Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has announced appointments of three new county department directors and one new ombudsman position. Scott E. Goldstein as the new director of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service. Robert L. Green as the new director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. And Cherri L. Branson as the new director of the newly-formed County Department of Procurement.

Michael Smith was chosen as the Development Ombudsman in the Office of the County Executive to help navigate the development approval process and ensure transparency and responsiveness. The appointment of this new position comes on the heels of Leggett’s announcement of a bill to restructure the county’s Department of Economic Development.

As reported in the county press release:

“In Rob Green, we have a veteran, nationally recognized correction officer who has capably led Correction and Rehabilitation since former director Art Wallenstein retired in March. U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez has called Rob ‘…not only a local leader, but a national leader.’ In addition to his expertise and experience as a correctional officer and manager, Rob understands how government and stakeholder groups can work together for the betterment of our entire community.”

“As a 25-year veteran of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Scott Goldstein has a thorough knowledge of our system and the many operations that keep it functioning at its high-level of service. His service as acting chief, since the retirement of Chief Lohr in January, has been exceptional. His experience at all levels of fire and rescue service at the local level and with major incidents across the country gives him a broad perspective on issues that could arise locally.”

“To head the newly created Office of Procurement,” Leggett said, “I have chosen former County Councilmember Cherri Branson. With more than two decades of government experience at the federal and local levels, she is an ideal choice to direct procurement operations in Montgomery County. Cherri has worked to help increase the participation of small, minority and women-owned businesses in federal contracting opportunities. And, she supports my goals of making it easy to do business here and to ensure that all businesses get a fair shake.”

…

We have found the ideal candidate in Michael Smith who brings a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors and an enthusiastic, dynamic approach to the job of helping businesses to locate and expand in the County.

The release notes that the appointments await confirmation by the county council.

For more information read the full county press release.