MEDA Executive Director Pam Ruff to Transition to Finance Manager and Senior Advisor; Search for Next Executive Director Begins in October
After 25 years with MEDA, including 23 as Executive Director, Ruff will continue supporting the organization in a new role effective January 1, 2027
MARYLAND (September 28, 2026) – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) and the MEDA Foundation today announced that Executive Director Pamela J. Ruff will transition to the role of Finance Manager and Senior Advisor, effective January 1, 2027. The MEDA and MEDA Foundation Boards of Directors will begin a search for the organizations’ next Executive Director in early October 2026.
Ruff joined MEDA in 2001 and has served as its Executive Director since 2003, leading both the Association and its affiliated 501(c)(3), the MEDA Foundation, which was formed in 2008. Under her leadership, MEDA has grown into Maryland’s largest economic development association, with more than 550 members from state and local government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. She has built the programs that define MEDA today, including its annual and quarterly conferences, professional development and mentorship offerings, the annual MEDA Awards, the Young Leaders program, and Foundation-supported scholarships.
“For more than a quarter century, Pam has been the heart of MEDA and a trusted connector across Maryland’s economic development community,” said Tammi Thomas, President of the MEDA Board of Directors. “Her leadership has shaped the careers of countless economic developers and strengthened the partnerships that move our state forward. We are grateful she will continue to share her knowledge and institutional expertise as we welcome MEDA’s next leader.”
“I’ve been fortunate to help build MEDA into a valuable resource for Maryland’s economic developers, and the credit for its success belongs to the leaders, supporters and members who have dedicated their expertise to it,” Ruff said. “Maryland’s strong economic development community is vital to our state’s future, and I’m proud to have championed that work for more than 25 years. I’m grateful to the mentors who guided me along the way and to the MEDA boards for allowing me to continue supporting the organization in this next chapter.”
“When I passed the leadership of MEDA to Pam in 2003, I knew the organization was in good hands, and she has exceeded every expectation,” said Michael S. Lofton, CEcD, a MEDA Hall of Fame inductee. “For 23 years, she has made sure Maryland’s economic developers have the training, relationships, and support to do their best work. Every scholarship awarded and every young leader who has come through her programs is part of her legacy, and MEDA is fortunate to keep her wisdom close at hand as it welcomes its next leader.”
In her new role, Ruff will oversee day-to-day financial operations for MEDA and the MEDA Foundation and serve as a senior advisor to support a smooth leadership transition.
The next Executive Director will serve as chief executive of both the Association and the Foundation, providing strategic, operational, and administrative leadership, and acting as the organizations’ primary liaison to their two Boards of Directors. The position posting and application details will be available at medamd.com.
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About MEDA
The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) enhances the knowledge and skills of its members and encourages partnerships and networking among those committed to bringing jobs and investment to Maryland. MEDA works in partnership with the MEDA Foundation, Inc. Learn more at www.medamd.com.
