WASHINGTON — The first man to serve as the Prince George’s County executive under a reformed government structure has died.
William W. Gullett was 93. He died last week, according to the current County Executive Rushern Baker.
Gullett, a Republican, was the first to fill the new leadership post after the county adopted a charter-based form of government in 1971. He along with the County Council helped set the framework that continues to operate and guide the county today, according to Baker.
Prince George’s County is “eternally grateful” for Gullett’s service, Baker says.
“Although the county he governed was very different than what it is today, our charter form of government has remained and still prevails to best serve the interests of our citizens,” according to a written statement.
Gullett served as mayor of College Park from 1963 to 1969. He served as county executive from 1971 to 1974 and later worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development during the Reagan administration. During World War II, he served as a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps, and later worked as a chemical engineer, according to the Maryland State Archives.
