Howard A. Denis

Howard A. Denis, a former Maryland State Senator and Montgomery County Council member was appointed Commissioner from Montgomery County on January 19, 2016.  He served as the Commission’s Chairman from June 2020-2021, and was Vice-Chair of the Commission, elected in June 2021.

Most recently, Denis was part of the Congressional Staff on the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee, serving from 1995 until he retired on December 31, 2015. He brings almost 40 years of experience in public service and a track record of strongly representing and working for his constituency to the position. In addition, Denis has extensive knowledge in land-use and planning in Montgomery County.

Denis served for 18 years as a Maryland State Senator (1977-1995) and six years on the Montgomery County Council (2000-2006). He served on the Maryland State Lottery Commission and is a five-time delegate to the Republican National Convention.

A graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, he received his B.A. in Government from Georgetown College and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.  

Denis is married to Babette Wise and has a daughter, Corey Leigh Denis. He currently resides in Chevy Chase.