Contact Us

Eric S. Friedman, Director 
T: 240.777.0311
Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer
Manages and oversees the work of the Agency, as well as its budget, sub-units and staff.  In addition, Director Friedman was appointed to the Maryland Financial Consumer Protection Commission which assesses the impact of changes in federal laws, regulations and policy and issues recommendations thereon. The MFCPC issued a  Final Report in 2018Director Friedman was also appointed as the Consumer Member to the State Collection Agency Licensing Board and to the Access to Justice Task Force.

Cindy FloresPatient Advocate

Handles disputes related to the emergency medical transportation reimbursement process, and related consumer medical billing and collection issues.  Serves as executive aide to OCP’s senior management team.
T: 240.777.3686
Supervisor: Eric S. Friedman

Patricia Vitale , Administrator
Supervises investigative programs and initiatives, including consumer education/community outreach, legislation and advocacy. Serves as OCP's Business Liaison and Public Information Act custodian.
T: 240.777.3774
Supervisor: Eric S. Friedman

Lorena C. Bailey, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including retail, shipping, internet scams, and consumer issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino communities. Serves as the Coordinator for the Domestic Workers Law and Initiative (Bill #2.08).
Spanish speaking.
T: 240.777.3781
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

Lasantha Dahanaike, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including home improvement, landscaping, movers, and utilities.  Serves on the multi-jurisdictional "Woodchucks" Task Force and as OCP liaison to the  Business Eviction Response Team .
T: 240.777.3635
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

Michelle Escobar , Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including home improvements, trade services and repairs, new homes and warranty issues. Serves on the multi-jurisdictional  "Woodchucks" Task Force.
Spanish speaking.

T: 240.777.3742
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

Lee Glass, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including dealing with issues regarding licensed and unlicensed home improvement contractors, utility matters and disputes, issues with wireless phone carriers, and handling complaints regarding home warranty companies. 
T: 240.777.3727
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

Sharon B. Margolis, Investigator 
Handles consumer complaints related to automotive, sales, finance, advertising, and repossession issues. Coordinates legislation and special investigation projects as assigned by management staff. Serves as the Coordinator for the Estimated Property Tax Disclosure Initiative (Bill #24.07) and as Staff to the Advisory Commtee on Consumer Protection.   
T: 240.777.3696
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

Joy Matthews, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints across a broad spectrum of topics, including appliance repair, furniture sales and other retail issues.  Coordinates and hosts the OCP's monthly Consumer Alerts program.
T: 240.777.3726
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

Bernardo S. Vega, Investigator
Handles consumer complaints related to automobile repairs, used auto sales, home improvement, and towing. Handles consumer issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino communities. Serves as OCP representative on Energy and Environmental workgroups.
Spanish speaking.
T: 240.777.3780
Supervisor: Patricia Vitale

 

K. Samuel Buo, Jr. , Administrator
Manages the Business Registration and Licensing Unit, administrator of the Business Compliance Unit, and manages OCP's operational functions.  
T: 240.777.3760
Supervisor: Eric S. Friedman​

Shaun Carew, Program Manager II, Business Education and Registration (BEAR) Unit
Manages the BEAR Unit which assesses the marketplace to correct noncompliant activities.  The unit educates merchants and consumers about the County's consumer protection laws.
T: 240.777.3675
Supervisor: K. Samuel Buo, Jr. 

 

Maurice Valentine, Program Manager I, Public Election Fund Liaison and Outreach & Education Manager
S erves as the County liaison for candidates and the public for questions about the campaign financing program. Manages the outreach and education activities for the Office of Consumer Protection. Public Election Fund Liaison
T: 240.777.3740
Supervisor: K. Samuel Buo, Jr.

Hongli Liu, Administrative Specialist

Audits businesses to ensure compliance with the County's consumer protection laws.  Provides onsite administrative support.
T: 240.777.3722
Supervisor: Shaun Carew

 

Brian Shin, Administrative Specialist
Audits businesses to ensure compliance with the County's consumer protection laws.  Provides onsite administrative support.
T: 240.777.3686
Supervisor: Shaun Carew