Pocomoke City announced this week that it has formally launched the search for its next Planning & Zoning Director, a position responsible for overseeing land use, zoning enforcement, and development review. The role is considered vital in balancing the city’s historic character with new opportunities for revitalization and growth.
Deputy City Manager Brandy Matthews said in a release that the position is “instrumental in shaping the city’s future,” emphasizing that the city is seeking a candidate with both technical expertise and a strong commitment to community engagement. At the August 4th Mayor & Council meeting, a temporary moratorium on certain Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals actions was put into place until a Planning and Zoning Director is hired.
The vacancy follows the departure of former director Dan Brandewie, whose last week with the city appears to have been the week of July 21. The Town of Snow Hill, MD, currently lists him in their online staff directory as their Planning, Zoning & Building Official. Since then, permits appear to be managed in part by Code Enforcement Director Mike Wyatt.
The announcement also comes as Pocomoke continues its search for a permanent City Manager. The recruitment process began with a press release on April 12, 2025, and the most recent public update was posted by Mayor Todd Nock on Facebook on June 15. At that time, he said the city had narrowed the field to two finalists, both currently employed in other local government roles, and sought community feedback on how to involve residents without jeopardizing the candidates’ professional standing.
On August 7, when asked about the status of both the City Manager and Planning Director searches, Mayor Nock responded that the matters would be addressed at the first Mayor and Council meeting in September. No additional public details appear to have been provided since June regarding the city manager selection process.
The job posting for the Planning & Zoning Director can be found at www.cityofpocomoke.com/info/jobs.
