Meet the Planning Staff

Deputy Secretary Sandy Schrader joined the Maryland Department of Planning in January 2019. Sandy and her husband, Dennis, are both originally from Buffalo, New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Medaille College and a master’s degree from The State University College at Buffalo. After accompanying Dennis on multiple tours of duty with the U.S. Navy including Sigonella, Sicily, they settled in Howard County, Maryland. Maryland has been their home for over 33 years after living and traveling all over the world.

Sandy brings over 30 years of experience to her new position as Deputy Secretary. Most recently, Sandy served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman. During her tenure, Sandy initiated discussions and planning for what is now the Howard County Community Resources Campus including the county’s Non-Profit Collaborative. This “one stop shop” with direct access to public transportation, houses over 16 non-profits and several state government agencies to serve the county’s most vulnerable citizens. Prior to joining Howard County government, Sandy represented a variety of clients ranging from large businesses to healthcare and environmental associations as a registered lobbyist.

As Howard County’s first female State Senator, Sandy served on both the Budget and Taxation Committee and the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee during her terms. She was known for her humor and ability to work with “both sides” of the aisle.

Sandy resides in Columbia with her husband Dennis, a retired Navy Captain, and currently the COO of the Maryland Department of Health, a fabulous rescue dog Baci and a wild and crazy rescue cat Lilly. Her office door is always open to Planning staff where she often tempts us with a variety of delicious goodies and even better stories. Welcome to Planning, Sandy!