Gundersen Tapped to Head County Economic Development

UPDATED (6:18p.m.)—Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz named a new director for the Department of Economic Development on Tuesday.

Daniel C. Gundersen, senior adviser for Philadelphia-based Econsult Corporation and a former New York state economic development commissioner, will serve in the position on an acting basis until the County Council confirms him.

Gundersen's appointment comes nearly six months after Kamenetz took office.

David Iannucci, who left the job after Kamenetz was sworn in, was hired in March to head economic development efforts in Prince George's County.

Gundersen will make $185,000 compared to the $164,500 earned by Iannucci, his predecessor.

Ellen Kobler, a county spokeswoman, said Gudnersen's salary was negotiated and "is very much in line with other economic development directors in the region."

Gundersen served as the executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development prior to working in New York.

Gundersen has ties to Maryland. He served as the assistant secretary for business development from 2000-2003. His wife works in the state, and their daughter graduated from the Park School of Baltimore, according to a statement released by the county.

Gundersen holds a master's degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He also studied at Harvard Business School's Executive Education program on global strategy.