Kris Shock Joins Maryland Commerce to Head Up Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship Initiatives

Shock has extensive experience in business development supporting state’s tech sector

BALTIMORE, MD (January 11, 2017) – Kris Valerio Shock, an experienced business development leader and advocate for Maryland tech companies, has joined the Maryland Department of Commerce as the senior director of the Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship.  In her new role, Ms. Shock will lead a team of experts in manufacturing, education and innovation, small business and professional services who will work with Commerce’s business development team to maintain and build on Maryland’s strengths in these areas.

“We are thrilled to have someone as passionate and knowledgeable about Maryland business as Kris Shock sign on to the Commerce team to help these crucial sectors of our economy flourish,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “The years Kris spent leading and supporting Maryland’s tech sector make her uniquely qualified to partner with businesses and organizations, assess industry needs, and make our state an even better place to do business.”  

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with businesses on a daily basis, better understanding their needs and challenges and figuring out how to get them the resources they need to thrive in Maryland,” said Ms. Shock. “Making those connections is what I love most, and we’re looking forward to working with industry organizations, higher education institutions, incubators, and our other partners to benefit businesses throughout Maryland.”

Prior to joining Commerce, Ms. Shock was a senior account director at Exit10, a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Baltimore. From 2008 to 2015, she served as executive director of the Chesapeake Regional Tech Council, overseeing its transition from a local group with a focus on Anne Arundel County to a regional business organization with members throughout the Washington-Annapolis-Baltimore region. The tech council’s membership also grew from 200 to more than 300 companies under her leadership, grant funding increased more than 200 percent and total revenue doubled. Shock also designed, developed and implemented a marketing strategy to promote the council’s new brand and ongoing program of work.

A native of Annapolis, Ms. Shock has a bachelor’s of science from Towson University and is a graduate of the Leadership Anne Arundel Flagship Program.   

About Maryland Commerce

The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Karen Glenn Hood
karen.glennhood@maryland.gov
(410) 767 – 6318