Vanessa E. Atterbeary is a Democrat who represented District 13 in the Maryland House of Delegates from January 2015 until her resignation on January 14, 2026. Born in Howard County, she grew up watching her parents' dedication to community service—her father in civic engagement and her mother as a public school teacher—which shaped her commitment to public service. She is known for advocating for vulnerable populations, passing laws on abuse survivor protections, gun safety, and prosecuting sexual predators. Notable achievements include serving as *Chair of the Ways and Means Committee *, *Chair of the Work Group to Address Police Reform and Accountability *, and receiving awards such as Legislative Champion Award , 25 Women to Watch , and Maryland's Top 100 Women . She has three children and is affiliated with organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Inc.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Member of Maryland State Bar Association and District of Columbia Bar Association.
• Professional Experience: Assistant Attorney General, District of Columbia ; General Counsel, KRA Corporation ; Past President, Montgomery County Commission for Women; Past Chair, Montgomery County Community Development Advisory Committee.
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to Maryland House of Delegates in 2014; served 2015-2026.
  • Key committee roles: Chair, Ways and Means ; Rules and Executive Nominations ; Legislative Policy ; Spending Affordability ; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families .
  • House Chair, Howard County Delegation ; Deputy Democratic Whip .
  • Member: Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland ; Women Legislators of Maryland .
  • Public service: Governor's Workforce Development Board ; Task Force to Study Maryland Orphans' Court ; Neshante and Chloe Davis Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force .