Public Policy alumnus John “Johnny O” Olszewski (Ph.D. 2017) has been named the “Outstanding Alumnus” award for the Social Sciences by the UMBC Alumni Association. He will be honored at the UMBC Alumni Awards, an annual celebration UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors holds to honor alumni accomplishments on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Representative Olszewski began his career in public service in 2004 as a Baltimore County public school teacher, teaching social studies and special education. In 2006, he began serving in the Maryland State Legislature, and became the youngest person ever elected Chairman of the Baltimore County House Delegation.
Shortly after graduating from UMBC with his Ph.D. in Public Policy, Representative Olszewski was elected as Baltimore County Executive in 2018 where he made significant commitments to public education and expanding free community college for county residents. In this role, created the county’s first public campaign finance system, established the county’s first Office of the Inspector General, and sponsored annual Budget Town Hall meetings in support of efforts to create a more accountable, transparent government. He also created Baltimore County’s first dedicated Department of Housing and Community Development, and invested heavily in Baltimore County public parks and open space.
In 2024, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland’s 2nd District, which includes major portions of Baltimore County, Carroll County, and parts of Baltimore City.
He took office January 3, 2025 and currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Small Business Committee.
Learn more about Representative Olszewski’s career and service to the community.