“Gabe Albornoz believes in excellence. He cares a lot about programs that actually make a real difference in people’s lives. As the head of the Dept. of Recreation, he was very good at his job, and had drive, vision, and was willing to fight to help make things happen for families that really needed it. He would go above and beyond, and had a lot of smarts and savvy about how to make things happen.”

—James Pearlstein, Former AIM Organizer

“Gabe Albornoz came to the Scotland community during the time that we were putting together the community centers campaign. He met with us, he spoke with us. Gabe also presented to the County Executive the question of naming the community center after one of the community leaders in the Scotland community who pushed really hard for the center, and that was Bette Carol Thompson. We’re going to forever be grateful for what Gabe did.”

—Chuck Williams, Scotland AME Zion Church

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz has worked with AIM as a key government partner to make a great impact on the lives of youth and families in Montgomery County. He was appointed as the Director of the Montgomery County Department of Recreation in 2007, at the age of 30—the youngest political appointee in the history of Montgomery County.

In 2007, AIM won a campaign to rebuild four previously neglected community centers in historic African-American communities. Once the money for the community centers was secured in the budget, Albornoz went above and beyond to make sure each of these community centers was the highest quality possible and well-staffed. He found extra money to build a partnership between Good Hope Community Center and the premier arts center Strathmore, ensuring that the cultural richness of Strathmore could benefit East County. 

As head of the Recreation Department, Gabe Albornoz partnered with AIM to create the high-quality Excel Beyond the Bell Elementary after-school program, and helped expand the program from 2 schools to now 18 Title I schools across Montgomery County. 

Albornoz transformed the Department of Recreation from a fee-for-service model to a robust youth development program. He hired many young people to work at EBB programs, providing great first job opportunities for teens and wonderful mentoring for the elementary school students. 

Since his election as a Councilmember in 2018, Albornoz has continued to work with AIM on a variety of initiatives, including ensuring Covid testing centers were more equitably implemented, and providing more dental care to low-income residents. Albornoz’s legacy continues in each resident who participates in activities at the rebuilt recreation centers and every student who enjoys high-quality programming at Excel Beyond the Bell afterschool programs.

Reflection from Councilmember Albornoz:

“The incredible advocacy of Action in Montgomery is not only deeply inspiring, but also urgently needed now more than ever. For the past 25 years, AIM has served as a persistent force for justice and equity, uniting faith organizations, nonprofits, and civic organizations in a collective mission to uplift and empower our most vulnerable residents. 

I have witnessed firsthand the impact of AIM's work to amplify marginalized voices, organize grassroots actions, and fight for systemic change. I am honored by AIM's recognition, acknowledging that our accomplishments were a result of a shared care and commitment to the community and our neighbors most in need.”