After an extensive nationwide search, Cynthia Stewart will become the new executive director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc., on Monday, Dec. 3.
“I am thrilled to begin leadership of such an engaged, influential organization,” Stewart said in a REDI press release. “I’m eager to use my experience in community and economic development, public-private partnerships, planning and zoning, commercial real estate development, and other strengths in new and inventive ways to attract, grow, and retain businesses within the City of Rockville.”
Stewart joins REDI from Coral Springs, Florida, where she was deputy city manager. In that role, she helped to manage a $198 million annual budget and had direct responsibility and oversight of the Economic Development Office, Community Development Services, Community Redevelopment Area Operations, and Communications and Marketing, as well as other departments. Coral Springs is a city with 133,000 residents and more than 1,000 employees.
Stewart’s experience includes economic development, strategic planning, zoning, code compliance, cultural development, property management and creating public-private partnerships. Prior to Coral Springs, she was the community and economic developer for Modesto, California, where she oversaw economic and community development, planning and zoning, building, and engineering and road design.
“Her proven experience in creating vibrant downtown spaces, encouraging economic growth, and promoting cultural initiatives will bring fresh energy to continue Rockville’s remarkable strides in these areas,” said Paul Newman, chair of REDI’s board of directors.
To learn more about REDI, visit rockvilleredi.org.