BALTIMORE — Members of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) during their virtual spring conference and business meeting elected a new board of directors to include Danny Thompson as its president.

Mr. Thompson, executive director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission and vice president of MEDA for the last two years, succeeds Heather Gramm, a senior director of strategic industries and entrepreneurship at the Maryland Department of Commerce.

"I’m honored to serve as the next president of MEDA," Mr. Thompson said. "As we continue to explore the next normal, I’m grateful for the assistance and support of my fellow board members and MEDA members. With them by my side, we can continue to transform lives through economic development. I’m looking forward to a successful year!"

The other executive board members are Vice President Richard Griffin, director of the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development; Secretary Denise Beaver, deputy director of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development; and Treasurer Steve Primosch, vice president of financial services at Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation.

In other news, during the board’s May retreat, members voted to allow the chairperson of its Young Leaders to be a full voting member, removing ex-officio status.

MEDA is a non-profit established in 1961 to promote economic well-being in Maryland by improving the state’s business climate and professionalism in the field of economic development.

Its members work to create opportunities, inspire innovation and enrich communities in Maryland by addressing local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism and finance.