Although the federal government is now moving at warp speed to remove DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] programs from its various agencies, Montgomery County is doubling down on its program.
County officials announced “a transformative investment in the Montgomery County Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, reinforcing the County’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture and county-wide community that emphasizes inclusion and belonging.”
The office, which has one employee now, will be adding four additional positions after the county Salary Board approved the new jobs on January 9.
County Commissioners Chair Neil K. Makhija and Vice Chair Jamila Winder, both Democrats, voted for the new positions. Minority Republican Commissioner Tom DiBello voted against the new hires, which could add up to $507,176 to the county’s payroll, not including benefits.
The salary of the current Chief DEI Officer, Donna Richemond, is listed at $151,032. The new director of immigrant affairs has a salary range of $98,645 to $147,960. The two new deputy chiefs will be paid $89,464 to $134,197. And a new senior administrative assistant for the department will be paid $60,550 to $90,822.
County spokeswoman Megan Alt said, “The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intends to ensure that diversity of thought, experience, and approach is represented in all sectors of our workforce, services, and business enterprises; that all members of our workforce and community feel they belong and are supported regardless of their background, identity, or affiliations; and that all members of the community have broad access to the opportunities and benefits of working, visiting and living in the county.”
Alt denied the county’s move had any relation to the federal government’s ban, saying it had been done before that. However, President Trump campaigned on removing DEI from government.
During a recent speech to the World Economic Forum, Trump said, “My administration has taken action to abolish all discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion nonsense. So, these were policies that were absolute nonsense throughout the government and the private sector.”
“America will once again become a merit-based country,” said Trump.
“In doing so, Montgomery County reaffirmed its commitment to the value of diversity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Alt.
Makhija said, “ “By fostering representation that includes our entire community, we can continue to hire the best of the best, ensuring our workforce is as innovative, skilled, and diverse as the people we serve. These new positions will drive meaningful impact across the County, preparing us to meet future challenges and ensuring we maintain our commitment to merit and excellence.”
Winder added, “Equity doesn’t happen by chance—it requires deliberate action and sustained commitment. By investing in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Montgomery County will continue to be a leader in creating a community that is inclusive, supportive, and equitable for all. This added capacity will allow us to deepen our impact and expand programs that make Montgomery County a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
DiBello told DVJournal that he opposed the new hires because he believes they’re “not necessary or needed or warranted in the county” and “we don’t need to spend the money.”
In December, the Democratic county commissioners approved a 2025 budget that increased real estate taxes by 9 percent. DiBello noted that he voted against the tax increase.
“The county had a $44 million deficit and $36 million of that was in the personnel buckets of salaries, benefits and pensions,” said DiBello. His suggestion that the county do a department by department analysis of positions has fallen on deaf ears. “In the last five years the county raised taxes a cumulative 43 percent,” DiBello said.
The 2025 tax bills are arriving in residents’ mailboxes this week.
