WESTMINSTER, MD, Thursday, December 21, 2023 – The Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the promotion of Ms. Denise Beaver as the next Director of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development. Ms. Beaver has served as acting director since August 2023. The new title is effective January 4, 2024.  

Ms. Beaver began working for Carroll County in 1994 in workforce development. Her career with the county includes several promotions to increasingly responsible positions including case manager, business consultant, workforce development manager and finally her current position in 2001 as Deputy Director of Economic Development. As deputy director, she assisted the director in the overall direction, administration and management of the department and oversaw and led project management in strategic planning, business retention, program development, marketing, and operations.

“I am honored to be appointed as Carroll County Director of Economic Development,” said Director Beaver. ”We are an experienced and dedicated team that considers ourselves partners with the business community and the county at-large. Our goals are to support the growth and development of all Carroll businesses – from start-ups and small businesses to large corporations, to develop and train the local workforce to meet the hiring needs of Carroll businesses, and to welcome visitors to our beautiful county.”  

As director, Ms. Beaver will direct and manage the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of county economic development initiatives by working with resident industry, real estate brokers, consultants, and prospects in efforts to expand existing operations and develop new business. Responsibilities will include advancing and maintaining emerging technologies and trends in business development and developing strategic plans to attract industry, retain existing industry and serve the business community. As director, she will also oversee workforce development, tourism, and the Carroll County Farm Museum.

Ms. Beaver earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Human Resources Development from Towson University. Her credentials also include earning and maintaining a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council since 2012. She is a founding member of the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council and is a member on several community boards and councils. A graduate of Leadership Carroll, in 2021 Denise was selected and completed Leadership Maryland.

Denise was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and has been a resident of Carroll County since 1993.  She resides in Westminster with her husband Jim and Golden Retriever Finn. She enjoys traveling, participating in Carroll County events, and visiting local establishments. Her favorite activities involve spending time with her family including two adult children and twin granddaughters.  

“Denise’s years of experience and extensive knowledge of the county’s economic development initiatives will be an asset to the county,” said Commissioner Kenny Kiler, President of the Board of Commissioners. “Through her strong relationships with the local business community and her business outreach efforts, she is already a strong leader and advocate for local businesses in the county while also maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with regional and state economic development stakeholders. This well-deserved promotion recognizes her leadership and dedication to the businesses and business leaders of Carroll County.”