Meet the Staff

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

Jill Lemke joined the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) in March as the department’s new Manager of Infrastructure and Development. In her new role, she is leading projects in transportation planning, solar, and other alternative energy siting, and those in support of the Interagency Commission (IAC) on Public School Construction program.

Having worked in a variety of planning roles, Jill says, “I’m happy to be back in a position where I can work on big-picture planning issues and continue trying to make a difference in the world.  I am excited to help MDP establish its position as the leader in sustainable growth and creative placemaking.”

Prior to coming to MDP, Jill worked most recently as a Regional and Intermodal Planner at the Maryland Department of Planning State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and as a Strategic Planner for the Port of Baltimore (MDOT MPA). Previously she worked as the first Main Street Manager for the Town of Mount Airy before becoming a Community Planner with the City of Baltimore Planning Department. Her first job as a planner, however, was with the City of Buffalo, NY, after earning her master’s degree in City and Regional Planning at Cornell University.

Raised in a small town outside of Buffalo, Jill focused on math and art at a small public high school and was the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree after studying Communications and Political Science at the State University of New York (SUNY) College in Brockport. Jill says that it was while working for a member of the New York State Legislature in communications and community relations that she decided to pursue a graduate degree. Initially, Jill says she was “leaning toward a master of public policy, but it was then that I discovered City and Regional Planning at Cornell and quickly decided that was where I was meant to be!”

A fun fact about Jill is that during the summer between high school and college, she worked in a factory making toys, where she says she made great money and learned a personal appreciation for industry. She says, “there are three things to which I’ll always say “Yes” (if I can): happy hour, brunch and trips to the beach – it doesn’t matter which beach but, so far, the beaches in Aruba are my favorite!”

Jill currently lives in northern Baltimore City with feline friends Penny and Sheldon, where her hobbies include reading, painting, and jewelry making.

Welcome to MDP, Jill!