Action reinforces agency's focus on key sectors driving Maryland's economy
BALTIMORE, MD (November 19, 2015) – Commerce Secretary Mike Gill has appointed Col. Kenneth O. McCreedy, USA (Ret.), as Senior Director of Cyber Development and Aerospace, Peter O’Neill as Senior Director of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship, and Bret Schreiber as Director of Education and Innovation. The appointments reflect the renewed focus of the Maryland Department of Commerce on the key sectors driving the growth of Maryland's economy.
“The renaming of the department – from Business and Economic Development to Commerce – is more than a name change. It’s a culture change,” said Secretary Gill. “Adding Ken McCreedy, Pete O’Neill, and Bret Schreiber to our team reinforces our commitment to connecting with the business community and to creating a business-friendly environment in our state. I’m confident Maryland companies will benefit greatly from the unique skills and qualifications each brings to his new role.”
Col. McCreedy will lead Maryland’s cybersecurity and aerospace initiatives. The 26-year Army veteran was Garrison Commander of Fort George G. Meade, home of the National Security Agency and various military intelligence operations, from 2005 to 2008. Under his command, Fort Meade twice finished second in the Army Communities of Excellence award competition, receiving $1 million in prizes. Col. McCreedy’s military background includes service as Commander of the 201st Military Intelligence Battalion and as NSA Director’s Fellow. Since retiring from the Army in 2008, he has served as Director of Workforce and Economic Development with the Energetics Technology Center, Executive Director of the Partnership Technology Corporation, and Senior Executive Director of Enterprise IT in ManTech Corporation’s Mission, Cyber, and Technical Services Group. Most recently, he has led the non-profit Maryland Therapeutic Riding, dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and adults with disabilities, since 2013.
Peter O’Neill returns to Maryland from Pennsylvania, where he served as Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development from 2004 to 2015. He directed Pennsylvania’s export promotion programs and services, and managed a network of 10 in-state regional partners and 22 foreign offices. He previously directed the Office of International Business in the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development from 1994 to 2004. As Senior Director of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship, O’Neill will oversee Commerce’s efforts in manufacturing, energy, agriculture and aquaculture, and education and innovation.
Bret Schreiber joins Commerce from Harford County government, where his responsibilities included higher education, as well as K-12 education and funding. He previously served as Vice President of the Maryland Independent College and University Association. At Commerce, his focus will be on education, serving as a conduit between the agency and the state's colleges and universities, and innovation.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit
commerce.maryland.gov.
