Steve Silverman resigned this week as the director of the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development.
County spokesman Patrick Lacefield said Silverman, who has served in the role since 2009, left the post to purse a job in the private sector.
“He’s done a great job as economic development director and made tremendous contributions and we’re sorry to see him leave,” Lacefield said, “but we’re happy with what he has been able to do.”
Silverman later confirmed the details Friday afternoon.
"I'm finishing up my 16th year of public service and I've decided to go back into the private sector," Silverman said. "I'll be doing government relations on the local, state and federal level."
Silverman said he'll be working for himself and taking on private clients to handle similar issues he dealt with during his time at the economic development department–land use issues and job creation. He said he'll officially step down Jan. 2.
He previously served on the Montgomery County Council from 1998 to 2006.
Silverman thanked County Executive Isiah Leggett for the opportunity and said Leggett "has been very supportive of our agenda and has been a leader in the last six years through the toughest economic times in anybody's memory."
Lacefield said Sally Sternbach, the deputy director of the department of economic development, will become interim director while a search for a new director is underway. Lacefield said he did not know how long the search will take.
Lacefield also confirmed that Montgomery County Fire Chief Steve Lohr is stepping down at the end of the year as part of a planned retirement.
Lohr is part of Montgomery County’s Deferred Retirement Option Plan program, which enables experienced senior staff members to stay on the job after they’re eligible for retirement and increase their base pay, which in turn allows them to increase their pensions.
Lohr was appointed to interim chief in May 2013, then designated as chief in December 2013 by County Executive Isiah Leggett.
MCFRS Division Chief Scott Goldstein will be named interim chief once Lohr steps down, according to Lacefield.
MyMCMedia first reported the resignation of Silverman and the retirement of Lohr.
