CHRISTIAN EVELIO BARRERA

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Maryland Office of the Attorney General

Christian Evelio Barrera serves as chief of staff and chief operating officer for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, where he oversees agency operations and strategic priorities for more than 1,000 employees across human resources, information technology, professional development, communications and innovation.

Working closely with Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, Barrera has led transformational efforts to modernize the state’s legal agency. He spearheaded the launch of Maryland OAG’s first Learning Management System and played a key role in creating and expanding major divisions, including the Civil Litigation Division, the Office of the Solicitor General and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime Unit to enhance legal services and public safety.

Before joining the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, Barrera supported the DC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, overseeing eight government agencies. During his tenure in Washington, he established the “Senior MedExpress” transportation program for older adults, serving over 2,000 clients while reducing costs and enhancing service quality. He also designed and launched the first LGBTQ-specific programs for older adults in DC after conducting a citywide needs assessment.

Barrera’s mentoring approach reflects his commitment to developing diverse leadership.

“Mentorship for me is deeply personal—rooted in a desire to elevate others, especially those who may not always see themselves reflected in positions of leadership,” he said. He transformed an underperforming finance team into one of the agency’s highest-performing divisions through coaching and professional development, continuing to mentor team members as they pursue leadership roles.

As an immigrant from El Salvador, Barrera brings lived experience to his public service leadership. “I believe real leadership is both bold and humble: bold enough to challenge the status quo, humble enough to lift others along the way,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to serving all communities while proudly representing Maryland’s Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.

This is an honoree profile from The Daily Record's Hispanic Leadership Awards for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree.