Former Baltimore County Executive and Baltimore County Board of Education of Member Roger B. Hayden has passed away.
Hayden served as Baltimore County Executive from 1990 to 1994. He was the last and only second Republican to serve at the highest position in Baltimore County. He upset Democratic incumbent County Executive Dennis Rasmussen in 1990. Hayden would lose his-re-election bid to C.A. “Dutch” Rupperberger in 1994.
County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. released a statement about the passing of Hayden.
“We collectively mourn the passing of former Baltimore County Executive Roger Hayden. A dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for public education,” Olszewski said.
“County Executive Hayden exemplified what it means to give back to our communities. Baltimore County is stronger for his service and my sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Hayden served on the BCPS Board of Education of Baltimore County twice from 1974 – 1987 and from 2017 – 2019.
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said Hayden was a strong advocate for Baltimore County Public School
“Roger Hayden, in every conversation and with every vote, was focused on making the best decisions for the students and staff of Baltimore County Public Schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams.
“I, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to work with him for long, but I know that his voice and his leadership will be missed on the Board of Education. We all benefited from the depth of his knowledge of Baltimore County government and schools. The nearly 15 years that he spent on the school board are only part of his substantial legacy in this community. We join his family in celebrating his life and achievements.”
Hayden was also known as a successful business man in the area. His business career spanned management positions in finance, operations, facilities management, and transportation at Eastern Stainless Steel, George Transfer, the Baltimore Orioles, and Towson University. His career began in the mailroom at Eastern Stainless Steel and ended as president of The Hayden Consulting Group, which specializes in business and organizational issues.
