Joseph Hurst

Joe Hurst is an Economic Development Specialist at MCEDC, supporting the County’s economic and business development mission. His focus includes assisting the attraction, retention, and expansion efforts in the Non-Profit and Defense industries, as well as supporting Federal and minority businesses engagement.

Originally a Chicagoan, Joe was raised on the city’s South Side by a village of caring family members and mentors. He graduated from one of the top high schools in Chicago, the University of Chicago Laboratory School High School, or Lab as its called, which opened a world of possibilities for him. After Lab, Joe graduated from Purdue University, studying in the fields of economics, political science, peace studies and global studies.

Professionally, Joe has oriented his career toward creating opportunity, particularly in under-represented and under-resourced communities. As a Department of Commerce appointee, he focused on supporting the Obama Administration’s economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship agendas. This included traveling to communities across the country to highlight these efforts and Commerce’s Economic Development Administration investments in the community. After his time in the Administration, Joe worked as a disaster responder with the American Red Cross, eventually rising to Program Manager and supporting the Region’s external relations and partner management efforts.

Joe has spent time in the United States Army, volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician, and with the 100 Black Men of Maryland, and continues to volunteer with the American Red Cross. Community development and youth empowerment are important to Joe, and he continues to incorporate these priorities into his professional and volunteer career.