LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County Acting Administrator Deborah Hall announced on April 9, 2025, the appointment of Jason Groth as the Director of the Department of Planning and Growth Management. Groth, who has been serving as Acting Director, will officially assume the role on April 19, 2025, bringing with him 28 years of expertise in planning and development, including 25 years with Charles County.
Hall praised Groth’s extensive experience and vision for the county’s future. “I am thrilled to celebrate Jason Groth’s promotion to Director of the Department of Planning and Growth Management. With 28 years of expertise in planning and development, including 25 years serving Charles County, Jason is exceptionally equipped to drive innovative strategies and foster sustainable growth for our community,” she said. The appointment underscores the county’s commitment to leveraging seasoned leadership for its planning efforts.
Groth’s career spans nearly three decades, with 20 years in management and leadership roles. His work has covered transportation, land use, housing, water resources, economic development, emergency management, conservation, recreation, and ensuring adequate public facilities. In Charles County, he has held key positions, including Adequate Public Facilities Program Manager, Chief of Resource & Infrastructure Management, Planning Director, and Deputy Director of Planning & Growth Management. His tenure has shaped policies that balance growth with community needs.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Groth highlighted his goals for the department. “I am humbled and honored to serve Charles County in this capacity. I truly look forward to supporting the talented and dedicated professionals of the PGM team and developing an outstanding customer experience,” he said. His focus will be on enhancing teamwork and service delivery within the department.
Groth’s academic and professional credentials bolster his qualifications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Analysis and Planning from Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. He is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a graduate of the National Association of Counties Leadership Academy. His leadership extends beyond county government, having chaired the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board Technical Committee, Charles County’s Water Resource Advisory Board, and the Charles County School Capacity Allocation Committee.
The Department of Planning and Growth Management oversees critical aspects of Charles County’s development, from zoning and land use to infrastructure planning. Groth’s appointment comes at a time when the county faces growing demands for sustainable development. According to the Charles County Government website, the department aims to guide growth while preserving the area’s quality of life, a mission Groth has contributed to for over two decades.
Before stepping into the director role permanently, Groth served as Acting Director, providing continuity during the transition. His official start on April 19 follows a career marked by steady progression within the county’s planning framework. His experience with adequate public facilities—ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth—positions him to address challenges like housing and transportation, key issues in the region.
Groth’s leadership roles in professional organizations reflect his influence beyond Charles County. His work with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, for instance, tied local planning to broader regional strategies. As he takes the helm, his focus will likely center on innovative solutions to sustain the county’s growth trajectory.
