About Carissa Mattern
Carissa Mattern believes in the power of community, the importance of equity, and the magic of a good cup of coffee.
Carissa Mattern is a recognized and dedicated public policy professional and policing expert. Currently, she works in civil rights and police accountability for the City of Baltimore; and is in the dissertation stage of her Doctorate in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Policing. As a Commissioner on the Attorney General's Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention, she serves as Chair of the Online/Cyberbullying committee working to make the internet safer for Marylanders of all ages.
Previously, Carissa served as Chief of Staff to the first openly lesbian Black Maryland State Senator, Senator Mary Washington, and Legislative Director to the first elected Latina Baltimore City Councilwoman, Councilwoman Odette Ramos. Carissa has been recognized for her work in fighting against racism by the Southern Poverty Law Center; and by the Baltimore City Council for her dedication to and work for the citizens of Baltimore.
In 2019, Carissa earned her MA in Public Management, a combination of public administration and public policy, from Johns Hopkins University. Her capstone was titled, Core Police Training and Independent Review Act: A Modified Policy to Use of Force. Prior to her MA, she earned her BFA in Art History, Theory and Criticism from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Before going into politics, she worked in higher education for close to a decade including at her alma mater, MICA.
Carissa resides in Bel Air with her husband, Tom, their two dogs, Barnaby and Echo, their cat, Bernadette 'Bernie'. In Fallston, she boards her retired warmblood horse and official campaign mascot, Monster.
Photo credit: The Hursts & Co
Why DCC?
The Democratic Central Committee (DCC) is a committee of elected volunteers working to strengthen the Democratic Party, and keeping voters updated while supporting all current and potential Democratic candidates. Carissa already does this important work in other capacities, but with fewer resources. Imagine what she could do when elected to and for the DCC, and ultimately, for Harford County.
Her platform is simple.
Carissa wholeheartedly supports the LGBTQIA community; she will always fight for their rights and freedom to be who they are without fear. While working for Senator Washington, she assisted in the passage of the Trans Health Equity Act.
Carissa fully supports the State ban on cooperation with this militarized ICE. She also supports the mask ban, though, she is still fighting for that bill to pass!
Carissa supports accountable, transparent, and community-oriented policing. She does not support private police as they lack the ability for true civilian oversight. Ask her about it!
Carissa does not believe in and does not support Kings. The United States is a democracy as the founding fathers intended, and she is determined for it to stay that way.
Carissa does not believe in nor support the killing of innocent people, ever. No matter where they are.
Carissa supports the preservation of Maryland’s farms, forests, and lands. She comes from a long line of farmers and is a lifelong equestrian, so she understands how important this is to the community and Maryland as a whole.
Carissa supports free healthcare for all. Though this is not a municipal/local topic, know that she has and will always support the United States working towards free healthcare for all.
Carissa supports demystifying mental health. As someone who has struggled with ADHD and social anxiety (no, seriously) for her entire life, she understands how important it is to get the help you need.
Don't see an issue and would like to know where she stands? Use the form below and ask!
First meeting being on the AG's Commission, 2024
Contact Carissa
Carissa wants to hear from you! Reach out below.
Poster: Globe at MICA, 2016
