Robertson-Slagle to lead county’s economic development

The Board of County Commissioners announced the appointment of Kelly Robertson-Slagle as the county’s new director of economic development, in a Wednesday press release.

Robertson-Slagle was promoted from the position of business retention specialist, the county’s first, a post she served in for 10 years. In that capacity, she established Calvert County’s first full-time, intensive business retention and expansion program.

“Kelly’s strong relationship with the existing business community, depth of knowledge as an economic development practitioner and proven dedication to service make her an excellent choice,” said BOCC President Tom Hejl (R).

Hejl also said Roberston-Slagle’s experience and working knowledge of county government operations will help her easily and quickly transition to her new role.

Her appointment is one of many made this year that is part of the county’s two-phased reorganization plan to restructure Calvert County government with the goal of improving operations and services to the citizens of Calvert.

In late May, former director of the Department of Economic Development Linda Vassallo was selected to lead the county’s new Department of Communications and Media Relations. Vassallo credits Robertson-Slagle with “many wins our businesses have had locally.”

A few key initiatives Roberston-Slagle has led are the annual Business Appreciation Week to honor local businesses, the annual Calvert County Job Fair, now in its 11th year, and several entrepreneurship programs.

Robertson-Slagle has a wealth of business experience outside of county government. Prior to joining economic development, she served as director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center, where she provided leadership in planning, coordinating and overseeing the development, delivery and reporting of all professional programs, activities and services for the Southern Maryland region, according to the release.

Other related posts include being the business development manager for the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, director of government/member relations with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, and business development specialist with the former Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

Holding membership in the Maryland Economic Development Association, the International Economic Development Council and Northeastern Economic Developers Association, Robertson-Slagle also served on boards of directors for The Patuxent Partnership, Southern Maryland Workforce Investment Board and Leadership Southern Maryland, the release states.