Comptroller Names New Bureau of Revenue Estimates Director

Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the appointment of Robert J. Rehrmann as director of the Bureau of Revenue Estimates (BRE). Mr. Rehrmann, who previously served as a principal policy analyst for the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, assumes the role from Acting Director David Farkas, who has served since Andrew Schaufele’s promotion to deputy comptroller in January.

Robert J. Rehrmann (photo courtesy of the Comptroller of Maryland)

The appointment is effective immediately. Mr. Farkas returns to his previous role as the Bureau’s deputy director.

BRE employees serve as economic staff for the Comptroller. They forecast and analyze state and national economies, forecast and monitor state revenues, and study the effects of state and federal tax legislation on the state’s revenues.

The BRE works closely with MACo’s Budget and Finance Officers Affiliate, and counties rely on data from the BRE to craft budgets and make informed policy decisions. The BRE aims to equip local elected officials and finance professionals with high-quality, county-specific data to pass along to their constituents and local businesses.

BRE employees also serve as staff for the Board of Revenue Estimates. The Board approves the Bureau’s analyses of the state’s economy, revenue performance, and revenue forecasts to the bond rating agencies before every bond sale and otherwise, as conditions warrant.

According to a press release from the Comptroller:

Rehrmann previously served as principal policy analyst for the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS), where he worked for 19 years, rising from his first role as a fiscal note analyst. His areas of expertise with DLS included personal income, corporate income, tobacco, estate and transportation taxes. Over the years, he worked extensively with BRE staff to review and develop fiscal notes for tax policies and legislation.

Prior to his tenure with DLS, Rehrmann spent several years in the private finance sector. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree cum laude in Political Science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Rehrmann lives in Hyattsville.

Visit the Maryland Comptroller website for more information.