Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced a new director of governmental affairs. Roger Wilson, who has held the position since 2014, announced that he will be transitioning to other opportunities.
Succeeding Wilson will be Joy Schaefer, who is well known in the community for her role on the Frederick County Board of Education.
Schaefer is a member of the [Kirwan] Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education and has previously served as the president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE).
“I want to thank Roger for his dedication and years of service as part of my staff. I consider him a friend. He will be truly missed,” said Executive Gardner. “I’m pleased that Roger will assist over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. I am also pleased to welcome Joy Schaefer to the team. Joy’s outstanding experience in government and education will be a tremendous asset, especially since education is expected to dominate the upcoming state legislative session.”
According to a press release:
The director of governmental affairs serves as a liaison between the County and its local, state, and federal governmental partners. The position also represents Frederick County at the Maryland Association of Counties and the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments. Among the responsibilities is to coordinate Frederick County’s legislative package for each session of the Maryland General Assembly.
Schaefer has announced her resignation to the Board of Education. Under the county’s charter, when a vacancy is created on the Board, the County Executive is responsible for appointing a person to that position, with confirmation by the County Council. Because Executive Gardner is creating the vacancy, and to ensure openness and transparency in the process, she will ask the County Council to submit to her the names of three candidates by January 1, 2020. She will select a nominee from the recommendations of the Council.
