Samuel Wynkoop Returns To PG Environmental Resources

Samuel E. Wynkoop, Jr.

Samuel Wynkoop was appointed as the acting director for the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) in December 2010 by County Executive Rushern Baker, who nominated him to be the director of DER. The Prince George's County Council approved his nomination on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. 

Environmental resources is the county’s chief agency for basic resident services. It handles waste management and animal control, and fields complaints on everything from abandoned homes to building code infractions. DER workers are also responsible for all county licenses and for issuing building permits.

Wynkoop has over 40 years of federal, state, local government, and private sector experience. He is a former chief of staff for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who represents Prince George's, and was also the director of the department of environmental resources for more than eight years. Wynkoop was vice president for operations for southern Maryland for the Hallowell Corporation, a Montgomery County land acquisition company that is expanding to Prince George's and Charles counties.

Mr. Wynkoop began his career in Prince George’s County as a teacher in 1967 and then worked in various County government positions including County Council Administrator from 1971-1988. Mr. Wynkoop also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Steny Hoyer from 1991-1993, returning to Prince George’s County Government as Director of the Department of Environmental Resources from 1995-2003.

Wynkoop served as the chairman of the board of directors for Dimensions Healthcare System since 1993. Prior to his appointment as board chairman, Wynkoop was the vice chairman of the Dimensions board. He also served as chairman of the board of directors for Prince George's Hospital Center, a member institution of Dimensions Healthcare System.

Mr. Wynkoop has earned an undergraduate degree from Frostburg State University, earned a master's degree in social work from Catholic University of America and completed additional studies at Bowie State University and the University of Maryland.  He is a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County, now residing in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Mr. Wynkoop is married to Sunday Jay Wynkoop, and is the father of Daniel Wynkoop and Carrie Neuman and grandfather to Jari and Samantha. (PG County, Kalibooks, 5/18/2011, PG Gazette, 7/12/2011, Dimensions Health Care, photo courtesy Dimensions Health Care)