HAGERSTOWN – Washington County Commissioner Derek Harvey, a retired U.S. Army colonel with a background in military intelligence and national security roles during the Trump administration, has resigned from the Board of County Commissioners, effective Feb. 24.
The board announced the resignation this morning, saying Harvey cited new business opportunities that better align with his family’s needs and his long-term professional goals.
Harvey was elected in 2022 to a four-year term representing the county, which includes his residence in Smithsburg, where he lives with his wife and three children.
A 26-year Army veteran, Harvey retired as a colonel in 2006 after serving as an intelligence officer and Middle East foreign area officer. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and multiple Meritorious Service Medals. He held key analytical roles in Iraq, including serving as a senior analyst for Iraq on the Joint Staff and in positions under Gen. David Petraeus with Multi-National Forces-Iraq.
In 2009, Petraeus selected him to direct the new Afghanistan-Pakistan Center of Excellence at U.S. Central Command. There, he focused on improving intelligence about the insurgency, as detailed in Bob Woodward’s book “Obama’s Wars.”
Harvey later served briefly on the National Security Council in 2017 as senior director for Middle East and North African affairs before departing amid reported disagreements. He then joined the staff of then-Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) as a top aide on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
The county attorney has notified the Washington County Republican Central Committee of the vacancy. The committee will recommend a replacement to Gov. Wes Moore, who will appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term.
The board expressed appreciation for Harvey’s service to the county and wished him success in his future endeavors.
