Council of Past Presidents

Vernon J. Thompson
Director
Cecil County Economic Development

Vernon Thompson, the Economic Development Director for Cecil County, Maryland. Prior to this he served as the Executive Director of the Bainbridge Development Corporation

Vernon previously held a number of executive positions within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, including Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary of Regional Development.

In these capacities, his responsibilities included business attraction, development and retention, marketing, finance and overall day-to-day administration. Vernon oversaw strategic initiatives in the areas of technology, commercialization, defense diversification, workforce development, community development and regulatory reform.

With a focus on developing policy and operating practices to improve Maryland’s competitiveness, Vernon consulted with numerous local jurisdictions to overcome obstacles to growth.

His accomplishments include initiating the ISO 9000 and World Class Manufacturing and Software business consortia, establishing the Governor’s Office of Business Advocacy, the Office of Military Affairs and Federal Facilities, and the development and implementation of the State of Maryland Business Licensing Information System (BLIS) website.

While in the private sector, Vernon also held positions in companies involved in real estate, marketing, residential and commercial construction.

Vernon is immediate Past President of the Maryland Economic Development Association, Chairman of the Maryland Economic Adjustment Loan Fund Board, and is a member of the Bainbridge Development Corporation Board of Directors and the Army Alliance.

He is a Vietnam Combat Veteran and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland.