Skip to Main Content

About Us

volunteers reading painting and working in the field

The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism is a unit of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. Through the use of federal dollars, the Office on Service and Volunteerism is funding 18 AmeriCorps State programs to support disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families in Maryland.

The Office on Service and Volunteerism was founded in 1993; and the office supports more than 800 AmeriCorps members each year through its grant-making program. In addition, the office advocates for effective volunteer program management and recognizes volunteer service across the state on behalf of the Governor of Maryland. Each year, thousands of Maryland volunteers are recognized by the Governor’s Office through activities and services provided by the Office on Service and Volunteerism.

The Office is supported by the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism and adheres to the State Service Plan.

Service and Volunteerism Staff

Liz Looney Lorenz, Executive Director
liz.looneylorenz@maryland.gov 

Joy Lawson-McGinnis, Associate Director
joy.mcginnis@maryland.gov 

Chelsea Scott, Program Officer
chelsea.scott@maryland.gov

Pearson Chambers, Grants Coordinator
pearson.chambers@maryland.gov 

Gordon Harless, VISTA Manager
gordon.harless@maryland.gov

 

Volunteer Recognition for Maryland Residents

The Governor’s Office has a long tradition of investing in and celebrating the myriad of community services provided by all citizens. Service and Volunteerism provides a variety of opportunities for nonprofits, businesses, schools, and more to honor the contributions of local volunteers. From state-wide events, like the Governor’s Service Awards, to individual service certificates awarded to citizens, there are many ways to honor the dedication of volunteers across Maryland.

Funding for National Service

The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism is the State Service Commission for the National Service AmeriCorps program. The office works with the bi-partisan Maryland Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism to review grant applications, complete grant selection, and administer all awards for AmeriCorps State Competitive and Formula funding each year.

Customer Service Promise

The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with friendly and courteous, timely and responsive, accurate and consistent, accessible and convenient, and truthful and transparent services.
Take Our Survey

Human Trafficking GET HELP

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential
More Information on human trafficking in Maryland