Capital Gazette Reports on New AAEDC CEO Announcement

March 20, 2023

The Capital Gazette reported on the announcement by Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman that Amy Gowan will be the new Chief Executive Officer at the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) in the following article:

Anne Arundel County government undergoes personnel changes in Social Services, Economic Development, Public Works

After discussing personnel changes at the Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Works, the article included the following focused on Gowan and AAEDC:

Next month, Amy Gowan will step into the role of CEO for the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation. Gowan was chosen after a monthslong search conducted by a panel of local business representatives, County Council members and organization staff and board members. She replaces Ben Birge, who served as CEO of the quasi-government nonprofit from 2020 until he announced his departure in June 2022.

Birge helped the organization transition from one that only delivered loans to one that also doled out grants during the pandemic to help local businesses stay afloat. Under his leadership, the organization gave out nearly $33 million in coronavirus and disaster recovery grants to local businesses.

Gowan was selected from three finalists due to her experience, which includes seven years working in Howard County government. Most recently, she served as the county’s director of the Office of Planning and Zoning. There, she created and taught a citizen planning academy and oversaw the implementation of the county’s general development plan.

“I am thrilled to assume this leadership role with the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and work with the County Executive’s team to strengthen Anne Arundel County businesses, and advance efforts that spur investment within the community,” Gowan said in a statement.

Following the selection, Pittman wrote in his weekly newsletter about his excitement for the organization’s potential under its new leadership.

“Amy Gowan will understand what our businesses understand. It’s not businesses versus government or businesses versus their workers,” Pittman wrote. “We are as interdependent as an ecosystem.”

Read the full press release to learn more about Gowan’s background and experience:

County Executive Pittman Appoints New Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation CEO

 

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