The Charles County Economic Development Department is pleased to welcome Jim Chandler, CEcD, our new director. Jim comes from neighboring Prince George’s County and brings practical experience with aligning investment with community priorities. He has a record of advancing complex public-private projects--most recently transit-oriented development along the Prince George’s County Blue Line Corridor and the New Carrollton Transit Hub.
Jim’s approach with Charles County is to listen and learn first, serve existing employers, and help prepare high-value projects so Charles County can move quickly when opportunities align. Jim says, “My priority is our existing businesses. I am a big believer in business retention and expansion; our existing businesses can be our biggest advocates.” He added, “In order to sell Charles County as a destination for investment if we are a trusted and partner to our existing stakeholders.” That focus, supported by steady leadership and clear values, reflects why he wanted to be part of the EDD team and help the region grow.
Jim’s first months as Director will center on outreach, assessment, and planning. “First and foremost, and this is [a priority] above all else, is meeting as many people as I can,” he said, outlining a countywide listening effort with 70 to 80 partners, including business leaders, the Economic Development Advisory Board, County leadership, and the internal EDD team. In parallel, he is reviewing current programming and developing the EDD’s next strategic plan.
He sees near-term opportunities where existing assets already create momentum. In his words, “the Western Charles County Technology Corridor in Indian Head is at the top of the list.” With coordinated execution and predictable processes, the Western Charles County Technology Corridor can translate Charles County’s strengths into investable sites that support expansion and retention.
Readiness is central to Jim’s vision: plan now so projects are truly shovel-ready when funding or private capital opportunities becomes available. “Let’s create that vision now, so that when state or Federal opportunities align with local priorities, Charles County is ready to act,” he said. That means clearly scoped sites, sequenced infrastructure, and strong public-private partnerships that shorten timelines and reduce risk.
Jim’s leadership style matches that focus on execution and teamwork. “I believe that absolutely nothing beats hard work. I believe that teams succeed when the leadership is transparent and the team is collaborative and communicative,” he said. He encourages an ideas-rich culture, encouraging people to be creative and innovative.
The County’s collaborative culture also stood out to Jim immediately upon starting his new role. “This is the most seamless onboarding I’ve ever even heard of,” he shared, reflecting cross-government support that helps EDD serve businesses effectively.
Community members can expect to see Jim across the county in the weeks ahead. With a focus on responsiveness, readiness, and results, the EDD will continue to support site selection, accelerate business expansion and retention, and help more residents work closer to home while enjoying Charles County’s exceptional quality of life.
