A former official from Prince George’s school system has been tapped to help lead the county’s Health and Human Services division starting in August.
Howard Burnett will become the deputy chief administrative officer of the division. Burnett replaces James Dula who left to become president of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce. Burnett, who had been interim chief executive officer for the schools, retired earlier this year when the county school system chose John Deasy to be the new CEO.
During Burnett’s 31 years with the county school system, he was a teacher at the elementary, high school and adult education levels. He went on to become an assistant principal at a middle school and the principal of an elementary school before joining the school system’s management staff.
Burnett eventually served as special assistant to the deputy superintendent, executive assistant to the superintendent and associate superintendent as well as chief administrative officer for human resources.
County Executive Jack Johnson said he enjoyed working with Burnett.
“During his more than 30 years of public service, he has shown that he is a true leader and he cares deeply about the citizens and residents of Prince George’s County, especially our youth,” Johnson said in a statement. “I look forward to working with him further as we address health care and educational issues faced by our county.”
