Frederick County is at a pivotal moment in time with regards to the upcoming elections. County Executive Jan Gardner has laid a solid foundation for our county during her two-terms as Frederick County’s first County Executive. However, we must forge forward with visionary leadership that can bring the community together as One Frederick. We need tenacious leadership determined to restore our public school system to a level of excellence, while creating an environment where businesses thrive and grow unhindered by burdening processes and fees.
We need mature leadership that understands that affordable housing, growth, financial stewardship, and a strong economy are all interdependent. We need caring leadership focused on creating a community where our educators, emergency service personnel and medical staff can afford to retire for the evening in the county they serve tirelessly. We need responsible leadership that safeguards the environment, while respecting our residents’ inalienable rights to pursue happiness and business owner’s need for profit to be a going concern. We need executive leadership that understands that well planned and managed growth in every sense will ensure Frederick County can compete in this global society.
According to Frederick County’s Charter (the official document establishing the governance and regulatory guidelines and roles associated with Frederick County’s transition to a Charter form of government), the County Executive directs, supervises, and oversees Frederick County Government departments and agencies, establishes policies, and proposes budgets. The County Executive’s ability to lead and manage a County is remarkably like a Corporate Executive Officer’s (CEO) responsibility to lead a business.
I have been asked why I am the best candidate to serve as the next County Executive of Frederick County and my response is that my life's journey has prepared me for this moment in time. I am by nature, a servant leader who has served the people of Frederick County for 30 years.
During the progression of my professional career, I have served as a manager, director, executive director, vice president, president, and CEO. I reached the level of vice president for two different companies prior to starting Acela Technologies (Acela) in 2002 and served as President/CEO for 15 years. Acela was the first company to successfully design and deploy a converged wireless infrastructure for the hospitality industry which allowed guests to use their cell phones in large hotels. Acela received awards over the years, including "Creative Firm of the Year" and "5 State Region Top 100 Minority Business Enterprises." The Maryland Technology Council selected me as "Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Executive of the Year," and twice the Maryland Business Gazette selected me as a "Top 25 CEO’s You Need To Know", while I earned Presidential, Congressional, State, and local recognition for community service.
In addition to my executive level experience in the business industry, I have also volunteered to serve on several boards in Frederick County to include the Heartly House, Eliminating Achievement Gaps (EAG), UNESCO Center for Peace, Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Hood College’s board of associates, and Frederick Health Hospital. I feel my experiences as a corporate executive combined with my knowledge and experience serving on boards for organizations that serve as the cornerstones of the community have prepared me to serve as the next County Executive.
Frederick County needs a leader who cares about every resident and who is willing to Listen, Learn and Lead the County into the future while promoting prosperity for all. I would be honored to serve Frederick County as your next County Executive. Please visit our website at www.friendsofdboffman.com for more information.
Our campaign’s main platform issues include post-pandemic education funding, support small business growth and sustainability, a "One Frederick United" initiative, and financial stewardship. Please visit our website at www.friendsofdboffman.com for more information.
