James M. Harkins

James M. Harkins
5th Harford County Executive
In office December 1998 – June 2005
Preceded by	Eileen M. Rehrmann
Succeeded by	David R. Craig
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 35A district
In office 1991–1998
Preceded by	Joseph Lutz & William A. Clark
Succeeded by	Barry Glassman & Joanne S. Parrott
Director of the Maryland Environmental Service
In office 2005–2016
Preceded by	James W. Peck
Succeeded by	John O'Neill Jr. (acting)
Personal details
Born	(1953-12-29) December 29, 1953 Havre de Grace, Maryland
Political party	Republican

James Harkins (born December 29, 1953) is an American politician who served as Director of Maryland Environmental Services from 2005 until March 2016. He also is a former Harford County Executive and Delegate for District 35A. In December 2019, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed Harkins to the University of Maryland Medical System board of directors.

Education

Harkins attended Bel Air High School. He received his A.A. from Harford Community College.

Career

Harkins joined the Harford County Sheriff's Office and was eventually promoted to sergeant. He was awarded Police Officer of the Year - Harford County by the Baltimore Sun in 1981 and Deputy of the Year, Harford County Sheriff's Department, 1981.

He chaired the Republican Central Committee, Harford County, 1987–90. In 1996, he was elected as Delegate, Republican Party National Convention, 1996, 2000, 2004.

In 1998, Harkins was elected as Harford County Executive. He served in this office until June 30, 2005 when Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed him to be Director of Maryland Environmental Service.

Election results

• 1994 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – District 35A

Voters to choose two:

Name	Votes	Percent	Outcome
James M. Harkins, Rep.	18,655	36%	Won
Donald C. Fry, Dem.	14,458	28%	Won
James F. Greenwell, Rep.	10,443	20%	Lost
Joseph Lutz, Dem.	7,858	15%	Lost

• 1990 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – District 35A

Voters to choose two:

Name	Votes	Percent	Outcome
James M. Harkins, Rep.	10.122	29%	Won
Donald C. Fry, Dem.	8,791	25%	Won
James A. Adkins, Rep.	8,594	24%	Lost
Joseph Lutz, Dem.	7,946	22%	Lost