Mark Thompson

Chief of Commercial Development

Mark Thompson is the Chief of Commercial Development for the Economic Development Department.  His responsibilities include leading the County’s development and redevelopment efforts in the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, the Waldorf Urban Corridor, and other major projects.   He provides the Board of County Commissioners with strategic and technical advice on a variety of real estate and economic development issues.  Mr. Thompson manages business attraction and retention programs and projects working with a range of County departments and community stakeholders.

Mr. Thompson has extensive experience in economic and real estate development in both the public and private sectors.  He was the Vice President of Business Development for the Howard County Economic Development Authority and Director of Downtown Redevelopment for Howard County.  Mr. Thompson has held executive positions with 1/ST Properties of The Stronach Group, General Growth Properties, and The Rouse Company.  His industry involvement has included membership in the Urban Land Institute, Maryland Building Industry Association, NAIOP, and the International Conference of Shopping Centers. He also has a strong commitment to community service having volunteered and served on the boards of Manna Food Bank, Appalachian Service Project, The Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Howard County, and Trinity School.  

Mr. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He is a licensed Real Estate Broker with the State of Maryland.

Mr. Thompson and his wife, Irene have two grown children.  Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, cooking and traveling.