FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Announces New Director of Planning and Community Development

COLLEGE PARK, MD March 17, 2023 –  The City of College Park is pleased to announce that Miriam Bader has been selected to serve as the City’s new Director of Planning and Community Development.  Ms. Bader will start her tenure as Director on April 3, following the retirement of Director Terry Schum.   “We are delighted to have Miriam take on this important role for the City,” said Kenny Young, City Manager, “she is extremely knowledgeable about city planning and College Park, and we are excited to see what she will bring to the position.”

Ms. Bader has almost 40 years of planning and zoning experience.  She has served as the City’s Senior Planner within the Department of Planning and Community Development since 2012.  Prior to working for the City of College Park, she held numerous planning roles for cities and towns across the country, including college towns like Auburn, Alabama and Plymouth, New Hampshire.  

In her current capacity as Senior Planner for the City, Ms. Bader reviews and presents Detailed Site Plan recommendations as well as variance and departure applications.  She also serves as staff liaison to several City advisory boards. “I am thrilled to be embarking on this new journey as Director,” said Ms. Bader, “I have dedicated much of my career to the City and look forward to building upon the transformational work that Terry started for the community.”

Ms. Bader will replace long-time Planning and Community Development Director Terry Schum.  Ms. Schum began her career with the City of College Park in February 1986 as the Coordinator of Economic Development and built the Department of Planning and Community Development.  During her tenure, she has facilitated the transformation of College Park by leading projects that created new parks, improved streetscapes, established historic districts and walking tours, added bike trails and sidewalks, and implemented a micro-mobility program with the University of Maryland.  She has worked closely with M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County, and the State on major plans and projects that have improved College Park.  Ms. Schum worked with developers on nearly every new construction project throughout the City, presenting her recommendations to the City Council and other officials. After more than 37 years with the City, Ms. Schum will be retiring from the City of College Park on March 31, 2023.  The City of College Park thanks and offers Ms. Schum its deep appreciation for her work and dedication to the City and wishes her all the best in her retirement.

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News and media outlets are encouraged to contact Communications Manager Ryna Quinones regarding any inquiries or stories about the City of College Park. For all media inquiries, please contact her via email at rquinones@collegeparkmd.gov or by phone at (240) 487-3508.