Clayton A. Belle, Jr.

President

Clayton brings over two decades of experience as a dedicated Firefighter, with a residence spanning more than 27 years in Howard County. Born in Washington, DC, Clayton is the eldest son of Trinidadian immigrants. His diverse journey has taken him from the nation’s capital to the West Indies and back, including residences in Baltimore, Maryland, New Orleans, Louisiana, and various cities in Texas. He returned to the DC/Maryland/Virginia area in 1990 after completing his education at Willowridge High School in Missouri City, Texas, a suburb of Houston.

Following high school, Clayton pursued studies in information science at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, while seizing an opportunity to work as a contractor for IBM in Bethesda. Over nine years, Clayton advanced from an entry-level role to Proposal Coordinator, overseeing the coordination of requests for IBM services, hardware solutions, and business proposals. He played a pivotal role in crafting numerous successful multi-million dollar proposals for both private industry and government clients.

Simultaneously, Clayton felt a calling to serve his community and became a Germantown Volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) in 2001. Finding fulfillment in this role, he embarked on a career in firefighting after unsuccessful attempts to secure permanent employment with IBM. Clayton received offers from Dallas Fort Worth Fire and Rescue and Howard County Fire and Rescue in 2002, ultimately choosing to join Howard County Fire and Rescue in January 2003.

Throughout his tenure, Clayton has been an active member of the department. He has served as IAFF Local 2000 Union Shop Steward and Executive Board member. Clayton was voted Firefighter of the Year (2019) and has served as Vice President of the IABPFF (International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters) Phoenix Sentinels of Howard County Dept. of Fire and Rescue Services.

Clayton has been happily married to Deborah since 1996. Together, they share a passion for travel and sports, supporting teams such as the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards, and Texas A&M University Aggies. In his leisure time, Clayton enjoys golfing, staying active, and exploring beautiful destinations around the world.

Lonnie R. Robbins

General Board Member

Lonnie R. Robbins retired on March 1, 2023, following a distinguished tenure as Howard County Chief Administrative Officer since January 3, 2007. Before assuming the role of Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Robbins held the position of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer from 2004 to 2007. His career with Howard County government commenced in 1989 as an Assistant County Solicitor in the Office of Law, where he provided counsel and representation to various County departments and agencies, including the Police Department, County Council, and Office on Aging, among others. His responsibilities extended to representing numerous boards and commissions, such as the Board of Appeals and Human Rights Commission.

Before joining Howard County government, Mr. Robbins served as Assistant Secretary to the Maryland State Board of Public Works, where he played a pivotal role in shaping procurement policies and regulations. His extensive experience in state government dates back to the early 1970s, encompassing positions in Governor Harry R. Hughes’ administration and various Maryland State Departments.

Mr. Robbins holds a B.S. degree in Business and Public Administration, with a concentration in Transportation, from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Maryland and Pennsylvania state courts, as well as in the Federal District Court of Maryland and the Supreme Court of the United States. Actively engaged in legal associations, Mr. Robbins is a member of the Howard County Bar Association and the Waring-Mitchell Law Society.

Currently, Mr. Robbins serves on the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, the University System of Maryland Foundation, and Camp Attaway. He has previously contributed his expertise to organizations such as the Howard Hospital Foundation, Leadership Howard County, and First Tee of Howard County.

Gregory E. Frank

Treasurer

Gregory (Greg) E. Frank, a retired professional firefighter/paramedic with the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue (HCDFRS), has left an indelible mark of service and dedication throughout his career. Hailing from Howard County, Greg's journey into firefighting began at a young age, inspired by his father's volunteer service with West Friendship Fire Department. Starting as a cadet at 13, Greg's commitment to serving his community led him to full membership by the age of 16, where he underwent rigorous training in firefighting, emergency medical techniques, and rescue operations.

Entering his professional career at 18, Greg joined HCDFRS after receiving an offer of employment, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Graduating at the top of his class from the HCDFRS fire academy, Greg demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication from the outset. Throughout his tenure, he excelled in various roles, progressing through assignments on Truck 7 to assume positions such as engine driver, ladder truck driver, and ultimately completing HCDFRS's inaugural internal paramedic course.

Greg's dedication to growth and excellence propelled him through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as a Special Operations Lieutenant/Paramedic after 32 ½ years of distinguished service. Alongside his operational roles, Greg was actively involved in Local 2000, serving on the executive board for a decade and contributing significantly to advocacy and member welfare initiatives.

Even in retirement, Greg's commitment to service remains unwavering. Serving as a liaison between HCDFRS and Howard County General Hospital during the pandemic and continuing his involvement as a contingent employee, Greg showcases his dedication to community welfare and revitalizing critical programs.

Beyond his professional achievements, Greg finds joy in his family life with his wife Cindy, a registered nurse with the Department of Defense, and their shared interests in traveling, fine dining, and supporting their home teams, the Ravens and Orioles. Together with their three cats, they reside in Glen Burnie, cherishing the bonds of family and leisure.

James E. Malone, Jr.

General Board Member

James E. Malone, Jr., born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 8, 1957, is a dedicated individual with a rich history of public service and community engagement. After graduating from Cardinal Gibbons High School and obtaining his Associate of Arts degree from Catonsville Community College in 1986, Mr. Malone embarked on a career path that would lead him to various impactful roles. Notably, he served as a Lieutenant in the Baltimore County Fire Department until his retirement in March of 2007, achieving the rank with distinction.

His commitment to community service extends beyond his professional endeavors. Mr. Malone is actively involved in numerous organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for Lighthouse, Inc., Our Lady of Victory School, and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) since 2005. Additionally, his dedication to firefighting is evident through his Lifetime Membership with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as president in 1979, marking a notable achievement as the youngest in its history. He is also an Honorary Lifetime Member of the English Consul Junior Fire Department.

In addition to his community involvement, Mr. Malone has held various significant roles in government and legislative committees. From serving as a member of the House of Delegates representing District 12A to his contributions on committees such as the Environmental Matters Committee and the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, Mr. Malone has demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on policy and governance. His dedication has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Outstanding Citizenship Award from the Arbutus Lions Club in 1979, and the Charles McC. Mathias, Jr. Award from the House of Delegates in 2014.

Throughout his distinguished public service, James has been recognized with numerous awards including the Outstanding Citizenship Award from the Arbutus Lions Club in 1979, Distinguished Service Award and Unit Citation Award from the Baltimore County Fire Department in 1990 and 1992 respectively, and the Legislative Service Award from the National Federation of the Blind in 2000, among others.

Residing in Arbutus and being a proud parent of two children, Mr. Malone continues to embody the values of service, leadership, and community, leaving a lasting legacy of impact and dedication wherever he goes.

P. Matthew Darby, Esq.

Secretary

Matt Darby is the President of the Darby Law Group, LLC. He holds degrees from Loyola College and the University of Maryland School of Law. Matt's professional affiliations include memberships with the American Association for Justice and the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association, where he previously served on the Board of Governors and chaired the Workers’ Compensation Committee.

Admitted to practice in Maryland and Pennsylvania, Matt has been appointed to several significant committees, including the Maryland Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Oversight Committee of the Maryland General Assembly by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates and the President of the Maryland Senate. He also previously served as the representative of the Claimant’s Bar on the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Guide Committee and the Cost Drivers Task Force, appointed by the Chairman of the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Recognized for his expertise, Matt frequently lectures on Maryland workers’ compensation and personal injury, as well as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act and the Jones Act. He has been honored as one of Maryland’s "Superlawyers" by Baltimore Magazine every year since 2008. Both Matt and DLG have received the prestigious “Best Lawyer” and “Best Law Firm” awards.

Matt’s Workers’ Compensation practice focuses on representing public safety employees, including firefighters and law enforcement officers. He has handled numerous traumatic injury and “presumption” cases, both before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission and on appeal. He has represented many clients in many high-profile appellate cases that have resulted in decisions favorable to public safety employees.