Governor Moore Announces New Leadership at the Maryland Entertainment Industry Council

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Kenneth (Ken) Ulman as the new chair of the Maryland Entertainment Industry Council, where he serves alongside co-chair Meryam Bouadjemi. Ulman began in his new role in August. 

“With exciting developments in Maryland’s entertainment space, like the improved Preakness schedule and a new Sphere venue coming, Ken is the right person to lead our state in this new chapter,” said Gov. Moore. “He has been a dedicated public servant and business leader. I have full confidence in his experience and abilities to progress our state’s world-class entertainment industry, paving new pathways for Marylanders to access work, wages and wealth.”

“Maryland has a rich tradition of award-winning and groundbreaking film and television production coupled with an outstanding workforce,” said Ken Ulman. “I look forward to supporting the creation of more jobs and opportunities at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and the creative class.”

The Maryland Entertainment Industry Council is charged with assessing Maryland’s existing assets, opportunities, and competitiveness within the film, television, and entertainment industry, as well as methods and incentive models used by other states to support the infrastructure and workforce surrounding the sector.

The council was created in 2023 through legislation that altered the Film Production Activity Income Tax Credit, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The Department also houses the Maryland Film Office, which attracts productions to film on-location in the state and supports Maryland’s local film community.

“Ken Ulman brings years of experience in economic development and public service in Maryland to this role,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “Maryland has significant assets across film, television, live entertainment, and related industries, and our focus is on turning those assets into greater economic opportunity. We look forward to working with Ken, Co-Chair Meryam Bouadjemi, and the Council to strengthen Maryland’s competitiveness, grow the industry, and create more jobs and opportunities for Marylanders.” 

Ken Ulman is the President of Margrave Strategies, an innovative strategic consulting firm that provides a comprehensive array of economic development, planning and visioning services to institutions, businesses and other groups throughout Maryland and the Mid Atlantic. The firm’s principal initial client is the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, where Ulman serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Economic Development. 

Ulman previously served two terms as Howard County Executive, where he earned a reputation for a leadership style that blends innovation and common sense, with a goal of providing the most efficient and effective government services possible. During his time in public office, Ulman took Maryland’s sixth-largest jurisdiction to new heights in education, healthcare, environmental protection and economic development. 

Under his leadership, Howard County became one of the first communities in the nation to offer affordable access to healthcare for uninsured residents, through the Healthy Howard Access Plan. Ulman also launched the largest food-scrap composting program in the state, created Maryland’s first Office of Environmental Sustainability and placed Howard County at the forefront of the cyber-security industry and 3D manufacturing.

He has won numerous awards, and was named a Tech Titan by Washingtonian Magazine, a Top 25 Doer, Dreamer and Driver by Government Technology Magazine and a Regional Visionary by the Greater Baltimore Committee for his leadership to bring broadband technology to Maryland, enabling the state to become one of the most wired in the country.

Ulman served as president of the Maryland Association of Counties and as chairman of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, taking leadership roles in transportation, health care and fiscal affairs throughout Central Maryland. He lives in Columbia, with his wife, Jaki, and their daughters Maddie and Lily.

###