Meet the Board

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Prince George’s County Planning Board

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

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.

Commissioner Brittany Jenkins was appointed to the Prince George’s County Planning Board in March 2026.

Background & Experience
Brittany Jenkins brings an understanding of data analytics, strategic planning, and performance management across both public and private sector environments. She serves as a senior consultant with Deloitte Consulting, LLP, where she leads cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven solutions for government organizations and help translate complex information into actionable insights that strengthen planning, budgeting, and operational decision-making. Prior to her current position, Jenkins held analytics and leadership roles at Berkeley Research Group and 2U, where she led data initiatives and developed performance frameworks across healthcare and higher education organizations.

Education
Jenkins holds a master’s degree in business analytics from American University Kogod School of Business and a master’s degree in sociology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Commissioner Lori Matthews was appointed to the Prince George’s County Planning Board in March 2026.

Background & Experience
Lori Matthews possesses 30 years of professional experience in education, government, and administration and a strong commitment to public service, community engagement, and responsible leadership. As a former educator in Charles County and Prince George’s County Public Schools, she developed curricula, managed classroom environments, and mentored students. In addition, Matthews has served as Chief Executive Officer of Executive Décor and gained administrative experience through a previous position with the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Education
Matthews earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Bowie State University.

Commissioner Gloria Gary Lawlah was appointed to the Prince George’s County Planning Board in July 2026.

Background & Experience

A true trailblazer, the Honorable Gloria Gary Lawlah, M.A. served as the former Secretary of Aging for the State of Maryland (2007 – 2015) where she led policy initiatives to address the needs of the growing population of seniors and implemented strategies to encourage seniors to “age-in-place.” Ms. Lawlah was elected and represented Prince George’s County in the Maryland General Assembly in the Maryland House of Delegates (1986 – 1990) and Maryland State Senate (1990 – 2007). She was the first woman in history from Prince George’s County to be elected to the Maryland State Senate, and the second African American woman in the history of the State of Maryland. During her tenure in the Maryland General Assembly, Ms. Lawlah sponsored bills providing funding for education, secured funding and co-sponsored legislation that led to the construction of the National Harbor, and chaired the commission to rebuild the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Prior to her career in politics and public administration, she worked as a teacher and administrator in the District of Columbia Public Schools for thirty years.

Education

Ms. Lawlah holds a Master of Arts in English and Administration from Trinity University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Hampton University.

Recognitions

Ms. Lawlah was a 2023 Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame Honoree. She is also a recipient of numerous awards and accolades including:

  • Prince George’s County Women’s Hall of Fame
  • The Daily Record Maryland’s Top 100 Women
  • Women in Government Outstanding Service
  • Women Legislators of Maryland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Overview

The Planning Board’s responsibilities include supervising the preparation of land use plans and comprehensive zoning maps, advising the County Council on zoning map amendment and special exception applications, and reviewing and approving certain types of development applications. The Board also oversees the Commission’s work in the County, as carried out by the Parks and Recreation and Planning Departments.

Responsibilities

In Prince George’s County, the Planning Board directs the work of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission within Prince George’s County through the Prince George’s County Planning Department and the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. The Commission’s activities in the County are determined in conjunction with the Prince George’s County Council, which annually approves the operating budget and work program, with input and comments from the County Executive.

The Planning Board meets in public session most Thursdays to consider planning, zoning, and subdivision matters for Prince George’s County. All interested persons are invited to attend the meetings, voice their opinions on individual cases, or simply observe the meeting proceedings.

Specific Responsibilities

The Prince George’s County Planning Board is responsible for:

  • Advising the County Council on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations
  • Offering recommendations to the County Council on zoning map amendment and special exception applications
  • Reviewing and approving site plans
  • Serving as the final authority in administering the Subdivision Regulations for Prince George’s County including approval of preliminary plans of subdivision and final plats
  • Supervising the preparation of land use plans and comprehensive zoning maps for County Council approval

Rules of Procedure

Read our Rules of Procedure (PDF) and go to How to Participate to learn how meetings are run and how to appear before the Planning Board.