The Commissioners and staff congratulate Prince George’s County Planning Board Chairman Elizabeth (Betty) M. Hewlett on her selection as the recipient of several prestigious awards this spring.
On April 15, 2018, Chairman Hewlett was honored by the Women’s Committee of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association with a special “Legacy Award” for her unparalleled accomplishments and service to the Association and the legal profession, and for her long-time work as a mentor to young attorneys and law students.
Chairman Hewlett also received the highly competitive “Leadership in Law” award bestowed by The Maryland Daily Record publication on individual legal professionals, lawyers and judges throughout the State of Maryland whose dedication to their occupation and their communities is outstanding.
Finally, the NAACP’s Prince George’s County Chapter will celebrate Chairman Hewlett as winner of the 2018 Community Service Award at its 30th Anniversary Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala on June 9.
Ms. Hewlett serves as Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), her second tenure in this position, and the first African American and first woman to serve in this capacity. A former Principal in the law firm of Shipley, Horne and Hewlett, P.A., she has an extensive legal background in both the public and private sectors, including serving as Associate General Counsel to M-NCPPC. She currently also serves as vice-chair of the Commission overall.
Actively engaged in her community, she holds membership in many professional, civic, and social organizations, and has served on a multitude of community and regional boards, including member and chair of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Ms. Hewlett has also been a generous contributor to numerous legal organizations and professional associations, and proudly proclaims her Life Membership in the National Bar Association, the NAACP and Carter G. Woodson’s Association for the Study of African Life and History (ASALH).
Well-regarded throughout the County, State and Region, she is the recipient of many well-earned awards for her outstanding service and leadership. Betty remains a firm believer in the adage “to whom much is given, much is required,” and demonstrates her commitment as a servant leader daily through numerous pro bono and volunteer activities, including serving as a long-time mentor and coach to countless aspiring law students and young legal professionals.