CHESTERTOWN — Carla Gerber has been appointed director of planning, housing and zoning for Kent County.
Previously she had been deputy director of the department for four years.
Gerber succeeds Bill Mackey, who retired in October.
She assumed her new role in November.
Gerber’s promotion was announced in an April 17 news release from Kent County Government.
According to County Administrator Shelley Heller, Gerber has reorganized the department. There will not be a deputy director, to fill the position that Gerber left, but the county is currently advertising for a senior planner, Heller said.
Gerber has more than 25 years of service to Kent County in a career centered around planning, zoning administration, GIS operations and
community development.
During her tenure as deputy director, Gerber oversaw daily departmental operations, supervised professional and technical staff, and provided policy guidance to the county commissioners, appointed boards and the public.
She also played a key role in modernizing the county’s data systems and public communication initiatives.
According to the news release, Gerber’s prior roles in county service include GIS specialist and community planner, where she supported comprehensive plan updates, maintained critical datasets for emergency services and county operations, administered the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program and led grant-funded projects such as scenic byway initiatives.
Gerber’s “extensive institutional knowledge, combined with her leadership in regulatory administration and program implementation, uniquely position her to guide the department as it continues its mission to support effective, transparent and community-focused government operations,” the news release states.
Gerber holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa, a post-baccalaureate certificate in environmental studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University.
Her professional credentials include Certified Public Manager and membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners.
“Carla has proven her dedication to this county time and again,” County Commission President Ron Fithian said in a written statement. “Her experience, her steady leadership and her commitment to serving our residents make her an excellent choice for Director. We’re fortunate to have her in this role.”
