A long-serving Maryland politician who transitioned to private sector business died Monday at 68 years old, according to a Maryland Matters report.
David Harrington was elected mayor of Bladensburg in 1995, a position he held until he left in 2002 to join the Prince George’s County Council. In 2008, he was elected to a seat in the state Senate where he served until 2011, the report noted.
Harrington started a new position as senior director of community relations and stakeholder development at Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic Region in April.
He also led the Prince George County Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade with some business leaders crediting him with reviving the chamber.
Harrington reportedly revived the chamber and increased its membership to 600 businesses, using his political experience to advocate for pro-business policies at the local and state levels.
“David was loved, respected, and admired throughout the region,” a chamber spokesperson said in a statement. “The Chamber shares the sorrow of his family, the community, and businesses of Prince George’s County, as well as the entire public at his passing.”
A number of area politicians and business people praised him after his passing.
“Sorry to hear about the passing of a great business and community leader that inspired and encouraged Black business owners to get in and stay in the game,” LaTasha Ward, a local entrepreneur said. “Thanks for fighting for business stakeholders in Prince George’s County. You will be missed.”
Former Prince George’s County Board of Education member Belinda Queen lauded the former Democratic senator, calling his death “a great loss to our county.”
“Definitely, gone too soon,” said Queen, a member of Prince George’s County Democratic Committee. “I have so many great memories out in the community working with you for a better Prince George’s. Just know your work is done.”
“Rest in peace,” she concluded.
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