How We Are Organized
Harry Coker, Jr. - Secretary of Commerce
Secretary Coker leads the Department of Commerce. He previously served as National Cyber Director at the White House and is a retired CIA senior executive, a former NSA senior executive and a career naval officer.
Leadership Team
- Ricardo Benn - Deputy Secretary, Industry, International and Innovation.
- Stephen Rice - Deputy Secretary, Business Growth and Attraction.
- April Falcon Doss - Deputy Secretary, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement.
- Jerel Registre - Chief of Staff.
- Judy Smith - Chief Strategy Officer.
Divisions and what they do
Commerce is organized into three divisions, plus supporting units.
Led by Deputy Secretary Ricardo Benn. Grows Maryland’s priority industries and innovation economy and connects Maryland businesses to the world. Offices: Strategic Industries, Education and Workforce, Military and Federal Affairs, and International Investment and Trade.
Led by Deputy Secretary Stephen Rice. Brings new business to Maryland and helps existing companies grow and stay. Offices: Business Recruitment and Location Services, Domestic Investment, Regional Growth and Retention, Finance and Incentive Programs, and the Maryland Film Office.
Led by Deputy Secretary April Falcon Doss. Shapes policy and connects Commerce to the communities and partners it serves. Offices: the Governor’s Office of Business Advancement, Policy and Government Affairs, Marketing, Communications, the Nonprofit Navigator, and Minority Business Outreach.
Administration and Technology, Tourism and the Arts, Rural Economic Development, Operations and Special Projects, Counsel, and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, ADA and Fair Practices.
Boards and Commissions
Commerce also works with public boards and commissions that advise the agency on areas like small business, life sciences, federal facilities and manufacturing. See Boards and Commissions.