(RANDALLSTOWN – January 25, 2026) – Damon Hughes built something powerful at Baltimore County government. As director of the Minority Business Enterprise office under Jim Smith, he created a world-class MBE/WBE program that achieved the highest level of county spending for minority and women-owned businesses ever.
He was aggressive with his goal setting. He rejected waiver requests. County leaders thought he went too far. But we in the MBE/WBE business community praised him because he was getting results. He made sure Black businesses ate – unapologetically.
Then Jim Smith relieved him of his duties. The MBE office was eventually downsized and deprioritized. Not seen as necessary.
It took nearly two decades to rebuild. Johnny Olszewski strengthened the program through Executive Order 2022-005, setting goals at 23% with an increase to 30% by fiscal year 2026. Carla Tucker did exemplary work managing it…