TESTIMONIALS

Father Joe Muth, Chaplain at Notre Dame of Maryland University

I met Mansoor Shams about ten years ago when my church, St. Matthew, was reaching out to the Muslim community and his mosque hosted a community gathering. The event was an open invitation for conversation, relationship-building, and exploring how we could work together. Mansoor’s energy and warmth stood out immediately—he welcomed everyone and made a point to connect personally with many attendees.

Over the years, our communities have continued this exchange. Mansoor has visited St. Matthew and Blessed Sacrament, where I served as pastor, and I have been welcomed many times at the Ahmadiyya Mosque for Friday Jumu’ah prayers and community events.

Mansoor is deeply knowledgeable about history and brings a broad, inclusive vision for uniting people around shared concerns. I was excited to hear he was considering a run for Baltimore County Executive. He is a fresh, energetic voice with a genuine commitment to bringing people together. A former Marine, he has served his country with honor and now seeks to continue that service at the community level.

I support Mansoor as a leader, community activist, and friend. He is honest, values interfaith and intercultural cooperation, and works to build understanding around both our differences and our shared goals. Mansoor is a true asset to our community, and I believe he is the servant leader Baltimore County needs.

Image: Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun

Bonnie L. Robeson, Ph.D., M.A.S. - Lecturer, The Johns Hopkins University

I enthusiastically endorse Mansoor Shams for Baltimore County Executive. I have known him for more than 15 years, dating back to when he was a student in my course while completing his MBA. I have witnessed firsthand his exceptional qualifications and unwavering commitment to public service.

Mansoor brings a rare combination of business acumen, advanced education, and proven leadership skills that Baltimore County needs. What truly sets him apart, however, is his deep passion for building a safe, inclusive, and thriving community for all residents.

His dedication extends far beyond words. Through his MuslimMarine.org initiative and extensive outreach across diverse religious groups and community organizations, Mansoor has consistently demonstrated his ability to bridge divides and bring people together.

His membership in the Council on Foreign Relations has further sharpened his vision, enabling him to connect global perspectives with local action—a critical skill for any county executive navigating today’s complex challenges.

Baltimore County would be fortunate to have a leader of Mansoor’s caliber, character, and commitment. I give him my strongest endorsement.

Dr. Amit Golding, Former President, Chevrei Tzedek Congregation

I have known Mansoor Shams for nearly a decade as both a neighbor and as the former president of our synagogue. My first memory of Mansoor and his family was when they brought sweets to our home to celebrate the birth of their child—sharing their joy with their neighbors in a simple, meaningful way.

Over the years, our families spent time in each other’s homes, including welcoming Mansoor and his family into our home during Passover, and seeing them attend events and services at our synagogue while I was serving as president. In that same spirit, he regularly invited our congregation and other faith communities to his mosque in Baltimore that brought together people from many backgrounds.

What stands out most about Mansoor is his willingness to engage in sincere and sometimes difficult conversations with openness and goodwill. As a Muslim and a Marine, he has consistently shared his personal experiences to promote understanding and service. I have every confidence that Mansoor would be an outstanding leader and public servant for Baltimore County.

Ms. Linda Brown, Mansoor’s 7th grade teacher

I first met Mansoor Shams when I was teaching middle school in Columbia, Maryland; I was fortunate enough to have him in one of my sections. Even then, I was impressed by his enthusiasm, intelligence, and compassion, and I still am.

Over time, we have stayed in touch, and our professional teacher/student relationship developed into a solid friendship built on mutual respect. As Mansoor has grown into adulthood, those attributes that characterized the young seventh grader are even more pronounced. His devotion to his family, his friends, his faith, and his country is praiseworthy. I particularly admire his willingness to speak out with honesty and courage when he observes injustice.

A quick look at his policies reveals that Mansoor takes a “people” approach, not a partisan approach, to contemporary issues. As a senior, I particularly appreciate his efforts to reform property taxes for those of us who do not have the income we once had. As an educator—I still teach part-time at our local community college—I am in awe of his grasp of what needs to be done to provide a quality education for all of our children. I would vote for him if I could, but since I don’t live in his district, I will just have to wait until he runs for Congress.

This young man is the future of our country, and I am thankful to be living in a time when I can see him and other young people like him step up and become leaders we can be proud of.

Dr. Michael Zollicoffer (Dr. Z), MD, Pediatrician

I have known Mansoor for over 10 years and have found him to be a man with the greatest integrity. He has served this country and is deeply committed to helping be its best. We have had many deep conversations during his visits to my office and during my visits to his mosque. He and his family have become friends more than just acquaintances.

He has the tools to heal and provide the leadership that Baltimore County needs. I support him without restraint as I know he will do what is best for us all.

Scott Cooper, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Marine and founder, Veterans for American Ideals

I’ve known Mansoor for more than 10 years, working closely with him as an engaged citizen and advocate. He’s always amazed me with his earnestness, and his ability to bring people together and bridge divides.

Mansoor cares deeply for our country and for making a positive difference. I think he will be a superb and effective leader as Baltimore County Executive.