Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism Announces Appointment of Samélia Okpodu-Pyuzza as Associate Director

Focus is Empowerment and Accessibility in Service

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism today announced the appointment of Dr. Samélia Okpodu-Pyuzza as its new associate director. 

“I congratulate Samélia on this well-deserved role and look forward to collaborating with her to expand national service and volunteerism,” said Nicki Fiocco, Director of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism. “As a fellow AmeriCorps Alum from Volunteer Maryland, I know her service mindset, experience in empowerment, and skillset with data analysis and project management will be tremendous assets.”

Dr. Okpodu-Pyuzza previously served as a Maryland Commissioner for Service and Volunteerism as a nonprofit advocate. She was Executive Project Manager at End Hunger In Calvert County, Inc, a premier regional nonprofit network of food pantries and feeding organizations in Southern Maryland. 

“I have the privilege of witnessing the unshakable determination of Maryland communities to care deeply about each other in this role,” said Dr. Okpodu-Pyuzza. “When it comes to civic engagement, I find tremendous joy in equipping people with the tools they need to strengthen and empower communities.” 

A former biomedical scientist and Howard University graduate, Dr. Okpodu-Pyuzza uses her passion for research and systems development to effect lasting change that expands communities, empowers women domestically and globally, and engages decision-makers to consider different lived experiences in program implementation and policy design.

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About the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism 

The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism is dedicated to supporting the mission of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to serve our neighbors in need. This coordinating office funds AmeriCorps programs supporting disaster relief, economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, public safety, health, and the environment in Maryland. A unit of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, it has honored nearly 100,000 Maryland volunteers on behalf of Governor Hogan. Learn more by visiting our website at gosv.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.