Donna Goff retires after 20 years with DED

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!

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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!

Women in the Trades: Developing a Pipeline of Talent for the Future

Local trade association, the Frederick County Building Industry Association, launched an initiative in 2021 to tap into a large segment of the potential construction trades workforce: Women. The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council was established in 2021 to empower women in the building industry by providing opportunities for both professional and personal development. Initiatives like this are helping to develop a pipeline of talent for the future amongst the construction trades industry,

Danielle Adams, Executive Officer with the Frederick County Builders Industry Association, shared recently, “The National Association of Home Builders estimates 11% of women make up the U.S. building industry workforce with less than 5% performing a skilled trade. Additionally, of the highest in demand workforce needs, only 2.5% of auto techs are women (2024 U.S. Department of Commerce) 3.5% are laborers, 3.2% are plumbers, and 2.9% are electricians (2025 National Association of Women in Construction).

Initiatives in Frederick appear to be positively impacting the trajectory of women in the trades. Ms. Adams shared, “In Frederick County, we are seeing an increase, boasting more than 17% in the building industry. FCBIA’s Professional Women in Building Council and the Frederick County Women in Trades are advocating to mentor to women of all ages to pursue a career path in the skilled trades. Their awareness efforts through programing, speaking engagements, tabling events, and more, these organizations are supporting schools and employers to provide access and create a welcoming culture for women in the skilled trades.”

Adams along with members of Frederick County Women in Trades recently participated in the Construction Career Trades event at Harry Grove Stadium to showcase opportunities for future graduates that include on-the-job-training, apprenticeships and more. Learn about the Frederick event sponsored by the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation here.

Frederick County Women in Trades

Follow the web and social media pages to learn more about future networking and educational events in Frederick focused on the construction trades:

• Professional Women in Building Council

• Frederick County Women In Trades

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Reach out to learn about other workforce initiatives in Frederick, including apprenticeships, internships and more! 301.600.6360 or businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .

Construction Trades: Next Gen Career Pathways

Maryland’s construction industry is grappling with a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, a challenge that’s driving up project costs and threatening the pace of economic development across the state. With a staggering 3.1 job openings for every job seeker (Capital News Service)—more than double the national average—employers are struggling to find qualified talent for increasingly complex infrastructure demands. This labor gap stems from a confluence of factors: an aging workforce nearing retirement, limited interest from younger generations, and a widening skills mismatch that leaves many workers unequipped for modern construction roles. Organizations such as the Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation (MCCEI) are dedicated to bridging the gap between education and industry, advocating for career pathways within the construction trades industry.

Recently, MCCEI hosted the inaugural Frederick Construction Career Day events at Harry Grove Stadium and over 500 high school students from Frederick and Washington Counties were in attendance to learn about career pathways in the trades. Students were able to participate in hands-on activities using equipment, meet with local, regional and national construction industry companies and interact with the local workforce development team. The City of Frederick was an event sponsor, and members of the city’s DPW crew showcased career paths within its department. Several city construction trades businesses were on hand throughout the day to display opportunities for future careers at their respective companies. Community volunteers with and without construction experience contributed to the event’s success.

According to MCCEI Innovation Program Director, Jazmin Rodriguez, the Construction Career Day helps to:

• Increase awareness and pathway access: These events bring together industry partners, universities, apprenticeship and training programs to provide direct links from high school to in demand careers. MCCEI’s exit poll data shows a 50 % jump in students willing to “seriously consider” a construction career after just one day.

• Address workforce need: The construction industry across the US will need to attract an estimated 439,000 net new workers in 2025 to meet anticipated demand according to an ABC News Release. Based on AGC’s 2024 Workforce Survey Analysis, 94% of firms with craft worker openings report those positions are hard to fill; similarly, 92% of firms with openings for salaried workers report they are hard to find.

• Challenge preconceived notions about the industry: Through 1:1 engagement, these events help challenge outdated stereotypes of construction work, highlighting that the industry offers good wages, has strong advancement opportunities for men and women, and uses advanced technologies.

• Build collaboration: By involving schools, employers, unions, and state partners, MCCEI's events foster partnerships that help align education with industry needs, ensuring students are better prepared for real careers and employers have better access to talent.

Ms. Rodriguez shared, “MCCEI uses Construction Career Day as a proactive strategy–free for students and teachers, aiming to serve hundreds (500 1000) of students at each event–to connect youth to opportunities in the built environment, build the future workforce, and support Maryland’s economy and infrastructure through skilled talent.”

The City Department of Economic Development team was thrilled to support this important workforce development event! Stay tuned for details about the 2026 Career Day will be hosted on October 22, 2026 in Frederick. Follow the city’s event calendar at www.businessinfrederick.com for details on this event and others in the Frederick community.

The City of Frederick Launches Nation’s First Returnship Program

Once again, Frederick is front and center - creating new workforce initiatives that will draw nationwide attention! Created by the Office of Opportunity and Transformation (OOT), the City-wide program helps experienced professionals reenter the workforce. Each placement will be hosted in a different department, giving participants a chance to contribute their skills while exploring local government.

The first placement is in the City’s Department of Economic Development (DED), supporting the City’s work in growing Frederick’s economy and helping local businesses thrive.

Each returnship is six months, part-time, and competitively paid, offering structure and support to step back into a career. Applicants need a minimum six-month gap on their resume, but the program welcomes individuals at all stages of their careers. Participants can refresh skills, build professional relationships, and use the role as a bridge to a permanent position elsewhere.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carol to our economic development team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for her to reconnect with the workforce, build meaningful community connections, and gain first-hand experience with the vibrant and diverse business community here in Frederick,” shared Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development.

Carol Park, Project Coordinator, DED

Carol Park

Carol Park fills the first Returnship position as a Project Coordinator with the City’s Department of Economic Development.

Carol brings diverse professional experience, including roles as an office manager for a family-owned online retail business, a business assistant and Latin teacher at a K-12 private school, and a decade of administrative support at a patent law firm. She holds two master’s degrees in Biblical languages and Ancient Near Eastern studies and is a certified Level 1 Kingian Conflict Reconciliation Nonviolence trainer. A longtime volunteer with a passion for learning and creative thinking, Carol is also an avid reader and writer who enjoys fantasy, science fiction, and tabletop gaming.

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The need is clear. Maryland saw the steepest drop in workforce participation among mothers of elementary-aged children during the pandemic, more than any other demographic. Source In 2019, about 90 percent were in the labor force. By 2020, that fell to roughly 74 percent, a 16-point drop and the largest decline in the nation. Many of these women, along with others who have taken career breaks, are finding it challenging to reenter the workforce and regain momentum in their careers.

“Frederick is ready to lead by example, proving that career breaks do not have to be career endings,” stated Ericka Rohrbaugh, Manager of the Office of Opportunity and Transformation. “With OOT standing up the program and DED hosting the first participant, the city is building pathways for residents, strengthening City departmental relationships, and creating opportunities that benefit the whole community.”

In 2023, the City of Frederick was one of 16 cities nationwide selected to participate in The Good Jobs, Great Cities Academy - a year-long program led by the National League of Cities and the U.S. Department of Labor to help cities create comprehensive plans to help people find good jobs and build successful careers.

The program’s goal was to help cities like Frederick develop plans to improve job opportunities for residents, focusing on high-quality jobs and sustainable employment. The two resident groups we focused on were young people (ages 14-24) and disconnected adults. The returnship position is just one of several initiatives underway at the city to address the workforce needs of the community.

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To learn more about workforce initiatives within the City of Frederick, reach out today and we will connect you! Call 301.600.6360 today!

Frederick County Career Coaches Explore Local Economic Development

The Downtown Frederick Partnership recently hosted a professional development day for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Career Coaching staff, offering a comprehensive overview of economic development in Frederick County through a panel of local partners.

Participants engaged in sessions covering historic preservation, Main Street communities, nonprofits, and the arts — key sectors that contribute to Frederick’s economic vitality. The program concluded with a panel discussion on economic development featuring Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of the Department of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, Lara Fritts, Director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, joined by representatives from Visit Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

The event provided career coaches with a deeper understanding of the wide range of industries and employment opportunities available in Frederick County. This knowledge will support their efforts to guide middle and high school students as they explore potential career pathways and equip them with fresh insights that will help set them up for success.

To learn more about the FCPS Career Coaches Program, visit Career Coach Program - Frederick County Public Schools. For more workforce resources, go to Workforce Resources | Frederick Business, MD.

Exploring Career Pathways Through Economic Development Tour

The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and Office of Opportunity and Transformation recently hosted local staff from Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Career Coach Program for an economic development presentation and tour of major employers highlighting career opportunities across the city. The event was designed to expose career coaches to key local industries and help them have a better understanding of future career pathways available to their students.

The City’s economic development team presented an overview of Frederick’s diverse economy, the local job market, Frederick area business growth, and major commercial developments within Frederick.

After the presentation, the coaches boarded a bus to tour three major employers: Stulz USA, AstraZeneca, and Frederick Health. The career coaches were treated to company presentations and tours and even engaged in a Q&A sessions with current employees.

The Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation outlines the mandate to provide all FCPS middle and high school students with individualized Career Coaching services. The Career Coach Program is a partnership between Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Workforce Services, and Frederick Community College. There are currently 22 Career Coaches who serve Frederick County’s 10 high schools,13 middle schools, 4 charter schools, Heather Ridge School, The Career and Technology Center, Frederick Community College Dual Enrollment program, Virtual High School, and Remote Virtual program.

“Thanks to the invaluable partnership with the City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development and the Office of Opportunity and Transformation (Richard, Mary, & Ericka), the Career Coach team had the opportunity to delve into diverse career opportunities at three cornerstone Frederick City employers.

We deeply appreciate the business partners who opened their doors to our team. It was a wonderful day, both fun and educational!” -~Laura Brown, Coordinator, FCPS Career Coaches

The FCPS Career Coach Program supports middle and high school students in exploring career interests, building job readiness skills, and preparing for post-secondary success. This program helps to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge needed to plan and succeed.

To learn talent pipeline initiatives and other workforce programs, reach out to the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at businessinfrederick.com - 301.600.6360 or businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .

Growing Biotech Talent in Frederick

This month, more than 70 professionals gathered at New Spire Arts in Downtown Frederick for Growing Biotech Talent in Frederick, Maryland, an evening designed to connect and inform those shaping and leading the Frederick’s biotech landscape. Co-hosted by Frederick County Workforce Services, the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and Office of Opportunity and Transformation, the event featured an expert panel discussion followed by networking.

Michelle Day, Director, Frederick County Workforce Services, provided welcoming remarks and insight about Frederick’s future workforce needs in life sciences. Chris Frew of BioBuzz moderated the panel discussion, offering a regional perspective on why Frederick is emerging as a hub for biotech manufacturing success. The evening’s panel included local industry leaders from AstraZeneca, Precision for Medicine, and ThermoFisher Scientific who shared invaluable insights into what biotech companies are truly looking for in candidates—especially those navigating career transitions. Attendees learned about the current state of the biotech industry in Frederick, current workforce needs, and how the industry is attracting and retaining talent in the job market.

After the panel presentation, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with biotech companies in the Frederick region—an energizing networking session that sparked really great conversations.

Collaborative Ecosystem

Planning Committee member, Mary Ford-Naill with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development shared, “From my vantage, our collaborative ecosystem is what truly sets Frederick apart from other regions across the country. This event was a shining example of the support and synergy that define our business community.”

Planning Committee member, Patty McDonald, Frederick County Workforce Services, shared, “Strong business engagement is absolutely essential for effective workforce development—especially in key industries like biotech. When employers actively collaborate with workforce partners and share directly with potential talent, we can close skills gaps and build a talent pipeline that drives both economic growth and community resilience for our residents.

Frederick County is home to over 130 biotech companies and workforce recruitment in key industries is paramount to businesses within the economic landscape in Frederick. In addition to robust biotech companies in Frederick, the region includes an award-winning biotech incubator and accelerator program, Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. as well as R&D parks with available lab space for biotech research that include opportunities for manufacturing within life sciences.

To learn more about the local biotech scene as well as resources available for job seekers, reach out to our economic development team at 301.600.6360 or email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .