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Meet the City Council
Council Duties
The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Five members are elected at-large and serve four-year terms to all voters of the City of Hagerstown.
The Council acts only by ordinance, resolution, or motion. It adopts and may alter the annual budget and confirms the Mayor's appointments. The council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts, and the approval of City expenditures over $10,000. The council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public.
Councilmember Kristin B. Aleshire
Kristin B. Aleshire, a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, has served the public for more than 20 years, initially being elected as a City Councilmember in 2001. During that time, he has served over 18 years as a City Councilmember, along with serving 4 years as a Washington County Commissioner. Kristin is a 1996 graduate of Hagerstown Community College and a 1998 graduate of Salisbury State University. He is employed by the Town of Myersville in Frederick County, Maryland, where he serves as the Town Manager. During his time in public office, he has participated on numerous boards and commissions. He is also active with a number of local civic groups.
Councilmember Caroline Anderson
Caroline Anderson is serving her first term as a City Councilmember. She was born in Paris, France, and moved to the United States at five. Growing up bilingual and gaining a unique cultural perspective shaped her personal and professional life. Living and working across the East Coast, from New York to Maryland and Florida, has enriched her understanding of what makes communities thrive and created a passion for serving others.
In 2021, her husband Tyrone and their three children relocated to Hagerstown, Maryland, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her son serving on the City’s Youth Council exemplifies her commitment to youth representation. She views this as an opportunity to support her son and ensure that young voices are included in shaping the future of Hagerstown. In her new public office role, she serves as the Council representative for the Washington County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Police and Fire Retirement Committee, and the Washington County Economic Development Commission.
As the co-owner of AEON Virtual Office, a small business located in downtown Hagerstown and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and while volunteering at her children’s schools and local community organizations, she plans to make a lasting impact on the city she calls home.
Councilmember Erika Bell
Erika Bell proudly represents the city of Hagerstown, her birthplace and lifelong home, as a dedicated voice for its residents. A mother of two daughters, Erika’s journey from public housing to homeownership underscores her deep understanding of the community's challenges and opportunities.
With over a decade of professional experience as a qualifier dental assistant under the Maryland State Board of Examiners, Erika transitioned her focus to entrepreneurship, becoming the owner of Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar in downtown Hagerstown. This venture reflects her commitment to not only entrepreneurship but also vitality in the heart of the city.
Erika's community engagement extends beyond her business. She serves on several boards, including the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and the Washington County Department of Social Services. She serves on the Economic Development Board with the City. Her passion for grassroots organizing led her to establish Community Roots, a neighborhood-based initiative and homework club to provide educational support and enrichment opportunities for youth in the community where she was raised.
As a councilmember, Erika continues to champion initiatives that promote equity, economic empowerment, and the betterment of Hagerstown’s diverse communities. She remains a steadfast advocate for creating pathways to success for all residents. She is committed to meeting people where they are and giving them a voice.
Councilmember Tiara Burnett
Tiara Burnett is serving her second term as a City Councilmember for Hagerstown, Maryland. A lifelong city resident, she takes pride in raising her daughter in the community she calls home. Tiara graduated from North Hagerstown High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, followed by a Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs of Drugs, Biologics, and Medical Devices from Northeastern University. She has over 15 years of experience in biotechnology and cell gene therapeutics.
Tiara is actively involved in the community. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Robert W. Johnson Community Center and is currently a Board member for the Beyond the Arc Foundation/Ruthann Monroe Summer Basketball League. As a City Councilmember, she also serves as the Council representative for the Washington County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Community Rescue Service. Tiara is passionate about community involvement and activism, focusing on youth empowerment, education, voter rights, and turning community voices into visible improvements.
Councilmember Sean Flaherty
Sean Flaherty is serving his first term as a City Councilman. Sean was born in Washington DC, but grew up in Cearfoss, Maryland, and attended his sophomore high school at South Hagerstown High School. Sean graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and History. Sean has interned on Capitol Hill and worked for various Congressmen and Senators. He then joined the Army National Guard as an enlisted member and was awarded a direct commission as an officer. Sean became a defense contractor in 2014 and has worked on various contracts within the Department of Defense and the Pentagon. He was a Legislative Research Analyst for the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs. Sean works for the Air Force and Space Force through his company, Integrated Data Services. Sean returned to Hagerstown in 2021, ran the Neighborhood’s 1st Dewey Central in the north end, and was appointed to the Hagerstown Planning Commission in 2023. Sean believes that resident involvement is vital to having positive lasting changes in their community. Sean believes that promoting public safety and strong economic development is key to Hagerstown’s long-term success.
Additional Information
Contacting the Mayor and members of the City Council is both easy and convenient. You may call, write, or email as follows:
City of Hagerstown
One East Franklin Street
Second Floor, City Hall
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 766-4175
Email the Mayor and Council