Joy Nurmi was appointed as Chief of Staff to At-Large Councilmember Gabe Albornoz in December, 2018. She previously served as a Special Assistant to County Executive Isiah Leggett for eight years. She joined Montgomery County government in January 1995, and served as chief of staff to three County Council members before being appointed as Director of the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center in June 2009.While serving at the Council, Joy gained wide experience in many areas of public policy through her work in areas such as transportation, smart growth and development, public safety, positive youth initiatives, budget, and cable and technology.As chief of staff for Councilmember Betty Ann Krahnke, Joy worked on Ms. Krahnke's signature issue, domestic violence. Today, the County's shelter, the Betty Ann Krahnke Center, provides a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their children.Joy served as chief of staff for Councilmember Marilyn J. Praisner for eight years until Ms. Praisner’s death in February, 2008. She worked closely on a number of East County and countywide issues with Ms. Praisner - the longest serving woman on the County Council and one of its most respected leaders. The Marilyn J. Praisner Library and Recreation Center in East County are testimony to Ms. Praisner’s legacy and service in Montgomery County. Joy continued as chief of staff for Marilyn’s husband, Councilmember Donald Praisner, after he was elected to serve out the remainder of Ms. Praisner's term.Before joining the County, Joy worked at the Gazette newspapers for six years, as a reporter and then news editor. She has a B.S. in communications from the University of Maryland, University College.