About James Kole

 

James Wyble Kole

James moved to Maryland in 2012 and has called Laurel home since. Together with his husband, he moved to Ward 1 in 2016. A graduate of Penn State University, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Contracting – Design/Build, with a minor in Horticulture. From a young age—leading his church’s youth group and serving as head acolyte—to a term on his college borough council, he has long championed community service.

Civic, Professional & Leadership Roles

  • Laurel City Council, Ward 1

    • Chair, Environmental Affairs Committee

    • Chair, Laurel Pride Day Planning Committee

    • Former member, Historic District Commission (2021–2024)

    • Former member, Planning Commission (2023-2024)

    • Former member, Ethics Commission (2018–2021)

  • Regional & National Engagement

    • Member, Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Committee, National League of Cities

    • Member, Community Outreach & Engagement Committee, Maryland Municipal League

  • LGBTQ+ Leadership Involvement

    • Board Member, National League of Cities LGBTQ+ Local Officials Constituency Group

    • Vice Chair, Maryland Municipal League LGBTQ+ Caucus

  • Professional & Local Service

    • Former Board Member, MD/DC/VA Landscape Contractors Association

    • Member, National Collegiate Landscape Competition Committee

    • Local volunteer: Laurel for the Patuxent (Riverfront Restoration Action Committee Co-Chair), Historical Society Gala & Garden Tour Committees, Laurel Board of Trade, and Sons of the American Legion.

When he's not in service or soil-deep in landscape design, James is an avid gardener, cultivating herbs, vegetables, and ornamentals. You might find him walking through Old Town Laurel or along Riverfront Park, where the beauty of the season and the community meet.