After two years, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development (DED) Director, Richard Griffin, completed his impactful term as President of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA). MEDA, a statewide organization representing economic development professionals, business leaders, and elected officials, plays a critical role in shaping Maryland’s economic landscape. Griffin’s leadership reflected not only his dedication to Frederick’s growth but also his commitment to strengthening communities throughout Maryland. As his term concludes, Richard shared his reflections on what inspired his passion, the challenges and accomplishments of the last two years, and what he envisions for the future of economic development in the state.
Why are you passionate about economic development throughout the state?
I am a people person and have always been moved by the human condition. Having traveled to places both in and out of the country where there were few job opportunities, high poverty, and crumbling infrastructure, it is so clear to me how important it is for communities to strive to attract private investment and jobs. I am very proud and humbled that Frederick leaders have given me the opportunity to do that work here. I got my first job with a paycheck when I was 15 years old delivering the Raleigh Times afternoon newspaper in my neighborhood making $1 per customer per month, I was driving a school bus at 16 for $3.10/hour (min wage),* and joined the Army at 18 which later paid for my college education. Jobs provide people with dignity, health care, and a paycheck to cover housing, food and so much more (although we know that not all jobs are equal in terms of pay and benefits). I was mentored by key professionals like Marie Keegin, CEcD who helped shape my understanding of the profession and encouraged me to learn and become certified which I did early on in my tenure. I’ve learned what motivates business owners to invest in a community, and how important skilled workforce, zoned land with utilities, and a predictable and speedy permitting system is to attract those private dollars. I joined the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) in 2003 and have learned much about top economic development practices through conferences, professional training, and networking. Though not from Maryland originally, I’ve really grown to love the state and all its beauty and blemishes. My children were all born, raised, and educated in Frederick and call Maryland home. I want them and others young professionals to have great opportunities to work, live, and play close to home. So yes, I am passionate about economic development across the state and support continued investment.
*(In NC where I grew up school buses were all driven by high school students for many years)”
What were your key accomplishments?
During my tenure as the President of MEDA, we increased membership to nearly 600 - professionals, elected officials, and business representatives - from the eastern shore to the Cumberland mountains. MEDA has incredible leadership with a 21-member Board of Directors, active committees, and talented staff. As a profession and organization, we navigated the post-COVID inflation, supply-chain issues, and workforce challenges. But perhaps most notable was helping unify the economic development professionals from across the state when the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed last year following a collision from a cargo ship. This unforeseen and tragic incident caused loss of human life, closure of the Port of Baltimore, major supply chain issues, transportation quagmire, and worker layoffs. It could have been far worse in terms of its impact had it not been for the swift action of the US Government, State of Maryland including the Department of Commerce, and economic development professionals across the state setting up job hot lines, business assistance programs to help businesses coordinate supply chain issues, and much more. Many of these individuals are MEDA members, and MEDA took immediate action to offer coordination assistance and to promote state and local efforts to limit economic distress. I am also proud of the efforts MEDA undertook through BEACON at Salisbury University to analyze the impact of economic development investment by Maryland counties and ultimately announcing that $8.81 is returned for every $1 invested on average across the state.
What would you like to see in MEDA's future?
I am really proud of MEDA’s Young Leader’s committee and programs. I am totally stoked about Maryland and MEDA’s future leaders from across the state. Their innovation, passion, and work to move the needle for their home communities as well as MEDA is commendable and I look forward to seeing some of these individuals leading the organization and direction of the profession. I am also very hopeful that MEDA continues to support the needs of Maryland’s largest city – Baltimore as it becomes the economic powerhouse we all know it is capable of achieving. Maryland’s 157 cities and towns are economic generators for their host counties and indeed the entire state. Selfishly, I also am looking forward to Frederick hosting a MEDA event at the new Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center on Carroll Creek Park in downtown Frederick when completed in 2027.
As President of MEDA for the last two years, what was your favorite part about the job? Hardest?
This is easy – I love the MEDA members and learning about them personally as well as the opportunities and challenges in their home communities. MEDA is super diverse, with members from across the state - each bringing a unique skill and story. I enjoyed the conversations and discussions at every meeting, conference, and event. I learned so much and brought so many ideas back home to my own community – Frederick. I was sad for the MEDA family when we lost a member to illness – like most recently Dick Story in Howard County. We all shared in the happiness through family events, promotions, and life’s opportunities. I also was afforded the opportunity to join Governor Wes Moore on the MEDA stage along with many of his cabinet secretaries and share his enthusiasm for Maryland and the economic development work being done my MEDA members. I was truly humbled by the faith and trust of my colleagues to allow me to serve as President of the organization. Go Maryland, Go MEDA, Go Frederick.
Richard Griffin’s presidency of MEDA was marked by unity, progress, and an unwavering commitment to people and place. From navigating statewide economic recovery efforts to elevating the next generation of leaders, his tenure reflected the very heart of economic development: resilience, innovation, and service. As he continues his work in Frederick, Griffin leaves behind a stronger MEDA and a legacy of collaboration that will shape Maryland’s economic future for years to come. And with exciting upcoming activities like hosting a future MEDA event in downtown Frederick, his vision for economic growth remains firmly rooted in both local and statewide progress.
