LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 22, 2025) – Leaders from the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) have recently added responsibilities with statewide entities. Angela Cochran, Director of the SMCHD Division of Health Promotion and Community Services; Tammy Loewe, Director of the SMCHD Behavioral Health Division; and Lisa Nelson, Clinical Services Division Director and Director of Nursing, have all taken on leadership roles that will enhance how St. Mary’s County is represented at the state level.

Ms. Cochran was selected for the Maryland Rural Health Association (MRHA) Board of Directors. MRHA represents health departments, hospitals, community health centers, health professionals, and community members in rural Maryland. Its mission is to educate and support the optimal health and wellness of rural communities and their residents by advocating for the healthcare needs in those communities. 

“It is a privilege to join the Maryland Rural Health Association Board and to help address barriers to care and public health resources that many rural and semi-rural communities face,” said Ms. Cochran. “I look forward to collaborating with partners statewide to strengthen services for St. Mary’s County and rural residents across Maryland.”

Ms. Loewe was elected to be the Co-Chair of the Maryland Behavioral Health Advisory Council. This role focuses on services, planning, policy, and workforce development that enhance evidence–based behavioral health services across Maryland. The council promotes and advocates for a culturally competent and comprehensive approach to publicly-funded prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services that support and foster wellness, recovery, resiliency, and health for individuals and their families who have behavioral health disorders. 

“I am honored to serve as the Co-Chair of the Behavioral Health Advisory Council,” said Ms. Loewe. “I look forward to collaborating alongside dedicated leaders from across the state to help improve behavioral health services in our communities.” 

Ms. Nelson was selected to serve as a Vice Chair on the Maryland Public Health Nurse Council (PHNC). The PHNC is made up of public health nurse leaders from each of the 24 jurisdictions across Maryland who provide leadership and collaboration to strengthen public health nursing by sharing evidence-based guidelines, and practice models that enhance quality, efficiency, and outcomes across Maryland’s local health departments. The PHNC fosters professional development, informs public health policy, and advances public health nursing through partnerships with health agencies and national organizations.

“I am honored to serve as Vice Chair and grateful for the opportunity to ensure public health nurses have a strong voice across Maryland,” said Ms. Nelson. “Together, we can advance nursing practice, support our colleagues, and improve the health of the communities we serve.”

“We are thrilled that Angela Cochran, Tammy Loewe, and Lisa Nelson have been recognized with leadership roles that impact public health services and policy across the state,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Their dedication to public health and professional knowledge in their areas of expertise will continue to significantly benefit our southern Maryland region and state. Congratulations to them for their well-deserved selection! I thank them for representing our county and local health department with such professionalism.” 

To learn more about the Maryland Rural Health Association, visit mdruralhealth.org. 

To learn more about the Maryland Behavioral Health Advisory Council, visit health.maryland.gov/bha/pages/maryland-behavioral-health-advisory-council.aspx. 

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