DEBBIE J. ODUM FOR WARD 3

Down-to-Earth, Dependable, and Devoted
“A Selfless Life of Sacrifice, Steadfastness, and Service”

"It Takes a Village"

1/5

Endorsement

As your current Ward 3 Alderwoman and a candidate for Mayor of Annapolis, I am proud to endorse Debbie Odum to succeed me in representing Ward 3. Over the past 18 months, under my mentorship, Debbie has hit the ground running—attending over 45 meetings and events, working closely with City Directors and staff, and serving diligently as the Ward 3 Liaison for the City. She’s shown up and done the work. Ward 3 will be in good hands with Debbie Odum!

-- Rhonda Pindell Charles

Early Career

Deborah Jean Odum, nicknamed Debbie, was born in Washington, D.C. and attended schools there. Debbie’s journey of service began on the campaign trail for the former and late D.C. Mayor Marion Barry. “Despite his history of political and legal controversies, Barry was a popular and influential figure in Washington, D.C.” Without question and by all accounts, Barry got things done for all of the people and he got it done quickly.

At an early age Debbie got the honor to meet Dr. Martin Luther King, she got the honor to shake his hand while he was visiting some of the neighborhoods in D.C. This was during the planning of the March on Washington, she never forgot that handshake.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

In 2008, Debbie worked with Josh Cohen who became Mayor of Annapolis, along with Kenneth Kirby Alderman for Ward 6 assisting in their campaigning for their political careers. Then from 2009-2010 she served as the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) /Resident Council / Resident Advisory Board Presidents for various communities: Harbor House and Eastport Terrace, Woodside Gardens and Annapolis Gardens where she met with tenants and listened to their needs in the community. She remains a member of the HACA Resident Council and the Resident Advisory Board President and V/President. to this day. In 2010 Debbie served the City of Annapolis 2010 Census Canvassers door to door to assist with the county’s census.

CITY SERVICE AND RETIREMENT

It was in 2010 that Debbie moved to Annapolis Gardens Community Ward 3, being elected as President of their Resident Council and still serving in that role. From 2011-2023 Debbie thoroughly enjoyed working as an administrator for the City of Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) which is probably the most “front-facing” and public Department within our City government where customer service is a mandated skill set and a requirement. Debbie also served at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, the Stanton Community Center, and her ARPD tenure which included a 2-year special assignment with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) during COVID; mainly assisting with Winter Relief and the Call Center. In April 2024, Debbie retired from the city and immediately began serving as the Ward 3 Community Liaison.