Montgomery County Register of Wills

What’s the job: Appoints representatives to administer estates and oversees the process. Serves as clerk to the Orphans’ Court. Provides safekeeping of wills and certifies domestic partnerships. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Alan S. Bowser

Age: 74

Personal: I am a dedicated resident of Silver Spring, where I have lived and served for decades. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, I am an attorney, who has served in senior roles in federal and county government, committing my life to public service and community advocacy.

My leadership in Montgomery County is extensive. I currently serve as Chair of the Committee for Montgomery, President of Safe Silver Spring, and President of the Park Hill Civic Association. A member of the Democratic Party, I serve as Chair of the Greater Silver Spring Democratic Club and was elected a Biden Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. I am also the immediate past president and current Secretary of the Montgomery County Civic Federation, Inc. I am a fervent advocate for veterans, the environment and communities of color.I founded the Silver Spring Blues Festival and established both the Silver Spring Arts Salon and the Tribute to America’s Veterans Concerts. I am a member of the Episcopal Church and serve on the boards of the Sligo Creek Golf Association and Conservation Montgomery. I also act as Treasurer for the After School Dance Fund, Inc.

Education: A.B., Princeton University, School of Public & International Affairs, International Affairs

M.A., The Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, Intternational Affairs & African StudiesJ.D., Georgetown University Law Center

Experience: I am a Montgomery County attorney for over 30 years, focused on family law, estate planning and probate services. I currently serve as Chair of the Committee for Montgomery, Inc., leading a diverse coalition of business, labor, education and civic leaders to advance County priorities.

My public service includes tenures as a Chief of Staff at both the Montgomery County Council and the Maryland General Assembly. I have provided strategic guidance as an advisor to Montgomery County Executives Isiah Leggett and Marc Elrich and served as a member of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board. At the federal level, I served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and was a member of the Senior Executive Service of the United States.My extensive career in public policy and administration also includes significant roles at the World Bank, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, I served in the U.S. House of Representatives, contributing to legislative and oversight initiatives. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to effective governance, community advocacy, and ensuring that public institutions serve the best interests of all residents.

Name: Paul J. Dollahite

Age: 59

Personal: I am a lifelong Montgomery County resident, with deep roots in the Register of Wills office and a strong commitment to the families we serve. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with residents during some of the most difficult moments in their lives, helping them navigate the probate process with clarity, compassion, and care.

I was born in Silver Spring and grew up in Kensington, where I continue to live today with my family. I have been an active member of Holy Redeemer parish since childhood and am an alumnus of St. John’s College High School and The Catholic University of America. While at St. John’s and Catholic, I played varsity football, serving as team captain. I have also given back to the community as an assistant coach with the Rockville Football League and Holy Redeemer’s youth programs.

Education: The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, J.D.

The Catholic University of America, B.A. Major: Politics | Minor: Philosophy Varsity Football, Senior Captain Pi Gamma Mu – International Honor Society in Social Sciences St. John’s College High School Varsity Football, Senior Captain Varsity Lacrosse Graphics Editor, The SabreStudent Council First Lieutenant, Platoon Leader, Corps. of Cadets

Experience: As the incumbent Register of Wills for Montgomery County, I was unanimously appointed by the Circuit Court judges following the death of my predecessor, Joe Griffin, after a thorough vetting process. In this role, I administratively appoint personal representatives, oversee the administration of decedents’ estates, serve as Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, and collect inheritance taxes, probate fees, and court costs on behalf of the State of Maryland. I am also the first attorney to hold this position in Montgomery County.

Before my appointment, I served for over 17 years as Court Administrator under Joe Griffin, reviewing tens of thousands of estate filings and preparing judges for probate court hearings. I worked closely with the public and legal community to help navigate probate procedures - experience that gave me a deep understanding of estates and trusts law and the office’s internal operations. Prior to joining the Register’s office, I practiced law in Maryland for 13 years, concentrating on real estate and estates & trusts. This combination of legal expertise and hands-on administrative experience uniquely prepares me to continue serving the residents of Montgomery County with skill and dedication.

Name: Barbara Ebel

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Republican

Name: T. Dolores Reyes

Age: 0

Personal: I am a former business owner of Development Disability Services, Inc for over 20 years. I provided service to children and adults with disabilities.

I have been a contractor for Walter Reed Army Hospital, District of Columbia Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Philadelphia Public Schools, Camp Lejeune Army Base and a provider of services for several group homes in the District of Columbia.

Education: I have an Undergraduate Degree and a Master Degree in Communications from the University of Dayton. In Dayton Ohio. At the University of Dayton I was voted Vice President of the Student Body.

Experience: I am a member of several women organizations. I have been a radio show host at BET in Montgomery County Maryland. I have been a guest on the Roland Martin Show and I have launched a Pod Cast a few years ago called Dee On The P.O.C (People of Color). In the past I have organized and implemented a luncheon for disabled children at Walter Reed Hospital. I also help with our Back the Blue monthly events in Montgomery County