Governor Martin O’Malley submitted a list of 165 “green bag” nominations to the Maryland Senate for State boards and commissions. The list includes nominees for the Maryland Stadium Authority, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, the Maryland State Board of Education, the Maryland Port Commission, the Board for the Injured Workers’ Insurance Fund, the State Racing Commission, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Commission for Women, among others.

 Among is list is 25 residents of Southern Maryland, including five from Charles County, Four from St. Mary’s, one from Calvert and 15 from Anne Arundel.

 “I am proud to nominate these outstanding candidates to fill key posts in Maryland’s state government,” said Governor O’Malley. “We have worked hard to compile a list of individuals from across our State with diverse geographic and ethnic backgrounds to continue to help protect Maryland’s priorities.”

 The term “green bag” derives from the historical green satchel that is used once every year to bring the gubernatorial nominations to the Senate. When not in use, the bag is stored at the Maryland State Archives. It is state tradition that a senior member of the governor’s staff delivers the “green bag” to the Senate. This year, Secretary of Appointments Jeanne Hitchcock delivered the bag to Senate President Mike Miller.

 “This year’s ‘green bag’ appointments represent the gender, ethnic and geographic diversity of our great State,” said Secretary Hitchcock.  “I am proud to present these appointments to the Maryland Senate on behalf of Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown, as I am certain that these individuals will work hard for the people of Maryland.”

 Among those nominated locally are:

 Austin Joseph Slater, Jr. (College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees): Mr. Slater is being nominated for appointment as a member of the College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees.  He is currently President and CEO of the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, a member of the Charles County Community College Alumni Association, and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.  He is a former Vice President of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and former CEO and General Manager of Tideland EMC.  He received his Masters in Business Administration from George Washington University in 1983.  He is a St. Mary’s County resident.

 John Morton, III (Maryland Stadium Authority): Mr. Morton is being nominated for appointment as a member of the Maryland Stadium Authority.  He was CEO and President of major financial institutions including Bank of America, Boatmen’s National Bank of St. Louis, and Perpetual Financial Corporation.  He received his Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967 and Master of Business Administration from Harvard University in 1973.  He is an Anne Arundel County resident.

 See the complete list of nominees here.