MoCo Economic Development Corp. board of directors elects new leadership 

Jennifer Hsin assumes chair from Elana Fine, who had the position since July 2024 

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July 7, 2026 11:30 a.m.

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The Board of Directors for the Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. (MCEDC) has elected Jennifer Hsin as its new chair, according to a Thursday press release from the nonprofit public-private partnership. 

The MCEDC is the official economic development entity for Montgomery County. It operates independently from, but in coordination with the county government to support existing businesses and attract new ones.  

“I am excited about the opportunities ahead and I believe that MCEDC is ready to meet today’s challenges and shape an even stronger future for Montgomery County,” Hsin said in Thursday’s press release. “With the team’s ability to bring together business, government, academia, and talent, we can create a strong economy that supports the community we’re proud to call home.” 

MCEDC spokesperson Olivia Caverly told Bethesda Today in an email on Monday that Elana Fine, who held the top post since July 2024, had served the maximum term allowed under the board’s bylaws. That meant she had to give up her leadership position as well as her seat on the board. 

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Hsin — a University of Maryland lecturer who spent more than 20 years at the Bethesda-based Clark Enterprises before the private investment firm closed at the end of 2025 — takes over for Fine. Hsin served as vice chair during Fine’s term on the executive committee. 

Fine, an executive consultant for Hightower Advisors, led the MCEDC board through a period of transition. Former president and CEO Bill Tompkins announced in August 2025 that he would step down, kicking off a months-long search for his replacement. Jared Smith took over as president and CEO in December 2025. 

“I am also tremendously grateful for Elana’s service and commitment as her tenure comes to an end,” Smith said in Thursday’s release. “Her guidance helped strengthen the organization and position MCEDC for continued success, and we are deeply appreciative of her dedication to Montgomery County.” 

Anne Khademian, Executive Director of the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, will serve as vice chair of the board, according to Thursday’s release. 

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Vikram Manikonda, a professor of the Practice in the University of Maryland’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is filling Fine’s seat on the board, according to Caverly. 

The board recommended Manikonda to County Executive Marc Elrich (D), who appointed him, according to Caverly. The County Council confirmed the appointment at its June 16 meeting. 

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine