The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
News Release
For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2026
Commissioner Dr. Billy Okoye, GRI Named Vice Chair of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board
– Darryl Barnes Resigns from M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board –
LARGO, MD – On May 14, 2026, the Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) elected Member Billy Okoye as Vice Chair with a 3-2 vote. Vice Chair Okoye succeeds Planning Board Member Manuel Geraldo in this position who served as Vice Chair since November 2025. Geraldo will remain on the Board with Members Brittany Jenkins and Lori Matthews. In the Chair’s absence, Vice Chair Okoye assumes duties of the Chair in overseeing Planning Board meetings and completing other Board business.
“I look forward to the continued collaboration with my Planning Board colleagues on development review, planning and policy recommendations, and supporting the Commission’s mission in long-range planning, preservation, and encouraging healthy lifestyles,” said Okoye. “We will continue our work to elevate Prince George’s County through equitable approaches that address housing, neighborhood revitalization, sustainability, transportation, and economic vitality.”
Effective May 16, 2026, Darryl Barnes resigned as Chair of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board. In Prince George’s County, members of the Planning Board are appointed by the County Executive, subject to approval of the County Council. The County Executive will appoint the next Planning Board Chair to fill the vacant position, with a four-year term set to expire in June 2029.
The Prince George’s County Planning Board meets weekly to review subdivisions, site plans, and other development applications and develop and make recommendations to the County Council on land use policies to guide the growth and development of the County. In addition, the Planning Board provides managerial oversight of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Together, with fellow colleagues from the Montgomery County Planning Board, they guide M-NCPPC’s bi-county mission to manage physical growth and plan communities; protect and steward natural, cultural, and historic resources; and provide leisure and recreational experiences.
About Vice Chair Billy Okoye
Dr. Billy Okoye, GRI was appointed to the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board in November 2025 by County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy.
Dr. Okoye possesses more than 20 years of experience in business, community advocacy, real estate, and technology. As founder and principal broker of Sold 100 Real Estate, Inc., he led a team of more than 50 agents and oversaw more than $250 million in closed real estate transactions. Additionally, he serves as group managing director of BMO General Contractors and founder of Autograph Solar where he has advanced innovation in both the construction and clean energy sectors. Dr. Okoye has received numerous awards as a committed community activist and volunteer.
Dr. Okoye earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Abia State University and a certificate in information technologies from the International Computer Institute. He received a professional doctorate in business administration from the Chartered Institute of Business Managers.
About the Prince George’s County Planning Board
The Prince George’s County Planning Board, together with the Montgomery County Planning Board, make up The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission – a bi-county agency set up under State law in 1927 to acquire, develop, maintain, and administer a regional system of parks and administer a general plan for the physical development of both counties. In Prince George’s County, the agency also administers the public recreation program. The Planning Board’s responsibilities include supervising preparation of land use plans and comprehensive zoning maps, advising the County Council on zoning map amendment and special exception applications, and reviewing and approving site plans. The Board also oversees the Commission’s work in the County, as carried out by the Parks and Recreation and Planning Departments. Visit www.pgplanningboard.org for more information.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.
Contact:
Calista Black
Chief Communications Officer
calista.black@mncppc.org | 301-952-3038
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