MABE Taps Joseph Goetz to Lead, Blending Business & Education Expertise

ANNAPOLIS, MD – April 07, 2026 – The Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE), a pivotal organization representing all 24 public school systems in the state, has appointed business executive and school board veteran Joseph “Joe” Goetz as its new Executive Director. The move, announced by the association’s Board of Directors, signals a strategic focus on leadership that merges private-sector operational acumen with deep-rooted public education governance experience. Goetz is set to begin his role on April 27.

His appointment comes at a critical juncture for Maryland's education system, which is navigating the ambitious and costly implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future while grappling with fiscal pressures like rising healthcare expenses. Goetz's extensive background is seen by many as uniquely suited to guide MABE and its members through these complex challenges.

A Leader with a Dual Resume

Goetz brings a distinctive blend of experience to the forefront of Maryland's top education advocacy group. His career spans over two decades in senior private-sector leadership roles, where he managed complex operations, large budgets, and diverse stakeholder partnerships in the foodservice and product sales industry. His business acumen is further evidenced by his leadership within the Kent County Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President in 2025 after years as a board member.

This corporate background is complemented by a profound commitment to public service in education. Goetz served for eight years on the Kent County Public Schools Board of Education, including a term as Board President from 2019 to 2024. During this time, he became a deeply engaged member of MABE, serving as the association's President in 2023.

MABE President Diana Hawley, who also serves on the Board of Education of Cecil County, noted this dual experience represents an “ideal combination.”

“Having worked with Joe during MABE efforts for several years, I can say without a doubt his leadership style and consensus-building abilities are real strengths that will surely benefit the entire MABE team,” Hawley said. “He is known for working collaboratively with education influencers and policymakers, while helping advance effective, non-partisan local board governance solutions. These savvy abilities in a challenging climate translate into great promise for MABE’s upcoming years.”

Navigating Maryland's Complex Education Landscape

As Executive Director, Goetz will immediately be immersed in MABE’s most pressing strategic priorities. Chief among them is guiding the association’s advocacy around the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” the state’s landmark ten-year education reform plan. While MABE supports the Blueprint's goals, the organization has consistently advocated for implementation flexibility and relief from the significant budgetary pressures it places on local school districts. Goetz is no stranger to this file, having previously chaired MABE’s Ad Hoc Committee for the Blueprint, giving him an intricate understanding of its opportunities and challenges.

Another major focus for Goetz will be tackling the escalating cost of healthcare, a significant financial burden for school systems across the state. He has explicitly identified this as a priority, aiming to work with the MABE team on cost-effective health insurance solutions. This builds on MABE's existing work, including its member-owned self-insurance programs and the MABE Health Center Program, an initiative launched in 2023 with Everside Health to provide primary care access and control expenses.

Beyond these marquee issues, MABE’s legislative agenda under Goetz will continue to focus on protecting the governance authority of local school boards, stabilizing district budgets, ensuring a strong school safety framework, and advocating for sustained school construction funding. His leadership will be crucial in uniting the 24 member boards to speak with a collective voice on these and other issues affecting Maryland’s students and educators.

From Local Roots to Statewide Influence

Goetz’s path to leading the statewide association is a story of escalating commitment to public education. His journey began at the local level in Kent County, where his two children are graduates of the public school system. His eight-year tenure on the local board provided him with a firsthand perspective on the day-to-day realities and hurdles that school systems face.

His local service naturally evolved into statewide advocacy through MABE. Over nearly a decade, he took on increasing responsibility within the organization, serving on its Budget Committee and as a Trustee of its Group Insurance Pool before ascending to the presidency. This progression from a local board member to the leader of the state's umbrella organization demonstrates a career dedicated to educational improvement at every level.

“MABE has played a central role in my public service journey, making me genuinely excited to help lead the association into its next chapter,” Goetz noted. His deep familiarity with the organization and the needs of its members is seen as a major asset.

A New Chapter for MABE

Stakeholders anticipate that Goetz will leverage his private-sector experience to enhance MABE’s operational efficiency and strategic impact. His background in managing large-scale operations and focusing on key performance indicators suggests a data-informed, results-oriented approach to advocacy and member services. He has already signaled a hands-on leadership style, stating his intention to spend a significant portion of his time visiting school board members in their own counties to better understand their unique local contexts.

Ultimately, Goetz's mission is rooted in the vision of the organization he now leads. He aims to ensure MABE effectively serves its members so they, in turn, can serve their communities.

“By serving MABE member school systems as well as our team is able, we help further MABE’s collective vision of serving as a champion for excellence in public education for all Maryland students,” Goetz stated. “This vision, coupled with school board members’ dedicated efforts throughout our state, truly affect so many students, their families, and their communities. I’m so honored to be a part of their collective efforts.”

As he prepares to take the helm, education policymakers, school administrators, and community members across Maryland will be watching closely to see how this new leader guides the state's school boards through a transformative period for public education.