Leading Charles County’s business growth efforts, Mark Thompson brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role as the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) Chief of Commercial Development. Taking the reins from Taylor Yewell, who retired in Fall 2024, Mark continues the work of managing Charles County’s active and potential developments—especially within the growing Western Charles Technology Corridor and the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor. In this capacity, Mark is a strategic and technical advisor to the Charles County Board of Commissioners on property opportunities for the county.
Mark’s experience spans real estate and economic development in both the private and public sectors. Most recently, he worked with 1/ST Properties-Maryland, a prominent owner of Thoroughbred race tracks and former owner of the historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes. He managed the strategic planning and implementation of large-scale, mixed-use projects as the Senior Vice President of Development and led development teams, project planning, and stakeholder relationships. Mark also held senior positions at General Growth Properties, The Rouse Company and Ryland Homes.
Mark’s public sector experience included serving Howard County Government as the Director of Downtown Redevelopment where he oversaw the county’s implementation of major revitalization plans for thousands of residential units and commercial spaces in Downtown Columbia. Here, he also led property acquisition efforts and engaged with the media and the public to garner support for projects.
He also served as Vice President of Business Development for the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), where he supported the county’s business attraction and expansion efforts. Mark and the HCEDA team led impactful recovery efforts to support over 100 businesses affected by the 2016 Ellicott City flood by developing an on-site business resource center which became operational in just 90 days. Through these efforts, the HCEDA contributed to 93% of businesses returning within one year of the flood.
A graduate of Leadership Howard County, Mark is also a passionate community advocate. He has volunteered and/or served on the boards of Manna Food Bank, the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Howard County, and Trinity School. He continues his commitment to the industry as a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington Council and has served on various committees and boards focused on business, development, and leadership.
Mark’s professional experience and community involvement is backed by a solid academic foundation. He holds master's degrees in both Business Administration and in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Stanford University.
In his new role at the EDD, Mark looks forward to connecting with Charles County businesses and using his expansive knowledge to push forward the county’s revitalization and growth goals.
“While I'm new to the county, my colleagues at the County and community members have been very welcoming and helpful,” said Thompson. “I love working with our team to help local businesses flourish and create opportunities for new companies and organizations to come to Charles County. I'm excited to work on some great projects.”
His initial impressions of Charles County’s businesses have left him enthusiastic about the work ahead. He shares, “While I'm impressed with many of the local businesses in Charles County, I’m very excited about the opening of Oasis Fresh Foods Market in Indian Head. They are an amazing example of great entrepreneurs addressing the pressing community issue of food insecurity through strategic property redevelopment.”
Mark and his wife, Irene, have two grown children. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
