 6-member Board of Appeals. The board hears appeals of decisions made by the Planning Commission, requests for approval of special exceptions, and requests for approval of variances. The Board members receive a stipend.
There are 3 vacancies on the 8 member Grants Advisory Panel. The panel reviews applications for the Grants Awarded by the Board of County Commissioners and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the amount and type of funding to be awarded.
There are 2 vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees. The task of the Board is to deal with all aspects of the library, including services, staff, rules and regulations and other functions for the proper delivery of library services.
There are vacancies on the Sheriff Disability Review Board for a doctor, an attorney and a citizen member. This Board is tasked with accepting and reviewing applications in accordance with the Sheriff Disability Pension Plan and making a determination as to the extent of disability and benefit payment in accordance with the Plan.
There are 2 vacancies on the Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan Committee (SORP). The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan is a defined benefits plan which is sponsored by the County Commissioners of Charles County. This is to provide a measure of financial security for Sheriff's Office employees and their families during post-retirement.
Positions remain open until filled. Applications and a detailed list of all current vacancies are available on the Charles County Government website at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by contacting Ms. Carol DeSoto, Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC [at] CharlesCountyMD.gov. A separate application must be submitted for each membership for which you wish to apply.