Hogan names R. Michael Gill as DBED secretary

The next governor of Maryland’s choice to lead the Department of Business and Economic Development has a long career in the information technology and wireless communications sectors, and has also advised entrepreneurs.
Gov.-elect Larry Hogan announced he was nominating R. Michael Gill, who currently serves as chairman of Columbia-based investment firm Evergreen Advisors, as the department’s next secretary.

@Hogan4Governor names Mike Gill of @evergreenadvise DBED Secretary "I found the best person to sell the State of MD" pic.twitter.com/8h4ng6nWZ3

— Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore (@Econ_Alliance) January 8, 2015

Gill began his career in sales and marketing at IBM in 1974. In 1984, he founded the cellular services company Americom, and served as CEO. The company was acquired by Solectron in 2000.
In 2003, he founded Hoyt Capital, which advised entrepreneurs. Then, in 2006, he became executive chairman of Bluefire Security Technologies, which develops security software for wireless devices.
For his next act, he’ll lead the state department tasked with growing the state’s private sector and attracting new businesses. Hogan, a Republican, made economic development a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign and eventual upset win over Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. He’s already suggested that a realignment of economic development resources may be in the works.
Gill will replace Dominick Murray, who made an early exit from the department on Monday.

Proud to welcome secretary-designee Mike Gill to DBED! http://t.co/6Sw7AXIvrh

— Maryland Commerce (@MDBiz) January 8, 2015