Lucretia Freeman-Buster brings an enthusiasm for local business to her role as Chief of Business Services for the Charles County Economic Development Department (CCEDD). In this position, Lucretia manages the business development team and implements programs that support Charles County entrepreneurs and business owners. Lucretia uses her 30+ years of experience in business development, commercial lending, international trade, and financial management to attract new businesses and help them reach their full potential in Charles County.
With the CCEDD, Lucretia and the business development team help advance Charles County’s economy and encourage commercial investment in the area by offering business owners the tools necessary for robust growth. The team implements and facilitates the Business Growth Advantage Program (BGAP), a program that provides entrepreneurs with the education, mentorship, and financial resources needed to help grow their businesses in Charles County. This program, initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now supporting its eleventh cohort.
“My favorite part of my job is helping small business owners succeed,” Lucretia says. “It brings me joy because I get to assist them with important matters like accessing capital for expansion and resolving critical business issues. Seeing the smile on their faces when I make a positive impact is incredibly rewarding.”
Prior to joining the CCEDD, Lucretia started her career in the banking and financial services industry. She spearheaded business development efforts and gained notable experience managing portfolios and tracking businesses' financial success at the Washington Savings Bank, an $850 million, five-branch savings and loan bank. Recognizing a passion for helping small entities grow, she went on to establish Lamb Consulting Group, LLC, an advisory firm for small, minority- and veteran-owned businesses.
Over the last decade, Lucretia has pivoted her professional focus to economic development. She worked with the District of Columbia Small Business Development Center (DC SBDC) as an Associate State Director and then as Acting Executive Director, where she oversaw service centers and implemented and executed the organization’s strategy. Her "Comprehensive Guide to Small Business Planning" introduced a foundational resource to clients of the DC SBDC, D.C. Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center, the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and other notable institutions.
Lucretia received her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management from Potomac College and has a Doctorate and Master's in Business Administration. She holds various professional certifications, including one in International Business Management.
As an avid volunteer, Lucretia added valuable contributions to the Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) Liberia Investing for Business Expansion Program (IBEX). In this role, she helped develop a sustainable exit strategy to create new networks that link United States-based Liberian diaspora and U.S. investors in Liberia. Her work also directly linked Liberia banking community members with American- and Africa-based bank training institutes. The Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance recognized Lucretia for her work with the program.
In Charles County, Lucretia enjoys patronizing a variety of the area’s businesses. “I have a deep appreciation for the entire county, especially its thriving business environment and the robust business ecosystem,” Lucretia says. “Each business sector is distinct and valuable in its own way.”
Lucretia has been married for 36 years and has three daughters and a granddaughter. Outside work, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.
