The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Eugene T. Lauer, of La Plata, as the acting interim director of Economic Development for Charles County. Mr. Lauer will begin work with Charles County Government on Feb. 28. He will receive $148,000 compensation for a one-year contract term.
Mr. Lauer brings to Charles County Government an extensive history of executive-level public and private sector experience, including running the daily operations of government. During his more than 40-year professional career, he has worked cooperatively with local and State elected officials, appointed boards and commissions, college officials, municipal governments, regional councils of governments, community groups, and local business associations.
“The continued expansion of Charles County’s economic development efforts is one of our highest priorities, and successful economic development requires thoughtful, energetic, and respected leadership. Mr. Lauer has all of these qualities, as well as a proven knowledge of Charles County’s economic needs, and he knows how to get the job done,” stated Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.
From 1995-2005, Mr. Lauer served as the Charles County Administrator. During that time, he was instrumental in negotiating several critical public/private partnership agreements, including: a comprehensive lease/concession agreement for a new minor league baseball stadium, lease and purchase of a gymnastics center, and a land purchase enabling the private construction of a state-of-the-art recreational facility. He also negotiated the County’s first franchise agreement, valued at more than $20 million in revenue and institutional fiber network construction over 15 years.
Most recently, Mr. Lauer worked as a project executive for Meridian Ventures, Inc., providing consulting services to businesses, developers, and local governments on regulatory, adequate public facilities, finance, budget, government operations, and energy management issues. Working as part of a multi-consultant team, Mr. Lauer helped to formulate the St. Charles Green City Initiative. He also negotiated a development/payment-in-lieu of taxes agreement between CPV St. Charles Electric Generating Facility and Charles County.
Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3) noted, “Mr. Lauer brings a wealth of experience to the table, including his previous stint in Charles County Government. He will be able to assist the County in this transition period in establishing a working economic development entity. He will be a great asset.”
“Gene is well known and well respected throughout the state and the greater Washington metro area. He is uniquely qualified in his new role both for his past experience in County government and his involvement over the past few years in new “green” technology development,” said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1). “I know he will hit the ground running.”
“As the lead commissioner on the Board in economic development matters, I am especially pleased that Mr. Lauer will fill this key position,” said Commissione
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