Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Announces Jared Smith as its New President and CEO

For Immediate Release

November 18, 2025

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD –The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) today announced Jared Smith as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 8, 2025.

Smith brings more than 20 years of economic development and business experience across local and state government to the role. Most recently, he served as Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Henderson in Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), serving more than two million residents. Previously, as the Chief Operating Officer at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, he generated $17.2 billion in economic impact over six years, the highest results in the organization’s history.

Over the past decade, Smith has helped drive the diversification of Nevada’s tourism-based regional economy, contributing to the creation of more than 20,000 jobs. His proven track record in business attraction, retention, expansion, and workforce development includes partnerships with hundreds of companies across both established and high-growth industry sectors.

“I’m pleased to welcome Jared to Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The appointment of a new CEO at MCEDC marks the beginning of the next phase in advancing the County’s long-term economic development strategy.”

Smith joins MCEDC shortly after the organization’s five-year redesignation was approved by the Montgomery County Council, reaffirming MCEDC’s role as the County’s official economic development entity driving innovation, growth, and long-term competitiveness.

As Montgomery County continues to attract new industries and expand opportunities for our residents, strong leadership at MCEDC is essential and we look forward to welcoming Mr. Smith,” said Council President Kate Stewart.”

Smith is widely recognized in the economic development field. He has twice been recognized as part of a nationally top-ranked economic development team and currently chairs the International Economic Development Council’s national Committee on the Future of the Profession, helping shape strategies that influence communities across the U.S.

“This is a defining moment for Montgomery County’s economic future”, said MCEDC Board Chair Elana Fine. “Jared’s extensive experience in economic development and his ability to bring partners together across sectors make him exactly the leader we need right now. His strategic insight and community-driven approach will help advance our mission to create opportunity for Montgomery County businesses and residents.”

“Montgomery County is an extraordinarily diverse place where innovation, infrastructure, and talent converge, with talent as its key driver of economic competitiveness,” said Jared Smith. “I look forward to building on MCEDC’s strong foundation to attract investment and expand opportunity across the County.”

The national search, conducted by Korn Ferry, was overseen by MCEDC’s Board of Directors Search Committee, co-chaired by Board Secretary Dr. Anne Khademian and Andy Chod, and included Treasurer Devang Shah, Pete Briskman, and Council Member Marilyn Balcombe (Ex-Officio).

Smith succeeds Bill Tompkins, who concluded his tenure on August 15, 2025

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