Broderick, Douglass, McDonough, and Watson named to executive roles to advance Baltimore’s economic development priorities

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) has announced a new Senior Leadership Team following a comprehensive national search that attracted more than 200 applicants from across the United States and Canada, including candidates from Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, and the Baltimore–Washington, D.C. region.

Roy Broderick Jr., De’Von Douglass, Maggie McDonough, and Jeremy Watson were selected after an extensive, months-long recruitment process to serve in senior executive roles that will guide strategy, innovation, real estate development, and business growth. The appointments come as BDC continues to expand its responsibilities, reach, and impact under President and CEO Otis Rolley.

“This group reflects the depth, rigor, and intentionality behind our leadership search,” Rolley said. “Each leader brings a proven track record and distinct expertise aligned to the work ahead, and together they form a leadership bench with the experience and resolve to advance equitable economic development for Baltimore.”

New Senior Leadership Appointments

Roy Broderick Jr. has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer, and Executive Director of Made In Baltimore. He brings more than 15 years of experience in brand strategy and growth, including scaling The Authentique Agency into an award-winning firm and serving as chief growth officer at WHTWRKS. He is also the founder of Culture & Clarity, a boutique consultancy advising brands, nonprofits, and institutions on purpose-driven growth. At BDC, Broderick will lead integrated business development, citywide brand positioning, and external partnerships.

De’Von Douglass, J.D. will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. An executive strategist with deep experience in data-driven planning, organizational transformation, and inclusive economic growth, Douglass previously served as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Greater Boston Legal Services and founded Aurora Advising. In her role at BDC, she will shape the agency’s strategic vision and advance inclusive growth strategies that center communities historically excluded from prosperity.

Maggie McDonough has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, and Executive Director of the Emerging Technology Center. With more than 20 years of global experience across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, McDonough has led innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship programs, and technology-driven economic development initiatives, including senior leadership roles at Purdue University Applied Research Institute and CRDF Global. At BDC, she will focus on strengthening Baltimore’s innovation economy and translating emerging technologies into local opportunity.

Jeremy Watson will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer. Watson brings more than 15 years of experience delivering complex development and capital investment projects across public and private sectors. Most recently, he was Principal of Watson Cohen, where he co-led adaptive reuse projects, including the $30+ million transformation of the State National Life Building in downtown Baton Rouge into 60 affordable housing units for essential workers. At BDC, Watson will oversee real estate development strategy, portfolio management, and large-scale project delivery.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, BDC will continue to build out its leadership structure, including additional key roles such as Chief Economic Development Officer. Information on current openings is available at baltimoredevelopment.com/meet-bdc/careers.

About the Baltimore Development Corporation

The Baltimore Development Corporation is responsible for economic development in the City of Baltimore. Its mission is to grow the city’s economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment—ultimately increasing career opportunities for residents. More information is available at baltimoredevelopment.com.

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