EXHIBIT 24
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         We, the undersigned directors of the Registrant, hereby severally
constitute and appoint Theresa A. Cornish 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,
Inc. Omnibus Stock Plan, including specifically, but not limited to, power and
authority to sign for us in our names in our capacities as directors and, as
applicable, as members of the plan administrative committee, 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 25, 2005
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John Chirtea

/s/ Susan D. Goff                  Director                        May 25, 2005
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Susan D. Goff

/s/ Solomon Graham                 Director                        May 25, 2005
- ------------------
Solomon Graham

/s/ Gilbert L. Hardesty            Director                        May 25, 2005
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Gilbert L. Hardesty

/s/ Charles F. Mess                Director                        May 25, 2005
- -------------------
Charles F. Mess

/s/ Robert L. Mitchell             Director                        May 25, 2005
- ----------------------
Robert L. Mitchell

/s/ Robert L. Orndorff, Jr.        Director                        May 25, 2005
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Robert L. Orndorff, Jr.

/s/ David E. Rippeon               Director                        May 25, 2005
- --------------------
David E. Rippeon

/s/ Craig A. Ruppert               Director                        May 25, 2005
- --------------------
Craig A. Ruppert

/s/ Lewis R. Schumann              Director                        May 25, 2005
- ---------------------
Lewis R. Schumann

/s/ W. Drew Stabler                Director, Chairman of the       May 25, 2005
- -------------------                   Board
W. Drew Stabler