Silke Pope served on the Public Safety Advisory Committee for nine years until election to council in 2009. During her tenure leading PSAC, the city saw improvements in safety including installation of security cameras at the Spellman Overpass and emergency call boxes on Metro Drive and in Franklin Park. Pope is council liaison to both PSAC and the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and she continues to be a strong supporter of public safety and quality of life initiatives.
Pope has served on state and national committees including the National League of Cities (NLC) Public Safety and Crime
Prevention Steering Committee and the NLC Small Cities Council which she chaired in 2016. She was also on the board of the Prince George’s County Municipal Association in 2022.
Pope earned a fellowship from the University of Maryland’s Academy for Excellence in Local Governance. This provided her with a thorough understanding of the functions of local municipalities and a strong understanding of governmental policy and ethics. Additionally, Pope completed workshops at the University of Maryland’s Academy for Excellence on Leadership and Human Cognition, Economic Development and Leadership and Negotiation, Government and Civility.
Pope has experience in international business relations and banking where her bilingual ability, attention to detail and
organizational skills were critical. She has been employed by Prince George’s County Schools for 23 years, first at Greenbelt Middle School and currently at Springhill Lake Elementary. She most recently has taught an after-school Achieve Tutoring Program that teaches social, emotional and physical wellness.
Before proudly earning U.S. citizenship in 2006, Pope became involved in several community groups in Greenbelt. A member of St. Hugh of Grenoble Church since 2000, she has been involved in numerous fundraising efforts, the most notable being the annual Oktoberfest where she is best known for her authentic German dishes. She served on the Belle Point Homeowners’ Association from 2006 to 2019 and joined the Charlestowne Village Condominium Association in 2019. She is also a member of the American Legion, Post 136 Ladies Auxiliary.
Pope has lived in Greenbelt for 25 years. She came to Greenbelt with her family from Germany after her husband, Joseph, retired from the United States Army. She originally lived in Franklin Park and currently resides in Belle Point. When not attending council meetings and events, Silke walks her shelter dogs, Chip and Bambi, exercises and spends time with her six grandchildren.