Meet the Staff

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

Joe Rogers has had the dubious distinction of being our very last Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) team member to join the department prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, his first day on the job being only nine days before stay-at-home orders went into effect. It’s pretty safe to say that the experience of teleworking his first few months on the job are not exactly typical! 

Prior to his new role as Lead Planner for our Western Regional Office, Joe served as the Community Development Planner for the City of Frostburg for 13 years where he fulfilled, and excelled, in a wide variety of roles including being the staff person in charge of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and day to day permitting operations for the city. As Lead Planner for the western region, he is responsible for supporting Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties and reports that, despite the unusual circumstances, he is enjoying working with many communities and local jurisdictions in the western part of the state.   

Joe has lived in Maryland for most of his life and upon graduating from Frostburg State University with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning, he decided to make Frostburg his home. His favorite pastimes include spending time with his son Joseph Timothy Rogers, JT, who is in third grade at Bishop Walsh Elementary School, playing and watching sports together, including tennis, golf, and especially hockey. This father and son duo enjoys cheering on their favorite sports team, the Washington Capitals, most nights during the hockey season. Joe and JT are also big fans of music and Joe is an acoustic drummer. 

Father and son both love visiting JT’s grandparents, in Florida, and great grandparents, who live close by in Ellerslie, Maryland. (Fun fact: Joe’s father, Joe, whose father was also a Joe, together with JT make up four generations of Joe’s…although none are juniors, all having different middle names). During the pandemic, Joe has also had a bit more time to spend on another interest: cooking. His favorite TV chef is Gordon Ramsay, and he is known for his own specialty, “Rocking Omelets.” 

A strange start to a new job aside, we’ve all gotten to know Joe via meetings and weekly video conferencing and can attest that he doesn’t let things dampen his spirits in the least. In fact, he always seems to be having a much better time than anyone else…judge for yourself! 

Welcome, to Planning, Joe!