Chudi Obi plays a crucial role within the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) as our Business Development Coordinator. Through research, planning, direct engagement with legislative bodies, and collaboration with stakeholders, Chudi helps facilitate the EDD’s programs, activities, and projects that support Charles County businesses.
Chudi uses his experience in economic development, research, policy, and government to connect the dots between statistical trends, rulings, and relevant community needs. He helps support the department’s goals for business expansion, retention, and attraction.
Chudi's research responsibilities involve collecting and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data. He conducts interviews with businesses and stakeholders, ultimately generating technical reports that convey project status, emerging trends, and progress within Charles County. Chudi travels throughout the area to acquire this data and engage with business owners. “I like moving around the county, seeing different parts of the region, and meeting new people,” Chudi remarks. “The rural country of Charles County offers a lot of calm.”
Before joining the EDD, Chudi was a research and operations apprentice with the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) and worked with programs to support DC businesses in finding solutions to cope with the pandemic-induced economic impacts. He has also worked in zoning policy, government, and as a geographic information system (GIS) research intern.
As a University of Virginia (UVA) graduate, Chudi holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Foreign Affairs and a Master of Public Policy from UVA’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. He uses this knowledge to advocate for the interests of Charles County businesses and tracks legislation from the Maryland State House to interpret how it may impact economic development and policy in the region. Chudi also represents the EDD in the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and chaired their legislative committee during the 2023 Legislative Session.
Even outside of work, Chudi supports Charles County businesses. His favorite restaurant is the Caribbean/soul food establishment Ka’ribbean Fire in La Plata.
