US Senator Barbara Mikulksi (D-Md)  announced she has hired Jan H. Gardner as state director. Gardner previously served as the president of the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners and as president of the Maryland Association of Counties.  Today is Ms. Gardner’s first day on the job.

“I’m proud to announce Jan Gardner as my new state director,” Senator Mikulski said. “Jan will run my state offices and help me meet the day-to-day needs of my constituents and the long-term needs of Maryland. Her experience in government and in the private sector will help me create jobs and foster innovation in Maryland.”

Gardner will direct and manage Senator Mikulski’s five offices across the state, acting as the senator’s eyes and ears throughout Maryland. She will keep Senator Mikulski connected with community, non-profit, business, labor and elected leaders and make sure constituents have the one-on-one service and help they need when working with the federal government.

Gardner served on the Frederick County Board of Commissioners from 1998 to December 2010. She had served as president of the board since 2006. As president of the Maryland Association of Counties in 2007, Gardner worked with county governments all over the state. Gardner was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2004 and 2007. She earned her bachelor of business administration in finance and economics from the University of Notre Dame and her master of business administration from Xavier University.