By: KATIE V. JONES
Laurel Police Captain Stephen Ivory graduated from the 293rd session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., on March 13.
The 10-week program covered advanced communications, leadership and fitness training. Ivory’s class included 244 law enforcement officers from 48 states and the District as well as members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, 11 military organizations and four federal civilian organizations.
Ivory has been a member of the Laurel Police Department since 2003. He has served as an officer and supervisor in the patrol division, administrative services division and the criminal investigations division. Ivory trained with the FBI to be a crisis negotiator and has served on the Laurel Police Department’s Crisis Negotiations Team.
“It is a professional achievement to be selected and then to complete the FBI National Academy,” Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill said in a statement. “I appreciate his hard work and dedicated effort, and how well he represented the Laurel Police Department.”
Natalie Williams, director of the city’s Department of Communications, was selected to participate in the upcoming Leadership Maryland Executive Program as a member of the class of 2025.
The eight-month program will discuss issues the state faces, including economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment and multicultural/diversity. The eight-month program begins in April
“This program will not only enhance my leadership abilities but also provide invaluable insights that I can bring back to our work in the City of Laurel, ensuring we continue to grow and serve our community with excellence,” Williams said in a statement.
Mayor Keith Sydnor appointed Williams director of the Department of Communications in March 2024.
Christian Pulley, Laurel’s city administrator, was named by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2025.
A panel consisting of business and legal professionals, previous Maryland’s Top 100 Women honorees from throughout the state and a representative of The Daily Record reviewed the final applications and selected this year’s honorees.
Pulley started working for the city in 2008 as a planner, and former Mayor Craig Moe appointed her city administrator in January 2022. She is now in charge of the city’s daily operations.
