St. Mary's County Democrats

Bill Bates, President

email: bates2455@aol.com

Bill Bates was born on November, 20, 1956 in Baltimore, MD.  He graduated from Bowie High School in 1975, and then began a 35 year career with the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

In 1979 Bill graduated from Prince George County Community College with an AA degree in law enforcement.  After working his way up to the rank of Captain, he retired from the NRP in 2011; but still remains active in the Fraternal Order of Police and is currently employed as the Police Services Coordinator with the St. Mary’s County Sherrif’s Department.

In 1985 Bill enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard where he currently holds the rank of Master Sergeant.  He will be retiring this November after 31 years of service.

Bill’s interest in politics became evident in high school when, for the first time, he actually LIKED a class—which just happened to be political science class. He want with the class on a field trip to Annapolis and was introduced to the Monday night session of the General Assembly in action.

Since 1986 Bill has been an active participant in his local democratic clubs, first in Calvert County and currently in St. Mary’s County. Bill genuinely enjoys helping the Democratic Party in any way possible.  Whether it’s putting up signs, manning booths or just educating others.  Bill is truly a dedicated Democrat.

Devin Bohanan, Vice President

email: devin.bohanan@gmail.com

Devin’s involvement in Democratic politics dates back to before he could walk. Now that he can walk, if you’re a registered Democrat in District 29-B, he has probably knocked on your door.

A native of St. Mary’s County, Devin attended Little Flower School and graduated from Leonardtown High School in 2008. Sports were a major part of his childhood and high school years, but he still made time to work in his family’s hardware store. Devin went on to attend Virginia Tech where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, he works as a lead engineer for NAVAIR at Webster Field where he supports various projects on naval bases in Maryland, Virginia, Florida, California, Washington, and the United Kingdom. 

Devin is heavily involved in the local community where he has been a member of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, Christmas in April, St. Mary’s County Democratic Club, and Southern Maryland Young Democrats. He was a lead organizer for the St. Mary’s County Democratic Party during the 2014 election, assisting with multiple campaigns including Hoyer for Congress and Bohanan for Delegate. In his free time, Devin enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, boating and kayaking on the St. Mary’s River, and playing sports with his three younger brothers.

Joe Belanger, Treasurer

email: joebelanger600@gmail.com

Darlene Johnson, Secretary

email: darlenejohnson2012@gmail.com

Darlene Johnson is an active community leader in St. Mary’s County for the last 15 years.  She served on the following St. Mary’s County Commissioner Boards:  two terms for Commission for Women, Commission for Social Services, and currently serving two terms on the St. Mary’s County Housing Authority Board.  She serves on the following St. Mary’s County Organizations: Board of Directors for the Unified Committee of Afro-American Contribution (UCAC); various leadership positions within the National Association for Advancement of Color People (NAACP); 8 year veteran St. Mary’s County Election Judge; various leadership positions within the Democratic Club of St. Mary’s County; Planning Committee for the Democratic of the year banquet; and a  volunteer for  President Obama and LT Governor Brown Campaign.  In 2006 Darlene was actively involved with the political campaign of two candidates; one for County Commissioner and the candidate for St. Mary’s County Sheriff. 

Additionally, she  has volunteered with  the 2^nd District Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad Auxiliary for over 10 years,  and has also served as Corresponding Secretary and Chaplin.  She is an active volunteer for Basketball for Life, a teen afterschool program.   She also volunteered her service with Leah’s House, a local shelter for women and children.