The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) today announced that Colin Tarbert, its president and CEO for the last six years, will step down on June 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of transformative economic development that has generated billions in private investment and created thousands of jobs in Baltimore.
Under Tarbert’s leadership, BDC has been a driving force behind Baltimore’s economic resurgence, strengthening the city’s position as a top destination for business expansion, corporate investment, and community development. Since 2019, BDC has supported over 3,400 businesses, facilitated more than $4.5 billion in private investment, and helped create and retain
over 14,000 jobs.
“It has been an honor to lead BDC and work alongside an exceptional team dedicated to Baltimore’s economic growth,” said Tarbert. “The projects we’ve delivered and the investments we’ve attracted will continue shaping the city’s future for years to come. I look forward to seeing Baltimore build on this momentum.”
Tarbert was instrumental in advancing major redevelopment projects, including the CFG Bank Arena, Lexington Market, Baltimore Peninsula, the 4MLK Building at the University of Maryland BioPark, Harborplace redevelopment, and Charm TV Studios. He also led efforts to attract major employers such CFG Bank, Home Chef, Topgolf, Longeviti, and Greenberg Gibbons while
also securing the expansion and retention of companies including T. Rowe Price, Morgan Stanley, Amazon, Stifel, and Under Armour.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott praised Tarbert’s contributions, emphasizing his lasting impact on Baltimore’s economic trajectory. “Colin’s dedication to Baltimore has been unwavering, playing a
pivotal role in driving investment, creating jobs, and leading transformative projects that have shaped our city’s future. His leadership at BDC has strengthened Baltimore’s economy, and his
impact will be felt for years to come. I appreciate his service and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”
During his tenure, Tarbert spearheaded the launch of Baltimore Together, the city’s five-year comprehensive economic development strategy, establishing a long-term framework to drive
investment, job growth, and business expansion. As part of this initiative, he also established the Baltimore Together Summit, an annual gathering of public, private, and nonprofit leaders
that has grown to engage more than 1,000 stakeholders, fostering collaboration and advancing economic initiatives.
In addition to driving business investment, Tarbert played a critical role in economic recovery efforts, directing over $30 million in COVID-19 relief to small businesses, launching the
Baltimore BASE Network to distribute $8 million in grants, and working closely with city and state partners to support businesses affected by the Key Bridge collapse.
“Colin Tarbert’s leadership has been instrumental in driving major investment into Baltimore,” said Augie Chiasera, M&T Bank Executive Vice President and BDC Board Chair. “His ability to
navigate complex deals and attract major employers has significantly strengthened the city’s economy.”
Before leading the BDC, Tarbert spent nearly a decade in key leadership roles within the Mayor’s Office of Baltimore City, serving under three administrations, including positions as Deputy Chief of Strategic Alliances and Deputy Mayor for Economic and Neighborhood Development. He has been deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving as chair of both the Baltimore Hotel Corporation and Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, as well as a board member for the Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund, West North Avenue Development Authority, and East Baltimore Development Inc. Recognized for his contributions to the city, Tarbert was named a Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2013 and earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential in 2024.
Tarbert’s next chapter will allow him to extend his impact beyond Baltimore, focusing on his passion for real estate development and community revitalization. As the organization looks ahead, BDC’s board will begin the process of identifying his successor in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless leadership transition and continued economic momentum.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC)
The BDC is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city’s economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents.
