Todd Holden Awarded Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service

Todd Holden, senior digital services developer at the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science, has been awarded the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service. The recognition, presented by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, acknowledges Holden’s work in both his professional capacity at the university and his leadership role within the state’s labor unions. The award was presented during a recent labor relations roundtable in Landover, Maryland.

Holden has been a staff member of UMD since 2011, beginning his career as an IT web specialist. He transitioned into the role of assistant director of communication from 2014 to 2017 before moving into his current position as senior digital services developer. Throughout his tenure, Holden has been instrumental in enhancing the university’s digital presence, managing web services and overseeing critical digital infrastructure in the Department of Computer Science.

Alongside his professional contributions, Holden has been a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights. Since 2017, he has been an active member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1072, a union that represents more than 3,800 staff members at UMD. He has served in various capacities within the union, including job steward, at-large exempt executive board member and has held the position of Local 1072 president since 2020. His leadership also included representing Local 1072 at national AFSCME conventions in 2020 and 2022.

Holden’s involvement with AFSCME has been a significant part of his work outside his role at the university. He has represented union members advocating for employee rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.

Upon receiving the citation, Holden reflected on the collective effort behind the recognition.

 “I am so humbled to have received this citation from Governor Moore," Holden said. "While the certificate may have my name on it, I know that my recognition was only possible because of the many workers who stand up each day to help make our department, our college and our campus a better place. It is for those who reflect our shared values of equity, transparency, altruism and optimism that I could only accept Governor Moore’s honor on their behalf.”

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications