Do what you love - love what you do.

This is the life philosophy and driving force behind Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. Ruppersberger began his first term in office as the tenth County Executive for Baltimore County in December 1994. He was elected to a second term in November of 1998, winning more than 70 per cent of the vote in the countywide general election. He was also the only county executive to win every precinct in this election.

His administration has focused on getting things done - and done right. Under County Executive Ruppersberger, citizens enjoyed an unprecedented investment in the basic services that determine our quality of life: public safety, quality education, a thriving economy, healthy neighborhoods, and a clean environment. Recently named by Governing magazine as one of four best-managed large counties in the nation, Baltimore County is recognized for its results. Federal environmental agencies rank Baltimore County seventh nationally on the list of top local farmland preservation programs. Economically, Baltimore County is one of only 19 counties in the country with a AAA bond rating from all three rating agencies, which means taxpayers save millions when borrowing for schools, parks and other projects.

Ruppersberger got where he is by accident - literally. In 1975, while working as a prosecutor in the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office, he suffered a near-fatal car accident. A helicopter brought him to the University of Maryland's Shock Trauma center, and with luck and the work of dedicated doctors, he survived. That, Ruppersberger says, was a turning point. He decided to run for public office - to help others and to repay Shock Trauma for what it did for him. Today, Shock Trauma is now world-renowned for specializing in emergency trauma medicine. Dutch became a Charter Member of the Maryland Shock Trauma Board of Visitors and remains an active supporter of the hospital, now serving as Vice Chairman of the hospital's Board of Visitors.

A native of Baltimore City. Ruppersberger was a teenager when his family moved to the county. He spent his summers as a lifeguard in Ocean City and played on Lacrosse Team USA. From early on, his parents taught him the importance of education - both his mother and grandmother were teachers. He attended Baltimore City College and the University of Maryland at College Park, where he played varsity lacrosse. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore Law School.

Ruppersberger began his career in law as a Baltimore County Assistant State's Attorney, performing extensive trial work. Eventually he was promoted to Chief of the State's Attorney Office Investigative Division, pursuing organized crime, political corruption, and drug trafficking. He says he loved chasing the bad guys.

Prior to his election as County Executive, Dutch was a partner with the law firm of Ruppersberger, Clark, and Mister for 14 years. He served nine years on the Baltimore County Council, representing the Third District. He was twice elected by his peers to serve as council chairman.

Ruppersberger has been married for 34 years this December to his high school sweetheart, the former Kay Murphy. They have two grown children, Corey and Jill. Ruppersberger continues to do what he loves - spending time with his family, lending his hand to a variety of local institutions, and using his office to improve people's everyday quality of life. His success as a leader has provided a strong foundation on which to build future successes.

History

• House Democratic Steering Committee -- appointed in 2003
• U.S. House of Representatives -- elected in 2002
• Baltimore County Executive -- elected two terms
• Baltimore County Council -- nine years -- elected two terms
• Chairman, Baltimore County Council -- elected twice
• Univ. of Maryland Shock Trauma, Board of Directors
• Greater Baltimore Alliance, Charter Member
• Past President, Maryland Association of Counties
• Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Chairman
• Baltimore Business Journal, Most Influential Leaders
• Private Law Practice -- fourteen years
• Baltimore County Prosecutor -- eight years
• Chief of Investigation, Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office
• National College of District Attorneys, Advisor
• World Champion U.S. International Lacrosse Team

• University of Baltimore Honorary Degree, Doctor of Law
• University of Baltimore, School of Law, Juris Doctor Degree
• Save Our Streams "Living Streams Award"
• Baltimore City College Hall of Fame
• Hanna's Heroes' (helping emotionally disabled children)
• Overlea High School Outstanding Dedication to Students Award
• Baltimore County Sheriff's Office Dedicated Service Award
• 100 Halsted Men United Recognition Award
• American Planning Association Outstanding Leadership Award
• Calvert County Board of Education, Certificate of Appreciation
• Excellence in Education Award, Phi Delta Kappa, Johns Hopkins University
• United States Chinese Kuoshu Federation Award
• Reisterstown/Owings Mills/Glyndon Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Government Award
• Delta Community Outreach Center of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• International Union of Operation Engineers, Local 37 Award of Excellence
• Elan Vital Skill -- Based Center (commitment to women and children)
• Essex Community College Support for the Arts Award
• Turner Station Resource Center
• Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities
• Most Valuable Coach, Cockeysville Lacrosse
• "Key to the Bay," Essex-Middle River Chamber of Commerce
• Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company
• Pop Warner Football Coaches Award
• Maryland Trial Lawyers Association Award
• Jaycees Outstanding Young Marylander -- 1979
• Fraternal Order of Police Appreciation Award