It was November 14, 2005, when Donna Goff first stepped into her new office at City Hall, now the location of the Finance Office, as an Economic Development Specialist.
Nervous yet determined, she was beginning an exciting new chapter while quietly battling cancer. On that very first day, then-Mayor Jennifer Dougherty appeared at the door with a baseball cap in hand, a gesture of kindness after learning Donna had lost her hair during chemo. Donna, overwhelmed but eager to learn from her boss Richard Griffin, could never have imagined that this modest beginning would grow into two decades of service, dedication, and heart within the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development. What began in a tiny office twenty years ago evolved into a career that helped shape countless small businesses and strengthened the fabric of Frederick’s entrepreneurial community.
As Donna reflects on her twenty-year legacy, her story is one not only of professional dedication but also of compassion, mentorship, and growth. In a recent conversation, Donna shared what has made her journey so meaningful and what she’s most looking forward to in retirement.
What has been the most rewarding part of serving in the Department for over two decades?
For Donna, the true reward has always been the people. “Working with great colleagues and helping the small entrepreneurs get their footing and make their way through the process to opening their doors,” she says. Her passion for guiding one- and two-person businesses through complex processes, often during their most uncertain moments, has been a hallmark of her time with the department. Many of those entrepreneurs credit her warmth and steady communication for helping them take their first steps toward success.
Is there a project or initiative you’re especially proud to have been part of?
“Best Places to Work was a great awards program that the City Economic Development held every year in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Workforce Services. We were lucky to read so many wonderful and insightful nominations/submissions as a Frederick Best Place to Work. We were even able to pivot as a team during COVID and held the awards remotely and with safe distancing.”
How has your role or daily work evolved as the City and department have grown over the years?
What began as a support role grew into a position of connection. As Office Manager, Donna became a bridge between City staff, business owners, and community partners. “The Office Manager position has grown into allowing me to forge personal and professional relationships with multiple individuals,” she notes. Her reputation for responsiveness and care made her a trusted contact not just within City Hall but across Frederick’s business landscape.
After two decades of service to the residents and businesses of Frederick as Office Manager for the City Department of Economic Development, Donna Goff is retiring and is hoping for bagpipes as she exits City Hall. Donna has been involved in nearly every effort of the department, but most notably has overseen the department’s budget, millions in grants including the reporting each quarter, and even delivered checks to impacted businesses during COVID. Her work has been indispensable on key efforts such as Frederick Day in Annapolis, Chamber Holiday Business Card Exchange at City Hall, and every filming requestion on public property inside the City of Frederick. She has been loyal, hard-working, and a friend to many here at City Hall and across the city. While she will be missed around these halls, we are delighted to think that she will be out playing with her dog friends and traveling with her husband Bob. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Donna.
- Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development
What advice would you give to new staff joining the department today?
Her advice is simple yet powerful: “Work hard and play hard! Also, learn to pivot and be flexible.” Donna believes in following up, even when the answer isn’t easy. “My most prized attribute I know for myself is always follow up with someone, even if you don’t have an answer or an answer that they will like. Don’t just let a client, caller, business person, or colleague fall into that dark hole,” she adds—a reminder of how small gestures of communication can build lasting trust.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to in retirement?
Taking care of some unfortunate injuries (Welcome to 60!) and dog walking, house/pet sitting!
As Donna closes this chapter, the Department of Economic Development extends its heartfelt thanks for her twenty years of service to the city. Her quick wit and deep understanding of the Frederick business community have left a lasting mark on both colleagues and partners alike. The DED team wishes her joy, good health, and many peaceful dog walks ahead as she begins this well-earned next chapter.
Decades of Donna at DED - Congratulations on your amazing journey!