Visionary Leader and Champion of Excellence
RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces with profound sadness the passing of Marye Wells-Harley, a transformational leader whose legacy shaped parks, recreation, and planning across the National Capital Region for generations.
Wells-Harley dedicated 42 years of exemplary service to M-NCPPC, serving as Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation from 1996 until her retirement, and later as a Montgomery County Planning Board Commissioner and Vice Chair from 2009 to 2017. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Montgomery County Planning Board.
Her distinguished career was marked by unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community enrichment, earning her recognition as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2004, alongside numerous other accolades at the national, state, and local levels.
“Marye Wells-Harley exemplified the best of M-NCPPC’s bi-county mission,” said Darryl Barnes, Chairman, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Prince George’s County Planning Board. ” Her more than four decades of service demonstrated that parks, recreation, and planning are not just about spaces and policies. They are about people, opportunities, and building stronger communities. Her trailblazing influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.”
“Marye Wells-Harley’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and lasting impact. On the Planning Board and across the Commission, she brought a deep commitment to community and public stewardship that helped shape our county,” said Commission Vice Chair and Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. ” Marye opened doors for others and set a standard of excellence that continues to guide our work today. We are grateful for her vision and the example she leaves behind.”
Prince George’s County Legacy
Under Wells-Harley’s visionary leadership, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County achieved unprecedented national recognition, receiving five National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medals for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management, establishing it as a national leader in innovative programming and services.
Wells-Harley’s impact resonates through many groundbreaking initiatives she championed, including award-winning inclusion services for individuals with disabilities, state-supported historic preservation and arts programs, and the highly celebrated Black History Month program that has drawn tens of thousands to cultural and educational events over the years. She was instrumental in modernizing operations through the automation of program registration via SMARTlink and supported the development of world-class facilities such as the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex. Her dedication to youth was exemplified through initiatives, including the Teen Cotillion program.
“Marye Wells-Harley’s contributions to our Department and community cannot be overstated,” said Darius A. Stanton, Director, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “We are forever thankful for her commitment to excellence and her belief in the power of our parks and recreation staff to transform lives. Her legacy lives on through the programs, services, facilities, and opportunities that she personally created or contributed to enrich the lives of Prince George’s County residents.”
Montgomery County Legacy
Wells-Harley’s leadership extended across the bi-county region, where she brought a deep commitment to community and public stewardship to the Montgomery County Planning Board. She was a steadfast champion of thoughtful growth, environmental stewardship, and equitable access to parks and public spaces. After completing her terms with the Planning Board, In 2017 Wells-Harley joined the Montgomery Parks Foundation Board. She served as a Trustee, and most recently Vice President. Montgomery Parks’ Marye Wells-Harley Dream Camp Scholarship was established in 2018 to honor her commitment to young people, equity, and access to recreational opportunities. In partnership with the Montgomery Parks Foundation, the scholarship supports young people from diverse backgrounds within Montgomery County to participate in summer camp programs.
Wells-Harley’s leadership also included service on the Maryland State Arts Council and the Prince George’s County Advisory Committee on Aging. Throughout her career, she championed programs that ensured all families, regardless of background, could fully participate in community life.
M-NCPPC extends its deepest condolences to Marye Wells-Harley’s family and her extended family throughout the parks, recreation, and planning community during this difficult time. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
About The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Founded in 1927, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a nationally recognized leader in land use planning, parks, and recreation, achieving countless awards for innovation, stewardship, and exemplary vision for enhancing the lives of current and future generations. The agency, which is chartered by the State of Maryland, has geographic authority in the Montgomery County and Prince George’s County region, which are the two Maryland counties surrounding Washington, DC.
The agency improves the well-being of over two-million residents and countless visitors within this region by:
- Planning for the coordinated and harmonious physical growth and development of the region
- Protecting and stewarding natural, cultural, and historical resources
- Providing an award-winning system of parks
- Creating recreational experiences that enhance the quality of life of all individuals
- Planning great communities that are vibrant, livable, accessible, and sustainable
The Commission is comprised of seven distinct departments, each led by their respective Department Head. The Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, and the Prince George’s County Planning Department carry out services for the Prince George’s County region. Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Planning carry out services for Montgomery County. Bi-county corporate management is carried out by the Department of Human Resources and Management, the Department of Finance, and the Office of the General Counsel. Other Bi-county functions include the Office of Inspector General, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and Merit System Board.
The Commission’s governing body is comprised of ten Commissioners, five appointed to the Montgomery Planning Board and five appointed to the Prince George’s County Planning Board, which have oversight of decisions for the Montgomery and Prince George’s region. The Commission appoints the bi-county officers of the Executive Director, Secretary-Treasurer, and General Counsel.
