Counties Mourn the Loss of Dr. Rebecca Bridgett, Former County Administrator for Charles, St. Mary’s

Dr. Rebecca Bolton Bridgett, former County Administrator for Charles and St. Mary’s, died on October 15, 2023.

Dr. Bridgett was a native Southern Marylander, having grown up in La Plata, MD, and returning to the area after completing her BA Degree in English Communications from Campbell University, MA in Special Education from Appalachian State University and her Doctorate in Education from NOVA Southeastern University. She held many leadership positions in the Southern Maryland region, including Director of Tri-Co Treatment Foster Care, Director of the Human Services Partnership, Director of the Charles County Department of Social Services, and Acting Director of the Department of Human Resources Social Services Administration for the state of Maryland. She was a Fellow in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance, and a member of Leadership Maryland 2016 and Leadership Southern Maryland 2014.

She served as County Administrator for Charles and later St. Mary’s County. Dr. Bridgett was very active in MACo’s County Administrators Affiliate, where she was a valued participant, sharing her expertise, insight, and passion for public service with her peers in county government.

James “Randy” Guy, President of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, noted the following in the County’s statement:

“She was much loved. She was committed to her family, work, and community…She had a standard of excellence like no other. She was honest, forthright, and quick-witted and will be sorely missed. We join with all of county government in expressing our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.”

During her tenure as St. Mary’s County Administrator (2013-2022), some of Dr. Bridgett’s many accomplishments included:

  • A $29M project to renovate and upgrade the Adult Detention and Rehabilitation Center and budget design/approval of multiple District Stations for the Sheriff’s Office
  • Completion of planning and building many county-owned facilities, including the design-award-winning Leonardtown Library and Garvey Senior Activity Center, Animal Shelter, and several agricultural facilities, including the Barns at New Market and the Regional Agricultural Center
  • Guiding 11 departments and hundreds of employees into successful and productive virtual working environments while providing uninterrupted county services and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Developing the St. Mary’s County Roadmap to Recovery, to help businesses restore operations during the pandemic
  • Maintaining a balanced budget and increasing bond ratings for the County
  • Leading an employee-friendly workplace with competitive raises, merit increases, cost-of-living increases, and stipends
  • Initiating the Citizens Academy in 2016, a strategic overview of county department operations, programs, and services – the program continues, providing participants with an understanding of how their government operates

Upon her retirement, Dr. Bridgett gave this comment:

“During my career at St. Mary’s County Government, I have had the honor of serving our community and working with the brightest and most resourceful leaders who have an equal passion for public service. Together with the Commissioners, I believe we have shaped a vibrant government that accurately reflects the character and heritage of St. Mary’s County. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve as County Administrator, and I will forever cherish the partnerships and friendships this position has afforded me.”

Dr. Bridgett will be greatly missed and MACo sends our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Her full obituary is available through Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.