Angela Robertson named Bel Air’s new economic development director
Angela Robertson, who has more than a decade of service with the town’s Economic Development Department, has been promoted to director of economic development.
Her promotion was approved unanimously by the Board of Town Commissioners during their meeting Monday, May 15.
“I love Bel Air,” said Robertson, who began working for the town in 2012. “I think it can be easy for people to forget what an amazing town Bel Air is and that others look to us as a model for success.”
She expressed excitement about her new role, and that she can “continue working with our terrific team at the Town of Bel Air, and with our partners to further strengthen our community.”
“As economic developers, we are focused on growing the business community, increasing job opportunities and working with businesses who have invested in Bel Air,” she said.
Economic developers also work on projects that “create a great quality of life” for residents, according to Robertson.
“I love that this role will give me the opportunity to further develop partnerships that will make Bel Air an even better place for generations to come,” she stated. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many people who care so deeply about the future of Bel Air.”
Robertson said she and the Economic Development staff will be focused on promoting the town’s assets such as University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center – which is being expanded with additional bed capacity – along with the shopping district, the vibrant downtown and Bel Air’s many events that make the community unique. The staff also plans to help businesses connect to resources they need to help reach their goals.
“Relationship building, collaboration and providing great service are essential to our success and will drive us,” she said.
Robertson previously served as economic development coordinator. She had multiple duties, including managing the department’s business incubator program, Armory Marketplace. The award-winning Marketplace consists of five former garages behind the Bel Air Armory that have been redeveloped as business incubator spaces. Four businesses have graduated from the incubator program and created more than 50 jobs in the town.
Robertson also managed the town’s state-designated Arts & Entertainment District.
She has represented the town with multiple state, county and municipal organizations, and developed relationships to promote public art and cultural arts events in the town – including creating a GIS-based Public Art Tour in 2020.
She also completed a strategic plan and redesignation process for the arts and entertainment district.
Robertson holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Gettysburg College and credits her liberal arts education for her communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Bel Air Town Administrator Edward Hopkins praised Robertson’s “core competencies” while making his official recommendation to the town commissioners. Those include being a self-starter, team player and relationship builder, “all of which are key for a successful economic developer to thrive and survive.”
Commissioner Mary Chance, the board’s liaison to the town’s Economic and Community Development Commission, praised Robertson for her recent updates to the ECDC about the extensive business activity in town and multiple community events.
“She brings a lot of enthusiasm and dedication, and I can’t think of another person better suited for the job,” Chance said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 18, 2023
Contact: David Anderson
Media and Public Relations
410-688-3020
danderson@belairmd.org
