Mayor Jared Littmann Announces Key Appointments to the Office of Mayor, City Council Standing Committee Assignments

Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann, recently announced two senior appointments to the Mayor’s Office, as well as the City's new standing committee assignments. 

Neilye Garrity (pictured above on the left) as Chief of Staff: Garrity will oversee administrative and operational functions within the Office of the Mayor, guiding the Mayor’s strategic initiatives. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. Garrity founded and scaled a customer-focused career education company serving as the Chief Operating Officer and most recently was Executive Director of PlayAnnapolis, expanding recreation access for underserved youth. She previously served as Campaign Manager for candidate Littmann and earlier worked as an IT specialist after earning her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. A respected community leader known for managing complex initiatives and building strong coalitions, Garrity is a 2025 graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel and lives in Annapolis with her husband, two children, and their dog."

Laura Richards (pictured above on the right) as Community Engagement Strategist: Richards will lead the City’s community engagement strategy, serving as a primary connector between residents and City government. With extensive experience in organizational operations, strategic planning, and partnership development, she will guide outreach initiatives that strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration across Annapolis. A resident of Annapolis for 29 years, Richards brings a deep understanding of the community, a proven track record of supporting mission-driven organizations, and an immense commitment to volunteer service supporting important Annapolis causes.

“Neilye and Laura bring a deep commitment to both the Annapolis community and to public service,” said Mayor Littmann. “Their experience and leadership will allow us to deliver on priorities and advance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit Annapolis.”

Both Garrity and Richards assume their roles effective immediately.

Standing Committee assignments are as follows:

• Economic Matters Committee - Ald. Brooks Schandelmeier (Ward 5), Ald. Janice Allsup-Johnson (Ward 4), Ald. Rob Savidge (Ward 7)

• Environmental Matters Committee - Ald. Rob Savidge (Ward 7), Ald. Diesha Contee (Ward 6), Ald. Harry Huntley (Ward 1) 

• Finance Committee - Ald. Harry Huntley (Ward 1), Ald. Karma O’Neill (Ward 2), Ald. Frank Thorp (Ward 8) 

• Housing & Human Welfare Committee - Ald. Diesha Contee (Ward 6), Ald. Keanuú Smith-Brown (Ward 3), Ald. Karma O’Neill (Ward 2)

• Public Safety Committee - Ald. Karma O’Neill (Ward 2), Ald. Diesha Contee (Ward 6), Ald. Keanuú Smith-Brown (Ward 3) 

• Rules & City Government Committee - Ald. Keanuú Smith-Brown (Ward 3), Ald. Frank Thorp (Ward 8), Ald. Brooks Schandelmeier (Ward 5) 

• Transportation Committee - Ald. Janice Allsup-Johnson (Ward 4), Ald. Brooks Schandelmeier (Ward 5), Ald. Rob Savidge (Ward 7) 

Ad Hoc Committee assignments are as follows:

• Audit Committee - Ald. Frank Thorp (Ward 8), Ald. Harry Huntley (Ward 1), Ald. Janice Allsup-Johnson (Ward 4)