EXHIBIT 24 POWER OF ATTORNEY We, the undersigned directors of the Registrant, hereby severally constitute and appoint Marjorie S. Holsinger our true and lawful attorney and agent, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which said person may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Registrant to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the registration statement on Form S-8 relating to the Sandy Spring Bancorp 1999 Stock Option Plan, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below the registration statement and any all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto; and we hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said person and/or persons shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof. Signature Title Date /s/ John Chirtea Director May 26, 1999 - ---------------- John Chirtea /s/ Susan D. Goff Director May 26, 1999 - ----------------- Susan D. Goff /s/ Solomon Graham Director May 26, 1999 - ------------------ Solomon Graham /s/ Gilbert L. Hardesty Director May 26, 1999 - ----------------------- Gilbert L. Hardesty /s/ Joyce R. Hawkins Director May 26, 1999 - -------------------- Joyce R. Hawkins /s/ Thomas O. Keech Director May 26, 1999 - ------------------- Thomas O. Keech /s/ Charles F. Mess Director May 26, 1999 - ------------------- Charles F. Mess /s/ Robert L. Mitchell Director May 26, 1999 - ---------------------- Robert L. Mitchell Director - ------------------------- Robert L. Orndorff, Jr. /s/ David E. Rippeon Director May 26, 1999 - -------------------- David E. Rippeon /s/ Lewis R. Schumann Director May 26, 1999 - --------------------- Lewis R. Schumann /s/ W. Drew Stabler Director, Chairman of the May 26, 1999 - ------------------- Board W. Drew Stabler