Gov. Moore announces appointments to PSC, House vacancies

Gov. Wes Moore announced Monday the appointment of Kumar P. Barve as the chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission.

“Ensuring reliable, affordable utility service is our top priority,” Barve said in a statement. “I look forward to working every day to protect Maryland ratepayers and ensuring our energy policies help grow the economy without burdening families or harming the environment.”

The Public Service Commission oversees rates and conditions for public service companies, including utility companies.

Barve is replacing former Public Service Commission Chair Fred Hoover, who will remain a member of the commission. In a statement, Hoover said it was an honor to head the commission “during such a transformative time for Maryland’s energy sector.”

“I am proud of what we have achieved over my past three years as Chair of the Commission to modernize our energy system and advance our State’s clean energy goals,” he said.

Responding to a request for comment from The Daily Record, Emily Scarr, a senior advisor at Maryland PIRG, said that Hoover took “decisive action during his time as Commission Chair to rein in wasteful utility spending.”

“Under Chair Hoover’s leadership, the PSC ended gas expansion incentives and stopped BGE from charging customers $70 million for excessive spending,” said Scarr. “We thank Chair Hoover for his service and look forward to working with Chair Barve on these critical issues.”

Barve’s role as chair is effective immediately.

Barve was appointed a public service commissioner by the Moore administration in 2023. Prior to that, he served 32 years in the Maryland House of Delegates, including eight years as the chair of the House Environment and Transportation Committee.

“I’m grateful for the work Chair Hoover has done for our state, and I have full confidence in Commissioner Barve, who understands the importance of energy sustainability and grid reliability,” said Moore.

The governor also announced Monday the appointment of three new members of the Maryland House of Delegates, allowing both chambers to start with zero vacancies in 2026.

Moore, a Democrat, appointed Gabriel Moreno, D-Howard County, to replace the seat to be left vacant when former House Ways and Means Committee Chair Vanessa Atterbeary, D-Howard, officially resigns on Wednesday. The governor also appointed Derrick Coley and Darrell C. Odom Sr, both Democrats, to replace vacancies in Prince George’s County’s 24th District and District 27A, which covers portions of Charles and Prince George’s counties, respectively.

“Gabriel Moreno, Derrick Coley, and Darrell Odom, Sr. will bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to public service to the Maryland House of Delegates,” Moore said in a statement Monday. “Each of these leaders has a proven track record—from empowering vulnerable communities and serving in vital county government roles to protecting our state and nation. 

Moreno recently served as the CEO of the Luminus Network for New Americans, a nonprofit that focuses on assisting community resources to immigrants, refugees and asylees with legal matters and community resources. He also worked as a national senior attorney for Kids In Need of Defense from 2015 to 2023, during which time he provided representation to children affected by family separation immigration policies.

Moreno currently serves on the Maryland Attorney General’s Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention and the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic and Latin American Community Affairs, is an elected member of the Howard County Democratic Central Committee and is a member of the character committee for the Maryland Judiciary.

Coley works as the deputy director for the Department of Environment for Prince George’s County, where he supervises the Animal Services Division, Climate and Energy Division and legislative affairs. He was formerly the executive director for external relations with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and was the special assistant for government relations at Bowie State University.

Coley also previously served as chief of staff to the Prince George’s County executive from chief from 2009 to 2010, and deputy chief of staff from 2004 to 2009.

Odom rose through the ranks of the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department from 1980 to 2004, where he was eventually promoted to lieutenant colonel and deputy fire chief. He retired as acting fire chief. 

A military veteran, Odom served in multiple branches over 31 years, including two years in the U.S. Army active duty assigned to Germany and 29 in the U.S. Coast Guard active and reserve duty. He retired as a master chief maritime enforcement specialist.

“These are dedicated public servants, and I am grateful that they each raised their hands to represent their districts in Annapolis,” said Moore.