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Jill Thompson
Director of Planning & Economic DevelopmentPhone: 301-797-6190As Director of Planning and Economic Development, Jill is responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the planning and economic development functions of the City. This includes the City’s land use planning and zoning functions, annexations, historic preservation programs and updates to the Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, Jill’s work includes supporting business retention and expansion; driving new investment and business attraction; overseeing the management of City-owned redevelopment properties; and administering incentive programs. Jill has more than 30 years of experience in economic development and downtown management. She joined the City in May of 2011 and she is a graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
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Stephen R. Bockmiller, AICP
Deputy Director for Planning & Zoning AdministrationPhone: 301-766-4062As head of the City’s Planning and Zoning staff, Steve is responsible for the City’s current and long range planning operations. He ensures new businesses and developments navigate the plan review processes as smoothly and quickly as possible. He oversees updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, preparation of grant applications, subdivision and site plan review and approval, zoning approvals, forest conservation efforts, historic preservation planning, floodplain management and other land development requirements. Steve and the planning staff also support the City’s Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and the Historic District Commission. Steve has more than 35 years of experience and previously served in planning positions in Howard County, MD and Jefferson County, WV. He joined the City in 2003 and was promoted to Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning Administration in 2025. Steve received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and Environmental Planning from Towson University.
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Doug Reaser
Economic Development ManagerPhone: 301-797-6409Doug is responsible for Business Attraction, Marketing and Inventory of Available Properties since 2019. Doug has over 10 years experience including public-sector government work. He previously served as the Director of Housing Management for the Franklin County Housing Authority. He also has experience in sales and marketing with a management consulting firm. He is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Management.
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Matthew Ross
PlannerPhone: 301-766-4313After over a decade of service as a public librarian, Matt pivoted toward planning in his career. He joined the City in 2025 bringing with him experience from another Maryland jurisdiction and the private sector in local government and research. He focuses on environmental planning and data analysis, using his skills to help inform decision-making and support effective outcomes. Matt is responsible for administering the annexation process, grant applications and special reports and projects, participates in long-range planning efforts and serves as staff to the Historic District Commission. Matt earned his Master’s Degree in Geography and Environmental Planning from Towson University.
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Valerie Feinberg, AICP
Senior PlannerPhone: 301-766-4070Valerie joined the City of Hagerstown, Department of Planning and Economic Development in 2025 as Senior Planner. She is responsible for development review, long range planning, and special projects. Valerie has over 20 years’ experience in public, private and non-profit sectors. Her diverse background in land use planning, urban design, active transportation, and community engagement lends itself to create positive change in all communities. Valerie earned her Masters of City and Regional Planning at the University of Texas Arlington.
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Kristian Broche
Assistant Zoning AdministratorPhone: 301-766-4061Kristian joined the City of Hagerstown in June 2025 as the Assistant Zoning Administrator. In this role, he oversees the administration of the City’s zoning ordinances and ensures regulatory compliance prior to the issuance of development permits. Before joining the City, he worked with federal agencies, including USDA, serving as a conservation planner. His work focused on assisting local communities in addressing natural resource concerns and implementing sustainable land management practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Environmental Conservation from Shippensburg University. As well as a Master of Science in Geospatial Information Technologies from Delta State University.
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Christopher Siemerling
Economic Development SpecialistPhone: 301-797-6294Chris Siemerling has served as the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Hagerstown since July 2021. His primary responsibilities include assisting small business owners by managing the City’s economic development programs and initiatives to support the attraction, retention, and expansion of local businesses. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Concord University, and Masters of Business Administration at American Military University.
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Emily Conrad
Economic Development CoordinatorPhone: 301-766-4189With over a decade of service to the City of Hagerstown, Emily joined the economic development staff team in June 2023 to assist with programs, marketing, communications, and project support.
She started with the City in April 2013 at the Parks & Recreation department as a tour guide at the Jonathan Hager House Museum, then Recreation Assistant in 2015, assisting in program development, event coordination, recreation facilities operations, marketing, and customer service.
Emily earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from Towson University, with tracks in Strategic Public Relations and Advertising.
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Yanique Myers
Administrative CoordinatorPhone: 301-766-4171Yanique started with the City of Hagerstown In March 2023. As the Administrative Coordinator, she is responsible for the office management and the advance administrative support for the Director of Planning & Economic Development. Yanique came to the city with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from The University of Maryland. She has over 15 years of experience as an Administrative Executive.