Meet the Board

Darryl Barnes was appointed Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board in July 2025.

Background & Experience
Mr. Barnes possesses a deep understanding of the region from his eight years of service in the state legislature and more than 20 years of entrepreneurship experience. As president of Barnes International, Ltd., he led strategic consulting and coordinated grassroots campaigns for clients in government, healthcare, education, and private sectors. Mr. Barnes launched and served as president and CEO of the Bi-County Business Roundtable, where he promoted small business growth and wealth creation for a vibrant climate in the State of Maryland. A true community advocate, Mr. Barnes was the founder and President of Men Aiming Higher, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes at-risk young men through educational tutoring, leadership training, mentoring programs, and community service projects.

From 2015 to 2023, Mr. Barnes served in the Maryland General Assembly as a State Delegate, representing Legislative District 25. During his tenure, he served among the highest-ranking members of the House of Delegates as Chief Deputy Majority Whip. He was also the Chairman of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus—elected for three consecutive terms to the largest black caucus in the United States. Mr. Barnes was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Maryland Veterans Caucus, as well as the Chairman of the Revenues and Local Revenues subcommittee.

Education
Mr. Barnes earned his bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State College in computer information systems. He pursued leadership studies at The George Washington University and obtained a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. Mr. Barnes also served our country in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, respectfully.

Vice Chair Manuel R. Geraldo, Esq. was appointed to the Prince George’s County Planning Board in July, 2012.

Recognitions
Mr. Geraldo has received numerous awards and recognition as a long-time, committed community activist and volunteer and serves as:

• Director and Secretary of the Pro Bono Resource Center
• Director for the Portuguese American Leadership Council
• Director of the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau
• Director on the Board of the Prince George’s County Community Foundation

Background & Experience
Mr. Geraldo is an accomplished legal professional and principal in the law firm of Robinson and Geraldo, which he organized in 1979. His prior professional positions include Director and General Counsel for the District of Columbia Private Industry Council, litigation and legislative Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, membership on the Newark Commission on Human Rights, and Executive Director for the Congress of Portuguese Speaking People.

Mr. Geraldo was appointed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to the Maryland Board of Airport Zoning Appeals in 2010 and as Chair of the Board in 2012. He also previously served as a Commissioner and as Chair of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

Education
Mr. Geraldo earned a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University, a juris doctorate from Rutgers School of Law, and a master’s degree in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University.

Commissioner Dr. Billy Okoye was appointed to the Prince George’s County Planning Board in November 2025.

Recognitions
Dr. Okoye has received numerous awards as a committed community activist and volunteer. He serves as Chairman of the United African Advisory Board under the Office of Prince George’s County Executive Braveboy where he has been instrumental in strengthening community engagement and representation.

Background & Experience
Dr. Billy Okoye possesses more than 20 years of experience in business, community advocacy, real estate, and technology. As founder and principal broker of Sold 100 Real Estate, Inc., he led a team of more than 50 agents and oversaw more than $250 million in closed real estate transactions. Additionally, he serves as group managing director of BMO General Contractors and founder of Autograph Solar where he has advanced innovation in both the construction and clean energy sectors.

Education
Dr. Okoye earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Abia State University and a certificate in information technologies from the International Computer Institute. He received a professional doctorate in business administration from the Chartered Institute of Business Managers.