FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Contact: Shelley L. Heller [email protected] 410-778-4600Kent County Appoints Carla M. Gerber as New Director of Planning, Housing, and ZoningApril 17, 2026, Chestertown,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Contact: Shelley L. Heller [email protected] 410-778-4600Kent County Appoints Carla M. Gerber as New Director of Planning, Housing, and ZoningApril 17, 2026, Chestertown, Maryland – Kent County is pleased to announce the appointment of Carla M. Gerber, AICP, CPM as the new Director of Planning, Housing, and Zoning. Gerber brings more than 25 years of dedicated service to Kent County Government, including four years in her previous role as Deputy Director of the Department.Gerber has built a distinguished career in planning, zoning administration, GIS operations, and community development. In her tenure as Deputy Director, she has overseen daily departmental operations, supervised professional and technical staff, and provided policy guidance to the County Commissioners, appointed boards, and the public. She has also played a key role in modernizing the County’s data systems and public communication initiatives.Her prior roles in county service include GIS Specialist and Community Planner, where she supported comprehensive plan updates, maintained critical datasets for emergency services and county operations, administered the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, and led grant-funded projects such as scenic byway initiatives.Gerber’s extensive institutional knowledge, combined with her leadership in regulatory administration and program implementation, uniquely position her to guide the department as it continues its mission to support effective, transparent, and community-focused government operations.She holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Environmental Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. Her professional credentials include Certified Public Manager (CPM) and membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).“Carla has proven her dedication to this county time and again,” said County Commissioner and Commission President Ron Fithian. “Her experience, her steady leadership, and her commitment to serving our residents make her an excellent choice for Director. We’re fortunate to have her in this role.”###