BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) today announced the appointment of Lionel Fosteras senior vice president and chief strategy officer, further strengthening the organization’s executive leadership team as it continues building the strategic capacity needed to accelerate economic growth, investment and opportunity across Baltimore.
In his new role, Foster will lead BDC’s Strategy, Analytics & Research functions, guiding enterprise strategy, organizational performance, cross-functional initiatives and long-range planning to ensure the organization’s priorities are aligned with measurable outcomes that benefit Baltimore’s businesses, neighborhoods and residents.
“Lionel brings exceptional strategic insight, sound judgment and a deep understanding of the forces shaping cities and economic growth,” said Otis Rolley III, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation. “His experience across investment, urban planning and organizational strategy will strengthen our ability to execute on Mayor Scott’s long-term economic development vision.”
Foster joins BDC from Camber Creek, where he served as head of platform, supporting relationships with investors, portfolio companies and strategic partners for one of the nation’s leading venture capital firms focused on real estate technology and innovation.
Earlier in his career, Foster served in leadership roles with the Baltimore City Department of Planning and Merrill Lynch’s Investment Banking Group, bringing experience at the intersection of economic development, investment, public policy and urban growth.
“I am honored to join the Baltimore Development Corporation at such an important time for Baltimore,” Foster said. “The city has extraordinary assets, resilient neighborhoods and tremendous momentum. I look forward to working alongside our leadership team, partners and community stakeholders to help shape strategies that attract investment, strengthen neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity for Baltimore residents.”
Foster is the founder of The Baldwin Prize, a scholarship and essay competition for students at Baltimore City College High School that encourages young people to explore leadership and civic engagement through writing.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in writing seminars from Johns Hopkins University before completing three master’s degrees as a British Marshall Scholar, including studies in social policy, urban planning and creative writing at the London School of Economics and Goldsmiths, University of London. He also earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.
Foster’s appointment represents another important step in BDC’s continued investment in building a high-performing executive leadership team and strengthening the organization’s ability to deliver strategic, data-driven economic development for Baltimore’s businesses, neighborhoods and residents.
About Baltimore Development Corporation
