Statement
Statement from County Executive Marc Elrich on Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk’s Appointment of Tom Lewis as Special Advisor
For Immediate Release: Friday 19 December
“Tom Lewis brought experience, judgment, and a steady hand to our office at moments when it mattered most. He understood how government works, how development is actually accomplished, and how to advance complex projects without losing sight of the public interest.
During his tenure as our County’s Development Ombudsman, Tom played a key role in helping us make progress on some of the most significant economic development efforts currently underway in our region and state. Tom has been instrumental in creating progress on the redevelopment of the North Bethesda Metro Station, the establishment of the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, and Viva White Oak, the largest private-sector investment ever made in Eastern Montgomery County. Those projects required patience, credibility, and the ability to bring people together, and Tom consistently delivered all three.
While we will miss his wisdom and grace in our office, the State of Maryland is fortunate that he is returning to public service in the Speaker’s Office. Speaker Peña-Melnyk made a great decision in bringing Tom onto her team. He will be an asset to her office, to the General Assembly, and to the work they will do on behalf of all Marylanders."
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Release ID: 25-034