“My favorite part of Charles County is that I get to call it home” - Kelly Robertson-Slagle.
At the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD), the leadership of our Director, Kelly Robertson-Slagle, is what sets us apart. With a robust 25 years of experience in planning and implementing economic development functions, she seamlessly manages the multifaceted operations of our 10-person department. As a native of Charles County, her deep-rooted connection to the community makes her leadership truly distinctive.
As the Director, Kelly spearheads a wide array of programs and activities. Her responsibilities span from attracting investments and diversifying employment opportunities to agricultural development, business recruitment, expansion, and entrepreneurial programming. Furthermore, she focuses on championing Minority, Women, and Veteran-owned initiatives.
She directs all EDD programs from conception to completion. She also fosters relationships with the local business community and liaises with county, state, regional, and federal economic development agencies. Her overarching goal is to expand the commercial tax base of Charles County.
What resonates deeply with Kelly is her ability to educate and guide local businesses, helping them surmount challenges and achieve success — all within the community she grew up in.
A lifelong resident of Charles County, she grew up in the southern part of the county and spent many summers adventuring with her cousins on her family’s farm in Port Tobacco and along the river shore in Popes Creek. She learned how to swim in the Potomac River and still loves spending as much time as she can on the water.
With a background in a family business, she brings a unique perspective to her role, understanding both its joys and tribulations. She firmly believes in the potential of businesses when they leverage available resources. She says, “There’s one thing I know for sure — great things happen when businesses can tap into the programs and people standing by, who are ready to serve and help them succeed and prosper.”
Before her tenure with the EDD, Kelly accumulated vast experience, notably as the Director of Economic Development in Calvert County and roles with the Maryland Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Her commitment to the community extends beyond her office. She is a founding member and former chair of the Southern Maryland Innovates initiative, amongst other board positions in organizations such as the Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, and the University Systems of Maryland at Southern Maryland. Kelly is also on the College of Southern Maryland's Foundation Board, and is the current Secretary for the Maryland Economic Development Association's Board of Directors.
One of her favorite local businesses (out of her many favorites) is The Loft Salon in La Plata, where she’s been a customer since the beginning. “Doni and her staff are top-notch and always make me feel at home when I'm there. I commend them for tweaking their business operations during COVID in order to safely service their clients. They emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever. Well done ladies!”
She is the proud mom of two children and resides with her husband, Jeff, in La Plata, Maryland.
