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Chesterfield takes oath to serve on Maryland State Board of Education

For the Crisfield-Somerset County Times
Posted 1/16/25

PRINCESS ANNE — Alverne “Chet” Chesterfield of Princess Anne, a committed leader in education and public service, was sworn in Jan. 14 at the Somerset County Clerk of Court’s …

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Chesterfield takes oath to serve on Maryland State Board of Education

Posted

PRINCESS ANNE — Alverne “Chet” Chesterfield of Princess Anne, a committed leader in education and public service, was sworn in Jan. 14 at the Somerset County Clerk of Court’s Office to serve on the Maryland State Board of Education.

He is the first African American male from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, specifically Somerset County, to serve in such capacity. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Mr. Chesterfield, the region, and the state, as he steps into this influential role to shape the future of education.

Mr. Chesterfield currently serves as the Executive Director of the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, a residential environmental education center and research station located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With a career spanning decades, he has become a cornerstone of educational leadership and community advancement across the Eastern Shore.

A native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mr. Chesterfield moved to Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 1973. He began his academic journey at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Management with a focus on Public Administration from Wilmington University and pursued doctoral coursework in Organizational Management at UMES.

His professional career includes 36 years at UMES, where he held numerous leadership roles, including Residence Counselor, Assistant Director of Residence Life, and Assistant Vice President for Administrative Affairs. He spearheaded the creation of the Auxiliary Enterprises department, transforming it into one of the university’s most revenue-generating divisions. Chesterfield also worked as an adjunct professor and played an active role in the Upward Bound Program.

Beyond UMES, he taught math at the Eastern Correctional Institution and served as a consultant for Elizabeth City State University.
After retirement he worked as a substitute teacher and was appointed by Gov. Wes Moore in April 2023 to serve on the Somerset County Board of Education. Mr. Chesterfield is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the nation’s first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, whose mission of leadership, scholarship, and service aligns seamlessly with his own values.

Being sworn in to the Maryland State Board of Education not only highlights his individual achievements but brings a greater representation to the voices of the Eastern Shore in state-level education decisions.

In addition to his professional and educational endeavors, Mr. Chesterfield remains deeply rooted in his community. A faithful member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Princess Anne, he serves as a Trustee, demonstrating his dedication to service in every aspect of his life.

Reflecting on this monumental moment, Mr. Chesterfield shared, “It’s an honor to be sworn in to serve on the Maryland State Board of Education. This opportunity represents progress for our community and ensures that all voices are heard in shaping the educational future of Maryland. I am humbled by this responsibility and committed to making a meaningful impact.”

Mr. Chesterfield succeeds state board member Dr. Susan Jackson Getty of Carroll County.

The last Somerset County representative was retired Gen. Warner Sumpter, who resigned in the fall of 2023 but like Mr. Chesterfield had served the Somerset County Board of Education.

Gubernatorial appointments require confirmation of the state senate.

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