Ingrid Watson named CEO of Prince George’s County EDC

Prince George’s County officials announced that Ingrid S. Watson will serve as president and chief executive officer of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC), a role that places a seasoned local leader at the center of county economic and workforce strategy. The appointment was announced on January 16 and signals a shift in local leadership on development initiatives that affect Bowie, Greenbelt, Westchester Park, Glenn Dale, Lanham and Upper Marlboro.

Watson resigned her County Council seat for District 4 after three years representing those communities to accept the EDC post. Her record in government and work on workforce policy and partnership-building in the public sector were cited as qualifications for steering the EDC, which operates as an independent nonprofit partner to county government. County leaders presented the move as a continuation of Watson’s efforts to connect economic development planning with workforce training and business attraction across the county.

For residents, the most immediate effects are twofold: one is organizational. The PGCEDC under Watson will be responsible for advancing development projects, coordinating employer and training partnerships, and promoting investment that could shape hiring, small business support and real estate activity countywide. The other is political. Watson’s resignation creates a vacancy in the District 4 council seat, and county communications have signaled they will share next steps and timelines for filling that seat.

Prince George’s County sits at a crossroads where local development policy matters for commuting patterns, housing affordability and job access. Local stakeholders have increasingly emphasized workforce pipelines and public-private partnerships to ensure that new investments translate into jobs for county residents. Placing an official with hands-on council experience at the helm of the EDC may accelerate coordination between county government, community organizations and employers on these priorities.

Small business owners, workforce training providers and community leaders should expect outreach from the EDC as Watson settles into the role and begins setting priorities. County and EDC communications will provide further details about Watson’s agenda and the timeline for filling the District 4 seat.

This appointment reframes how Prince George’s County will align economic development with on-the-ground workforce needs. Watch for announcements about EDC programs, partnership opportunities and local hiring initiatives that could shape neighborhood-level outcomes in the months ahead.