The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) is pleased to introduce Paul W. Ruppert as our new Senior Commercial Development Manager. Paul will bring strategic vision and hands-on expertise to Charles County’s growing business community, backed by more than 30 years of leadership experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors.
Prior to his role at the EDD, Paul served as President & CEO of Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, revitalizing a network of historic city-run marketplaces that provide fresh food, small business space, and cultural gathering points across Baltimore’s neighborhoods. Under his leadership, the organization secured over $16.5 million in funding and successfully completed and reopened Lexington and Hollins Markets, which were projects that brought life back to the spaces in the community.
As Senior Commercial Development Manager at EDD, Paul’s primary responsibility will be leading strategic commercial initiatives in the western part of Charles County, with a strong focus on advancing the Western Charles County Technology Corridor. In this role, he will serve as a critical point of contact between private industry and local, state, and federal government entities. He will be involved in guiding projects from initial planning through execution, supporting site development and investment attraction, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure Charles County remains competitive and business friendly. While his primary focus will be the western region, Paul will also lend support to other key projects and initiatives throughout the county.
In particular, Paul will spearhead efforts to attract new businesses and drive development within the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, presently home to more than 130 companies spanning the technology, research and development, and energetics sectors. The EDD is excited for Paul to help streamline coordination across sectors, improve communication with key partners, and accelerate progress on major development goals both in the western corridor and across Charles County.
Paul has quickly connected with Charles County’s local business scene. One of his favorite spots so far is Clarity Coffee House in Indian Head. He appreciates its community feel, welcoming atmosphere, and the diverse mix of customers from local residents to members of the nearby Naval Support Facility Indian Head. He’s also inspired by the energy and diversity of the county’s commercial areas in Waldorf, La Plata, Bryans Road, and Indian Head, where independently owned businesses reflect the area’s entrepreneurial spirit and richness of the community.
Paul shares, “I’m excited to join a team that is committed to helping Charles County grow with purpose. There’s so much opportunity here, and a strong foundation of collaboration and shared vision. I’m proud to be part of what’s next.”
