Calvin Young, interim Deputy Mayor for Community and Economic Development, is taking on an additional role for Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration: Board Chair of the Baltimore Development Corp. (BDC).
The BDC’s board voted in closed session on Thursday to accept Scott’s nomination of Young to serve as board chair of the quasi-public organization, the city’s lead economic development agency. Young attended the meeting and presided over it after the panel emerged from its closed session. He replaces August Chiasera, who becomes chair emeritus. Otis Rolley has been the president and CEO since last June.
“We’re excited to announce Calvin Young, interim Deputy Mayor for Community and Economic Development, as the new Board Chair of the Baltimore Development Corp.,” the organization posted on social media.
“Calvin brings deep experience, steady leadership and a strong commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth across the City of Baltimore,” the BDC announcement said. “We look forward to working together to support Baltimore businesses, neighborhoods and communities as we continue buildng a stronger local economy.”
The BDC’s chairs have usually come from the private sector. Young told the board that Scott wanted to strengthen ties between City Hall and the BDC during his second term and is grateful to Chiasera for his leadership.
“We’re deeply grateful for his service and dedication to Baltimore and we’re excited to continue to build on the strong foundation” he and the board have created, Young said.
Young’s appointment is one of several recent leadership changes that Scott has made to agencies that make key decisions about economic development and Baltimore’s urban landscape.
On Wednesday Scott said he intends to nominate current city Planning Director Timothy Keane to serve as the city’s next housing commissioner and housing official Renata Southard to serve as the city’s next Planning Director. They will serve in an acting capacity until they’re confirmed by the City Council as expected. Southard will be the first female Planning Director in Baltimore’s history.
During the BDC board meeting on Thursday, Rolley introduced new members of his senior leadership team. They are: Senior Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer Roy Broderick Jr.; Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Julius Maina; Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer Maggie McDonough, and Senior Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Jeremy Watson.
