Carroll County Names Director of Land Use, Planning and Development

The Board of County Commissioners announced the appointment of Philip R. Hager as the director of Land Use, Planning and Development.

Hager has more than two decades of planning, land use and resource management experience including more than 15 years at the local government level, according to a county press release. 

His background includes planning and zoning consulting in the private sector, water resources planning and project management for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and service as a demographer and research analyst with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Prince George’s County. 

Hager previously served as County Planner and Coordinator of Long Range Planning in Worcester County and as Executive Director of the Planning & Zoning Commission of Allegany County.

"Carroll County is recognized throughout the State of Maryland for its leadership in planning, land use and resource conservation," said Hager. "My immediate goal is to foster enhanced levels of communication between and among the County Commissioners, the Planning Commission and staff, the municipalities, and the residents of the community as we seek to maintain and improve the quality and character of life which makes Carroll County so unique."

Hager will begin his new duties on February 2, 2012 at an annual salary of $95,000.

"Phil Hager has the experience we need and the perspective we want to be successful in this unique and challenging position," said Carroll County Commissioner Doug Howard, District 5. "He will draw on his extensive planning background to lead our efforts in good planning, development and land use."

"At the same time, he will draw on his strong values and his clear understanding of the direction and philosophy of this Board to resist Federal and State overreach, protect the rural nature of our county and protect the inalienable rights of our citizens."