Ben Yelin
Public Policy and External Affairs Program Director
Phone: 410-706-6532
Email: ben.yelin@umaryland.edu
Areas of Expertise: Public Policy Analysis | Legislative Tracking | Continuity of Operations Planning | Media and External Affairs | State and Local Emergency Management
Certifications and Affiliations: Maryland State Bar, admitted December 2013
Education: J.D., 2013, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law | B.A. in Government and Economics, 2008, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
About Ben
I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of law and policy, which led me to apply for a summer externship at CHHS during law school. That opportunity introduced me to homeland security, public health preparedness, and emergency planning, and after continuing as a research assistant for two more semesters, I knew I wanted to stay. I was hired full-time the summer after graduating from law school and have been with CHHS ever since. One of my most significant achievements has been building the CHHS’ Public Policy program and portfolio from the ground up. Before I stepped into my current role, CHHS didn’t regularly engage in public policy analysis, legislative tracking, or consistent collaboration with the Maryland General Assembly. Over the years, we have become recognized subject matter experts and expanded our profile, taking on impactful projects like the 2023 study on panic button systems in Maryland Public Schools and our 2021 report on state and local cybersecurity. What I love most about working at CHHS is the people—I’ve had the chance to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and build strong relationships with both staff and clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside mission-driven individuals who are committed to improving the readiness and resiliency of their communities.
Why do you like to teach?
Teaching in the J.D., LL.M. and M.S.L. programs at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, I sometimes learn as much from our students as they learn from me. I love teaching students from all different backgrounds and life experiences. Insights from those experiences have sometimes altered my perspective on many of the subjects I teach and have enriched the course material for future students.
What's something most people don't know about you?
I am originally from San Francisco, CA. I have not lived there since I graduated high school, but my family still lives there and I get to visit often. Besides my family and friends, my greatest loyalty is to my SF Bay Area sports teams, which I follow fervently.
What's a fun fact or hidden talent you have?
I am extremely good at memorization. I pride myself on knowing all 100 members of the United States Senate and all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The ability to memorize things even occasionally comes in handy in my professional life!
