Two Maryland Housing Officials Selected for Prestigious Leadership Programs

Two key members of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) have been chosen to participate in Leadership Maryland’s 2026 professional development programs. Scott Gottbreht, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Strategy and Research, will be part of the Executive Program Class of 2026, while Mira Morgan, a Project Manager in the Community Development Administration, has been selected for the 3rd Class of the Emerging Leader Program. This selection highlights the department’s commitment to investing in its staff and fostering leadership that will contribute to the betterment of Maryland.

Scott Gottbreht brings nearly two decades of experience in housing policy advocacy, community organizing, academic research, and program management to his role at DHCD, which he joined in August 2023. Before his tenure at the department, Gottbreht spent ten years at the United Way of Central Maryland, where he developed a range of housing stability programs and managed a team of 40. His academic work includes a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, where his research focused on interdisciplinary approaches to homelessness and housing insecurity. His participation in the Executive Program is expected to equip him with advanced leadership skills to further influence policy and strategy within the housing sector.

Mira Morgan, who joined DHCD’s Community Development Administration in 2023, plays a crucial role as a Project Manager. Her responsibilities include working on multifamily policy development, the UPLIFT program, Whole Home Energy and Repair programs, and various software integrations. Morgan possesses a diverse background in local, state, and federal government, nonprofit advocacy, and policy research. Her previous work has addressed significant housing, health, and environmental issues impacting Maryland and the nation. Morgan’s selection for the Emerging Leader Program signifies an investment in developing future leaders within the state government. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and African American Studies and a Master in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.

Leadership Maryland, established in 1992, is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering professional development among Maryland’s business and community leaders. Through its rigorous programs, the organization aims to equip participants with the knowledge and networks necessary to drive positive change across the state. The department has a history of its employees participating in and graduating from these programs, with several recent DHCD leaders, including Deputy Secretary Juila Glanz, Chief Operating Officer Garret King, Director of Communications Allison Foster, and Asset Management Officer Dolores Deel, having been part of past Leadership Maryland classes.

The inclusion of Gottbreht and Morgan in these programs underscores DHCD’s dedication to strengthening its leadership pipeline and ensuring its team members are well-equipped to address the complex challenges in housing and community development. Their participation is anticipated to yield innovative ideas and foster new partnerships that will benefit Maryland residents.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

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