The Anne Arundel County Council late Thursday chose Howard County official Laura Neuman to be the Anne Arundel county executive, replacing John Leopold, who was convicted of misconduct in office.

Leopold resigned this month after a judge found him guilty on two counts.

Neuman was seen as a surprise choice, besting other more high-profile candidates.

Chief executive officer of Howard County’s Economic Development Authority, Neuman is known for her personal story of overcoming adversity.

She has been outspoken about her past as a rape victim as a young woman. She went on to become a successful entrepreneur.

“At a very early age I decided I was going to live a very independent
and a different life,” she told Patch in a 2011 interview when she was selected as a candidate for the Howard County position by Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. "So, that really was my plan from the earliest years. I just didn’t know what that meant.”

Ulman reacted to the news of Neuman's new position Thursday night via Twitter:

"Econ Devel. Chief Laura Neuman will make a terrific County Exec. #AnneArundel residents will be impressed with her drive & passion."

See accompanying Patch Twitter coverage of the meeting in Anne Arundel in which Neuman was chosen.