meet pete

Peter Fosselman has more than 35 years of diverse experience working in the private sector and government across city, county, and state levels, serving in both appointed and elected positions. He pursued studies in Urban Studies at Virginia Tech followed by Landscape Design at George Washington, combining a strong foundation in planning and urban design. In 2017, he was honored to be part of the inaugural group of Fellows at the Rose Center with the Urban Land Institute, an experience that further enriched his expertise in urban development and public service.

Fosselman is currently serving as the Director of Regional Services for Montgomery County in Bethesda, where he oversees various regional initiatives and coordinates efforts across multiple departments. Prior to this role, he was the Master Plan Ombudsman, responsible for managing and ensuring the effective implementation of the approved master plans throughout the county. During this period, Pete started the Friends of White Oak to further advocate for the needs and inequities in the East County.

From 2007 to 2016, Pete served as the Mayor of Kensington, where he spearheaded significant improvements that transformed the community. Under his leadership, the town adopted a comprehensive new plan, enhanced its streets for better safety and accessibility, implemented professional marketing strategies, and hosted numerous community events to foster local engagement. Additionally, Pete introduced the county's first eco-friendly storm drain parking system, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility. Beyond his mayoral duties, he served as President of the Maryland Mayors’ Association from 2015 to 2016, representing the interests of all 154 mayors across the state. In recognition of his expertise, the U.S. State Department invited him in 2012 to Croatia to share insights and best practices in community engagement and economic growth, highlighting his role as a leader in public service.

Before joining County Administration, Mayor Pete served as Deputy Secretary of State, a significant position to which he was appointed by Governor O’Malley. He continued to serve in this important role for a brief period under Governor Hogan’s administration, demonstrating his commitment to public service across different leadership. In this capacity, he oversaw several critical divisions, including the Charity and Legal Divisions, which play essential roles in the state’s governance. His responsibilities encompassed managing the Maryland Charity Campaign, coordinating prisoner extraditions across jurisdictions, and overseeing the Safe at Home Program, a crucial initiative that provides vital support and protection to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Preceding his appointment as Deputy Secretary, Fosselman was a Principal with Rodgers Consulting, where he played a key role in numerous projects. He also served as the Project Manager for the award-winning neo-traditional community, the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, MD, a development known for its innovative design and community focus. In the 1990s, Pete took on the role of Chair for the Olde Towne Community Development Corporation in Gaithersburg, actively contributing to revitalizing and bringing new life to Gaithersburg’s historic downtown area.

Pete has actively served in advisory positions for several important organizations, including the Maryland Democratic Business Council, Black Rock Arts Center, and Crossways Community. Additionally, he is proud to be a founding member of the MoCo Pride Center. Pete currently serves as a Commissioner on the Historic District of Rockville.

Pete grew up on Fairfax City, VA and moved to Montgomery County in 1993. Growing up he struggled in school being severely Dyslexic. He was fortunate and his parents got him the expertise he needed to overcome the impairment. Pete has three siblings and his sister, Katie is one of his best friends. He resides in the City with his other best friend of 30 years and husband, Duane Rollins, and their dogs.