Elizabeth Howe has joined HARC as Executive Assistant, starting in this role in January. Born in Kentucky, Elizabeth grew up in Los Angeles and moved north of San Francisco to Napa Valley in her early teens. She met her husband, Ted, in college in northern California. He’s originally from Maryland, so the couple eventually moved back to Maryland after they got married.
Elizabeth home-schooled their three children for 13 years, then graduated in 2005 with a Master of Library Science degree, with a specialization in Archives from the University of Maryland. She became a Certified Archivist.
After earning her masters, Elizabeth worked at the Washington County Free Library for 17 years as an adult reference librarian, and as an archivist/reference librarian in the Western Maryland Room. Three years ago, she began working at Washington County Community Action Council to help implement a poverty alleviation program called Circles Washington County, Md., a chapter of Circles USA.
In early 2025, Elizabeth was hired as Executive Assistant to HARC’s Executive Director, Kathy Powderly. “I enjoy the flexibility of my work schedule,” Elizabeth says, “and I’ve met many interesting and successful leaders from the local faith community. I love working for an organization whose mission and values I wholeheartedly support.”
Husband Ted is a geriatrician and wound care specialist, and was the Medical Director of Williamsport Retirement Village for 35 years. He currently works part-time as a staff and wound care physician at the Maryland Correctional Institution – Hagerstown (MCI-H). Ted and Elizabeth’s three kids – son, Evan; daughter, Ansley; and son, Alban – are grown and have careers of their own.
“Hiking and mountain climbing are my favorite outdoor activities,” Elizabeth says. “I’ve summited 47 of 50 state highpoints, as well as the highest point in South Korea, and a couple of highest points in the Canadian Maritimes. Ted and I have completed the HARC Challenge Hike each of the past five years and hope to succeed again this year on May 17. What’s not to love about an organization whose largest fundraiser each year is hiking?”
Welcome, Elizabeth, we’re glad to have you!