Following an extensive search, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) announced the selection of Thomas Sadowski as its fourth executive director. Sadowski comes to MEDCO following five years as vice chancellor for economic development at the University System of Maryland (USM). He will join the organization in early August to begin the leadership transition from Robert Brennan, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
“Tom has more than thirty years of economic development experience, having held leadership positions at local, regional, and state levels. He has worked across all industry sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, quantum computing, robotics, bio-health, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and education-technology,” said Scott Dorsey, MEDCO’s boardchair who led the search committee. “He was chosen after a thoughtful and comprehensive search because of his depth and breadth of experience, his passion for the economic well-being of Maryland, and his enthusiasm for a vibrant economy that is sustainable and competitive.”
As the USM’s first vice chancellor for economic development, Sadowski focused on leveraging the talent, resources, and programming at USM’s twelve institutions and three regional centers to support the state’s economic development efforts and help grow strategic industries. He served as the USM’s senior representative on university-industry-government collaborations statewide. Sadowski was the system’s primary liaison to the state in support of recruiting companies and retaining and growing existing companies. Within the USM, his role focused on venture creation, tech commercialization, industry and government research partnerships, and workforce development. He also launched the USM’s $10 million venture Maryland Momentum Fund.
“The University System of Maryland plays a tremendous role in the success of Maryland’s economy. It has been an honor to serve as part of a world-class team at USM, and I look forward to leading another great team at MEDCO,” said Sadowski. “Working with our many public and private sector partners, we will continue MEDCO’s important mission to help advance Maryland’s economic development interests and facilitate economic growth that benefits citizens and communities across Maryland.”
“We are deeply grateful to Bob for the contributions he made to MEDCO during his seventeen years of leadership,” continued Dorsey. “Thanks to him and the great team he built, MEDCO increased capital investment in the state, provided thousands of jobs in Maryland, and is poised for future success.”
Prior to joining USM, Sadowski served as president and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, where he focused on growing and attracting companies to the region and used federal and state grant dollars to create programs supporting innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. He also served as director of the Harford County Office of Economic Development and as business development director for the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development.
Sadowski is very active in the community, serving as the chair of the board for Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, on the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland Technology Institute (MTech), and on the boards of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Cyber Association of Maryland, Maryland Information Security Institute (MISI), Maryland Marketing Partnership, Maryland Technology Council, UMBC Training Centers, and the University of Maryland Medical System/Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation.
He has received several honors, including the 2016 “Alumni of the Year, Distinguished Service” award from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the 2014 “William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year” award from the Baltimore Museum of Industry. He was also recognized by The Daily Record as a “Most Admired CEO” in 2015 and 2013 and an “Influential Marylander” in 2011.
A lifelong resident of Maryland, Sadowski earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, with a certificate in public administration and policy, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County(UMBC) in 1989. He is married with five children.
About Maryland Economic Development Corporation
Founded in 1984 by the Maryland General Assembly, MEDCO works vigorously to increase business activity, advance economic development, encourage charitable and cultural activities, enhance workforce development and promote the economic viability of the State.
