The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Maryland’s environmental research university, has appointed former State Treasurer Nancy Kopp to its Board of Visitors. UMCES is research and graduate university that provides sound advice to help state and national leaders manage the environment and prepares future scientists to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. It is one of 12 institutions in the University System of Maryland.
"We are delighted to welcome Nancy Kopp to our Board of Visitors," said University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science President Peter Goodwin. “As Treasurer, Nancy was an active member of Maryland’s Climate Change Commission and a leader in the State’s efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a special focus on reducing inequities and supporting vulnerable communities.”
Nancy Kopp served as Treasurer of Maryland from 2002 through 2021. The second woman to serve in more than 170 years, she was responsible for investing and banking state funds and leading the state’s AAA-rated public debt management. In addition to chairing the State Retirement Board, the Maryland College Savings Board and several other public finance agencies, she was a member of Maryland’s Climate Change Commission and a leader in State climate change mitigation and adaptation. Serving on the Board of Public Works with the Governor and Comptroller, Kopp insisted that climate change impact be included in all major state building and development projects.
Before being elected State Treasurer, Kopp served for 27 years in the Maryland House of Delegates, including serving as Speaker Pro Tem and Chair of the Spending Affordability Committee. She chaired the committee overseeing funding and support of Maryland’s higher education system. Her legislative accomplishments ranged from governmental transparency and efficiency, to equal rights for women and minorities, to the merger of the old state college and universities systems into the new University System of Maryland. Her colleagues named her the most effective woman legislator and one of the 10 most effective members of the House.
Kopp has been a leader in numerous national, regional and state organizations and boards over the years, focusing on education, public finance, and climate change. In 2012, Kopp was inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2021, upon her retirement from State service was honored with the Speaker Medallion for outstanding service to Maryland.
