Colin Tarbert, President and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) for the last six years, will step down on June 13.
The quasi-public agency, which serves as Baltimore City’s economic development arm, announced Tarbert’s departure on Thursday. It did not say what Tarbert will do after he leaves BDC. It said BDC’s board will form a search committee to find Tarbert’s replacement and BDC chair Augie Chiasera will lead the committee.
“It has been an honor to lead BDC and work alongside an exceptional team dedicated to Baltimore’s economic growth,” Tarbert said in a statement. “The projects we’ve delivered and the investments we’ve attracted will continue shaping the city’s future for years to come. I look forward to seeing Baltimore build on this momentum.”
“Colin’s dedication to Baltimore has been unwavering, playing a pivotal role in driving investment, creating jobs, and leading transformative projects that have shaped our city’s future,” said Mayor Brandon Scott, in a statement. “His leadership at BDC has strengthened Baltimore’s economy, and his impact will be felt for years to come. I appreciate his service and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”
Tarbert is one of three leaders of local quasi-public agencies who have disclosed plans to leave their jobs in June.
Laurie Schwartz will retire on June 30 as President of The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and be succeeded by Dan Taylor, currently the Vice President of Business and Neighborhood Development at the BDC.
Al Hutchinson told the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board that he has decided not to renew his contract as President and CEO of Visit Baltimore when it expires on June 30. The convention and tourism board has formed a committee to find his replacement.
Tarbert, 44, was appointed to head the BDC in 2019, during the administration of Mayor Catherine Pugh. Before that, he spent nearly 10 years serving three mayoral administrations in Baltimore, including positions as Deputy Chief of Strategic Alliances and Deputy Mayor for Economic and Neighborhood Development.
According to the BDC’s announcement, the agency has supported more than 3,400 businesses, facilitated more than $4.5 billion in private investment, and helped create and retain more than 14,000 jobs since 2019.
“Colin Tarbert’s leadership has been instrumental in driving major investment into Baltimore,” Chiasera, M&T Bank Executive Vice President, said in a statement. “His ability to navigate complex deals and attract major employers has significantly strengthened the city’s economy.”
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