How We Are Organized
Maryland Commerce brings together teams focused on business growth, industry development, policy, tourism, the arts and more. Meet our leadership and see how the department is organized to support Maryland’s economy.
Harry Coker, Jr. - Secretary of Commerce
Secretary Coker leads the Department of Commerce. He previously served as National Cyber Director at the White House and is a retired CIA senior executive, a former NSA senior executive and a career naval officer.
Leadership Team
- Geri Royale Byrd - Principal Deputy Secretary, Enterprise Integration
- Ricardo Benn - Deputy Secretary, Industry, International and Innovation
- Stephen Rice - Deputy Secretary, Business Growth and Attraction
- April Falcon Doss - Deputy Secretary, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
- Jerel Registre - Chief of Staff
- Judy Smith - Chief Strategy Officer
How Commerce is Organized
Commerce is organized into four divisions, with additional offices and functions supporting work across the department.
Attracts new businesses and investment to Maryland and helps existing companies grow and expand.
Supports Maryland’s key and emerging industries, global business growth, workforce, innovation, and military and federal economy.
Leads Commerce policy, business engagement, marketing, communications and outreach efforts.
Manages the finance, human resources, procurement, technology and operational services that support Maryland Commerce.
Additional Offices & Functions
Several offices and functions work across the department and report directly to Commerce leadership.
Rural Economic Development
Supports economic development in Maryland’s rural communities and works with businesses, local leaders and partners to strengthen rural economies.
Carl Anderton Jr., Director
Tourism and the Arts
Supports Maryland’s tourism industry and arts community through the Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland State Arts Council.
Cassandra Vanhooser, Managing Director, Office of Tourism
Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council
Operations and Special Projects
Coordinates department-wide operations and special initiatives that involve multiple Commerce teams.
Roger J. Venezia, Director
Office of Counsel
Provides legal counsel and guidance to the department.
Bill Chen, Principal Counsel
Internal Audits
Provides independent review and oversight of department operations, programs and internal controls.
Equal Employment Opportunity, Fair Practices and ADA
Supports equal employment opportunity, accessibility and fair practices across Maryland Commerce.
Elaine McNeil, Fair Practices Officer