The Kent County Commissioners have proclaimed April 30, 2021 William W. Pickrum Day. Former County Commissioner William Pickrum passed away recently on April 15, he was 73.

Commissioner PIckrum was elected to the Kent County Board of Commissioners in 2002 and served the residents of Kent County for four terms until 2018.

Kent County, Maryland

Proclamation

William W. Pickrum Day

April 30, 2021

WHEREAS, William W. Pickrum served as a County Commissioner of Kent County, Maryland for sixteen years from 2002 to 2018; as President in his first term, and again in his fourth term from 2014 to 2018; and

WHEREAS, William dedicated many years to public service as Acting County Administrator in July of 2015; 1st Vice-President of the Maryland Association of Counties and a member of the Counties’ Legislative Committee; member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Broadband Cooperative; Upper Shore Aging Board of Directors; and as President of Upper Shore Regional Council, and

WHEREAS, William focused his efforts to support African American history; the Charles Sumner Post No. 25 Grand Army of the Republic; and the Kent County Arts Community; he was determined to share experiences and enrich the lives of all; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Kent County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; Executive Board for the Boy Scouts of America Del-Mar-Va Council; and the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission, William knew the fundamental need for a place for children, families, and people of all ages to recreate. After many years of the Commissioners’ efforts to bring a Community Center to Kent County, the project was completed 2010; and

WHEREAS, William touched the lives of many as a staunch supporter of education, the great equalizer, and in 2016 he led the initiative to rename the Kent County Community Center building to honor Clarence A. Hawkins, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, honor, duty, service, and sacrifice are part of the legacy that William leaves behind to the Parker White American Legion Post No. 143, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Service Academy Selection Committee; and

WHEREAS, William lent his voice to many priorities while serving as Commissioner affirming that diversity was an important safeguard to ensure everyone’s voice was heard; and

WHEREAS, William utilized his public administrative education to guide the County’s financial decisions for sixteen years, purposefully acknowledging the County’s fiduciary responsibility to its taxpayers, and the citizens of Kent County greatly benefitted from his guidance; and

WHEREAS, William acted as a leader, friend, and mentor to County employees, assisting them to achieve professional success and to best serve the citizens of the County; and

WHEREAS, the County Commissioners of Kent County, Maryland do hereby posthumously recognize and honor William W. Pickrum; then

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim April 30, 2021, as “William W. Pickrum Day”

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

P. Thomas Mason, President

Ronald H. Fithian, Member

Robert N. Jacob, Jr., Member

About the Kent County Chamber of Commerce

With more than 300 member businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, the Chamber is Kent County’s premier business-to-business facilitator. Through our many unique programs, events, and advocacy, we provide a platform for leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to engage with each other to grow their respective organizations for the ultimate benefit of Kent County and its residents.

Interested in joining? Learn about the benefits of becoming a member today.