The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade, and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports, and other special events.
Kevin A. Anderson
Secretary
https://commerce.maryland.gov
Prior to being named Maryland Commerce Secretary in January 2023. Secretary Anderson was Founder & CEO of Cardinal Atlantic Holdings, an economic and community development firm targeting scaled social impact and investment in urban centers. He previously served as Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships at EVERFI, Inc., an educational software company for financial literacy and life skills education, and was President and CEO of City First Homes, a $6 million community land trust created to support workforce housing and ensure ongoing affordability for working families in the District of Columbia. Prior to that, Anderson was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Equity Capital at the Jair Lynch Companies, Inc., a for-profit real estate and community development firm in Washington, D.C.
In 2000, Anderson served in Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams’ administration as Special Assistant to the City Administrator and Chief of Staff at the D.C. Department of Transportation. He began his professional career at the investment banking firm of Pryor, McClendon, Counts & Co., Inc. in Philadelphia, PA. He is also the former Chair of the NEA Foundation’s Board of Directors.
A native of Washington, D.C., Anderson graduated from Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA. He holds a BA in Economics from Stanford University.