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CommunityCounty names new economic director
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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It’s been nearly a year since Charles County’s economic development director shocked county officials with his decision to resign after 22 months on the job, but the county has finally appointed his replacement.
On Aug. 4, George L. Robertson of Alexandria, La., will step into the office left empty by former economic development director John Reardon.
Robertson comes from the Cenla Advantage Partnership, an 11-parish economic development organization, where he served as executive director in central Louisiana, according to career information released by the county.
Robertson previously worked as president of Schenectady Economic Development Corporation in New York, which was credited with turning the city’s declining economy around with a net increase of 6,000 jobs and $100 million in new construction. He also served as director of economic development in the South Dakota governor’s office.
Robertson attended Yankton College in Yankton, S.D., with a dual major in theology and communication arts.
‘‘His qualifications fit our needs perfectly,” said commissioners’ President F. Wayne Cooper (D) in a prepared statement. ‘‘We look forward to the fresh ideas and perspectives that Mr. Robertson will bring to our County's economic development department.”
‘‘With so many areas in the State of Maryland competing to attract new business and tourism, Mr. Robertson's results-oriented approach to recruitment and retention of business, and workforce development, will undoubtedly help Charles County to leverage innovative and lucrative economic development opportunities,” said Commissioner Reuben B. Collins II (D) in a prepared statement.
Robertson also released a statement, saying, ‘‘The people and assets of Charles County are very impressive. The County has made a lot of progress and I look forward to working with the commissioners and county administrator in exploring and implementing creative economic development solutions to the fast changing economic environment of the 21st Century.”
With the appointment of Robertson and the permanent appointment Tuesday of William Shreve as director of utilities, the county closed two holes in its management ranks. However, another hole opened last week when Margaret Cheseldine, former director of community services, resigned.
The county is still searching for permanent replacements for its community services director, planning director and a permits chief.
