Lonergan Named Economic Development Director

After more than a year of searching, the City has finally hired an Economic Development director.

Thomas "Tom" Lonergan accepted the city's offer on Monday, taking the only new position created in the city's budget in two years.

Lonergan will be responsible for managing the $2 million economic development fund created by officials as a tool to entice businesses to relocate or expand in Gaithersburg. He'll be responsible for all areas of economic development.

"He will also be charged with sustaining a healthy business climate, promoting employment opportunities, strengthening existing businesses, and fostering entrepreneurship," the city said.

His salary, according to Assistant City Manager Tony Tomasello, will be about $100,000.

“We conducted two exhaustive national searches to find just the right fit for Gaithersburg, and Tom became a clear choice as a result of that process,” said City Manager Angel Jones in a statement.  “We were impressed with his experience in managing downtown revitalization efforts in several very challenging environments, and believe that his collaborative and creative approach will serve this community well.”

For the past nine years, Lonergan has served as the executive director of the Montclair, NJ Business Improvement District. Before that he served as the Executive Director of the Ironbound (Newark, NJ) Business Improvement District and the Bunker Hill (Paterson, NJ) Special Improvement District.

He is set to relocate to the city with his wife Judith and start work in mid-September, Tomasello said.

“I am honored to have been selected for this exciting new position and offered the opportunity to spearhead the City’s economic development efforts,” Lonergan said in a statement.  “Gaithersburg possesses all of the components necessary for a vibrant, competitive and sustainable economy.  I look forward to working closely with the local business community, municipal staff and elected leaders on projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening the City’s position as the region’s premier destination to live and invest.”

Lonergan was selected from a second pool of candidates after the city was forced to re-advertise the Economic Development director position earlier this year. Officials narrowed the first field of candidates to the final two, both were found to have problems with their background checks.