HAGERSTOWN - The City of Hagerstown has named Kathy Maher the city's new director of planning and economic development.
Maher has been the city's senior planner for more than seven years. She has worked on the revitalization of Fairgrounds Park and the continued development of an Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Hagerstown.
Maher, 40, said she wants to continue to strengthen the city by revitalizing the downtown and neighborhoods and building the city's tax base.
Before joining the city in April 1995, Maher was planner for the City of Williamsburg, Va., from 1990 to 1995.
With the promotion, Maher's annual salary increases from $48,818 to $56,597, city spokeswoman Karen Giffin said.
Ric Kautz, the former head of the department, was making $68,432 when he retired on July 26.
Since Kautz's departure, Maher and Debbie Everhart, economic development coordinator/zoning administrator, have taken turns heading the department.
Maher will supervise four employees once someone is hired to take her place, Giffin said.
