TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Wednesday announced the appointment of Jonathan Sachs as director of the Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

“Jonathan’s extensive leadership experience and track record of building strategic relationships with high-level stakeholders – coupled with his strong understanding and enthusiasm about Baltimore County’s incredible assets and wide range of economic opportunities – make him the right person to lead this critical department,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I am confident that with his leadership and advocacy, we will continue building a better Baltimore County for our residents and communities.”

As director of Economic and Workforce Development, Sachs will lead Baltimore County’s efforts to improve workforce development, attract and retain businesses, and expand the County’s economy.

Sachs brings more than a decade of senior leadership and advocacy experience and joins Baltimore County government after most recently serving as chief executive officer of WUWTA, a patient experience platform that guides patients through their healthcare journey. Prior to that, Sachs served as vice president and chief experience officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and in several senior hospital administration roles for nearly ten years at Adventist HealthCare. Sachs also spent several years with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce as director of public affairs and director of public policy.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland and a master of business administration from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. He holds a certificate in healthcare innovation from Stanford University; an executive certificate in leadership coaching from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies and served as a fellow at the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Baltimore County has a wealth of economic assets and I am eager to contribute to the County Executive’s vision of establishing Baltimore County as a national leader with a thriving economy,” said Jonathan Sachs. “I’m looking forward to leading this important County department and working with business leaders, the County Council, and our state and federal partners to grow high-quality jobs and increase economic investment in Baltimore County.”

Sameer Sidh, who has served as acting director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development, will return to his position as Baltimore County’s senior deputy administrative officer for economic development and infrastructure.

Additionally, Laura Riley has announced plans to retire from her role as director of the Department of Aging, effective June 30, after more than 37 years of service in County government. Her successor will be named following her departure.

“Laura has been a visionary and collaborative leader focused on building a more inclusive, equitable and accessible county for our older residents,” Olszewski said. “On behalf of the people of Baltimore County, I extend my gratitude for her decades of dedicated service and I wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”

“I am so proud of all that we have been able to accomplish for the older adults of Baltimore County under the Olszewski administration,” said Riley. “While I will be leaving County service, I plan to be an active community volunteer and look forward to seeing our centers and programs continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.”

Sachs’ appointment will be subject to confirmation by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the County Council.