Jennifer Hsin, who spent more than 20 years at Bethesda-based Clark Enterprises before the private investment firm closed at the end of 2025, is set to lead the board of the county's official economic development organization.

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. announced Friday that its board of directors elected Hsin as chair. MCEDC, a nonprofit public-private partnership that operates independently from but in coordination with county government, is charged with retaining existing businesses and recruiting new ones to the county.

Hsin takes over from Elana Fine, an executive consultant for Hightower Advisors who held the position since July 2024 and was required to step down after reaching the maximum term allowed under the board's bylaws.

“I am excited about the opportunities ahead and I believe that MCEDC is ready to meet today’s challenges and shape an even stronger future for Montgomery County,” Hsin said in last week's press release. “With the team’s ability to bring together business, government, academia and talent, we can create a strong economy that supports the community we’re proud to call home.” 

Now a University of Maryland lecturer, Hsin served as vice chair during Fine's tenure on the executive committee. Her elevation means MCEDC has installed both a new board chair and a new president and CEO within roughly seven months. Jared Smith took over as the organization's top executive in December, following a months-long search after former leader Bill Tompkins announced his departure in August.

Hsin said in the announcement that she believes MCEDC is positioned to shape a stronger future for the county.

The transition comes as Montgomery County anchors what Councilmember Andrew Friedson called the nation's No. 3 biopharma cluster in a June 11 post on X. County Executive Marc Elrich said on X on Sunday, July 5, that he looks forward to working with Hsin.

Joining Hsin on the refreshed leadership team is Anne Khademian, executive director of the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, who will serve as vice chair. Khademian also chairs the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce board, making her a connector between the county's higher education and business communities. She has led USG, a regional center that brings together programs from nine universities on one campus, since October 2020.

Fine's vacated board seat goes to Vikram Manikonda, a professor of the practice in the University of Maryland's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The board recommended Manikonda to Elrich, who appointed him.