Sunday, December 5, 2010

Bro. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Chapter and Second District Chaplain, Named to Baker Transition Team

This year has been a year of "new heights" for Brother Dr. Gerald T. Folsom, who is Chaplain for Gamma Pi as well as for the entire Second District.  When Brother Rushern Baker III (also of Gamma Pi)  takes the oath of office Monday, December 6, as the new Prince George's County Executive, following Brother Jack Johnson, who served two terms, Brother Dr. Folsom will be playing an important role in the weeks to follow as the Baker Administration sets up shop. Brother Dr. Folsom is an official member and leader of the Baker Transition Team as a co-chair of the Public Engagement Transition Committee Working Group.  He was appointed to that post by County Executive-elect Baker and the committee is one of eight that have been established to start the Baker administration.

Brother Dr. Folsom
"I am honored and humbled to be asked by the County Executive-Elect Brother Rushern Baker to co-chair the Public Engagement Committee along with another Omega man, Brother Rev. Leonard Hamlin, who is pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. We hope to make a good county great for all of its citizens," Brother Dr. Folsom said during a recent interview. "Dr. Hamlin and I look forward to serving the citizens of this great county and it is our desire to make some concrete recommendations ... that will positively impact the lives of all citizens in Prince George's County. Our goal is to improve government outreach and cooperation with all county residents."

County Executive-elect Baker
"Our role will be to investigate and recommend how the county can improve communication with the faith community, non-profits, civic associations and other entities. We will co-chair a committee that will have approximately 25-30 members from a wide area within Prince George's County . Our goal is to improve government outreach and cooperation with all county residents."

Brother Dr. Folsom, who is on the ministerial staff at Community of Hope Church AME Church in the county, is also scheduled to read the Scripture at a 7:30 a.m. Interfaith Service at Cheverly United Methodist Church on Monday, Inauguration Day. In addition to Monday's swearing-in, an Inaugural Ball will be held Monday night. You can follow Inaugural activities online.

One other notable Gamma Pi Brother is involved in Baker Transition activities: Brother Dr. Mickey L. Burnim, President of Bowie State University, is serving as an Honorary Co-Chair along with several others. Both his and Brother Dr. Folsom's service was announced via official press releases.

Send Brother Dr. Folsom a shout out of congratulations via e-mail.

Below is a video clip of Brother Baker announcing his candidacy earlier this year: