Ronald O. Schaftel has been engaged in residential and commercial development since 1981 and he co-founded the Southern Land Company in 1983. Ron was president of the Home Builders Association of Maryland, Baltimore County Chapter, for two years.

Over the past 35 years Mr. Schaftel has been interacting with elected officials as well as the Baltimore County Department heads, including those who are responsible for overseeing the entire county-wide development process.

Ron also served on the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks Local Open Space and Greenway Advisory Board.

In 2004 Ron was elected to serve as President of the Home Builders Association of Maryland. After serving his tenure, he was honored with the “Builder of the Year” award, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Association and Building Industry.

The Southern Land Company has developed thousands of lots as well as a number of commercial projects including apartments over the past 35 years.

In 2018 the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) awarded Ron with the coveted “Member of the Year” award for Baltimore County.

Ron graduated from the University of Maryland with a concentration of study in engineering and business. He did his college preparatory work at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he served as Senior Class President in 1977.

His is a well known name in the Maryland home building industry. The BCEDC is looking forward to his input which is grounded in his decades of successful experience in working with local and state government regulatory agencies.

The future of Baltimore County economic health and growth will be dependent on individuals like Ron Schaftel said BCEDC Chairman Robt. E. "Bob" Latshaw, Jr.