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Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

Western MD Advisory Council

​Established in September, 2019, the Western Maryland Advisory Council (WMAC) of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is composed of 15 citizen volunteers residing in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.​ Of these 15 members, one member is between the age of 18 to 25. The members of the WMAC are appointed to 2-year terms by the Board of Commissioners of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Service on the WMAC is non-partisan.

The WMAC assists with the furtherance of MCC​R's mission; serves as a regional point-of-contact on issues within the area; increases public awareness of the services offered by MCCR as well as their protections under State law; and ultimately builds sustainable partnerships that serve to protect Maryland’s most vulnerable populations.

Meet the current members of the WMAC:

Shelley M. Menear - Garrett County

Katrina Wyand-Yurish - Frederick County

Dr. Artie Travis - Allegany County

Sarah Layne Par​sons​ - Allegany County

Hailie Toro - Allegany County

Devin Barroga - Garret County

Tifani Fisher -  Allegany​ County

View the WMAC member bios and headshots - PDF 599.18 KB

Objectives of the WMAC

The objectives of the Western Maryland Advisory Council (WMAC) to MCCR are: 

  • To assist with the furtherance of the mission of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
  • To serve as a regional point-of-contact on issues within the area
  • To increase public awareness of the services offered by MCCR as well as their protections under State law
  • To build sustainable partnerships and connections to promote and improve civil and human rights statewide. 

In short, the WMAC will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the MCCR in the Western Maryland region (Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties) and assist in forming a stronger, strategic network of partners committed to civil and human rights in Maryland. 

Interested in Serving on the WMAC?

MCCR partners with leaders and organizations representing individuals from all walks of life in the interest of promoting equity, opportunity, and inclusion for all. If you want to be a part of a statewide effort to build bridges between people across races, ethnicities, incomes, religions, and generations, then MCCR wants to partner with you.

You can apply to serve on the Western Maryland Advisory Council​. When a vacancy becomes available, your application will be considered.

Application criteria

  • Members must be at least 18 years old and reside within Frederick, Washington, Garrett, or Allegany counties.
  • Members will be appointed to two-year terms as individuals and not as official representatives of organizations.
  • One Member will be prioritized as a qualified applicant between the ages of 18 to 25.
  • Members should be familiar with and supportive of MCCR’s mission, vision, and statutory jurisdiction.

Contact the WMAC