Civic News

Mayor taps councilman for top post at Baltimore Development Corp.

Bill Cole takes over for Brenda McKenzie, who left after less than 20 months at the quasi-public agency. The group's initiatives include the Emerging Technology Centers and other economic development efforts.

Bill Cole, right, with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mindgrub CEO Todd Marks at a Mindgrub event earlier this year. (Photo by Tyler Waldman, file)

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake tapped City Councilman Bill Cole to serve as president of the Baltimore Development Corporation Thursday.
Cole, a downtown resident and former state delegate who has represented the city’s 11th district since 2007, takes over for Brenda McKenzie, who left after less than 20 months at the quasi-public agency. Her previous posts include jobs in Boston and Chicago.
The BDC promotes economic development in Baltimore city. Its initiatives include the Emerging Technology Centers and the controversial city-owned Hilton hotel.
Cole told the Baltimore Business Journal he hopes to start on the job in early September.
“I realized I had worked with the overwhelming majority of people on some project or another,” Cole told the paper. “I’m comfortable stepping into an agency that has a lot of talent.”
Meanwhile, Cole’s council successor will be chosen by City Council and approved by Rawlings-Blake. His legislative district includes downtown, Bolton Hill, Federal Hill, Mount Vernon and Locust Point.
The Baltimore Sun’s editorial board has an insidery take on what Cole’s BDC appointment should mean.

Companies: Baltimore Development Corporation / Emerging Technology Centers (ETC Baltimore) / City of Baltimore
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