Planning Assistance in Action

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

In late November, we bade farewell to the Maryland Department of Planning’s (Planning) Secretary, Robert (Rob) McCord, Esq., after seven years with the department. As Secretary, Rob provided comprehensive leadership of the department’s mission, objectives, and initiatives. Prior to becoming Secretary, he served as Planning’s Assistant Secretary of Operations and Deputy Secretary.  

During his time at Planning Rob oversaw the development of: A Better Maryland, Reinvest Maryland 2.0, PreserveMaryland II (in conjunction with the Maryland Historical Trust), the 2020 Census, the Maryland Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Program, enhancements to and new online data and mapping tools such as the Transit Station Area Profile Tool (TSAPT), the Maryland Protected Lands Dashboard, Housing Data Dashboard, and FINDER Online among others…not to mention guiding the department through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Rob came to Planning with both private sector and public experience. He worked in private practice in Bel Air, MD, before joining the Harford County Law Department in 1998 as Deputy County Attorney, then County Attorney from 2004-2014.  

Rob oversaw issues from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore as a trustee on the Local Government Insurance Trust. Always eager to share his experience with the next generation, Rob also served as Adjunct Professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, a position he held for more than thirty years.  

His greatest pride, however, is his family. He is the proud father of two grown children, and devoted husband to wife, Allison.  Rob also serves as a deacon for St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Bel Air.  

About Rob’s tenure, Acting Secretary, Sandy Schrader, says, “His passion, creativity, and unyielding positive energy resulted in Planning being a “go to” resource for countless entities and governmental leaders across Maryland. Aside from his main duties as the secretary, his stewardship of the 2020 Census and subsequent redistricting process was unparalleled. I cannot imagine a more hands-on leader who personally worked as tirelessly as Rob did to ensure the positive results we saw in our state. That commitment made him an invaluable asset to the Governor’s cabinet, and he has left big boots to fill.” 

Rob now joins the Harford County Executive’s office as the Director of Administration. Please join us in wising him great success in his latest endeavors!