More News

Baltimore businessman Christian S. Johansson was named today to succeed outgoing David W. Edgerley as secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

Johansson, who starts Monday, was most recently managing director of Baltimore private equity firm Continental Equity, which focuses on minority business development. Before that, he was president and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, a public-private economic development organization.

In making his choice, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) cited Johansson's knowledge and expertise. "DBED's core functions are critical to our state now more than ever as we navigate these uncertain economic times by bringing jobs and business home to Maryland," O'Malley said in a statement.

Johansson said in an interview that a key part of his initial focus will be restoring business confidence. The national economy is going through some difficult times, but the Maryland economy is "vastly outperforming" the national one, he said.

"Maryland is still a very good place to invest," Johansson, 36, said. "We need to get the message out to the business community what the true numbers are in Maryland."

At 5.8 percent, Maryland's unemployment rate in December was about 20 percent lower than the national rate. The state's education, health care and government sectors are key factors in keeping its economy strong, Johansson said.

Johansson also wants to develop a long-term economic growth strategy that takes advantage of the state's federal government ties and scientific, medical and technology resources. He has some key federal ties: He was a member of President Obama's Executive Committee for Urban and Metropolitan Policy during the presidential campaign and an adviser to Obama's transition team.

Johansson said he will work hard to make sure the state obtains a good share of Obama's proposed stimulus package. The U.S. House passed an $819 billion version of the plan this week, and the Senate is expected to vote on it next week.

"I envision being able to forge some big and bold ideas where Maryland is better prepared and should be very competitive to get some of those funds," Johansson said.

In December, Edgerley, formerly Montgomery County's economic development head, announced his resignation, effective today, after almost two years as DBED's chief to pursue a position in the private sector. Under Edgerley, DBED expanded biotechnology programs with O'Malley's BIO 2020 initiative, which commits $1.3 billion in investment in the state's bioscience industry over the next decade, and expanded international investment and trade programs.

Johansson has also been a senior consultant for Sag Harbor (N.Y.) Group. He co-founded software company Inka.net and medical device business Dola Health Systems.

Johansson earned a master's in business administration from Harvard University and a bachelor's in biology from Brown University. The Baltimore resident is a member of the Hippodrome Foundation's board and the Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Program. He co-chaired the O'Malley-Brown Transition Committee for DBED in 2006.

Johansson must be confirmed by the Maryland Senate before taking over DBED.