Frederick County Government Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Frederick County Government has 5 executives leading key functions including administrative oversight, legislative coordination, and executive leadership.

Committed to public service excellence, Frederick County Government delivers essential infrastructure and community resources while maintaining transparent governance across the Maryland region to ensure sustainable growth and resident well-being.

Leadership Roles at Frederick County Government

  • President - Tawanda Bailey
  • Chief of Staff - Chelsea Kadish
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative - Ragen Cherney
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Paul Dial
  • Deputy Chief Administrative Officer - Leslie Barnes-Keating
  • Tawanda Bailey - President

    Tawanda Bailey, the President at Frederick County Government, provides executive leadership and sets the strategic vision for the county. Bailey presides over policy discussions and represents the government in high-level negotiations with regional and state partners. By establishing the overarching goals for the administration, the President drives the development of initiatives that promote economic stability and community development. Tawanda Bailey facilitates consensus among governing members to ensure that public policy reflects the interests of the residents. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of major legislative and administrative programs that define the county's trajectory. Through the promotion of transparent and effective governance, the President maintains public trust and ensures the accountability of all government branches. Bailey directs the long-term planning efforts, ensuring that the county remains prepared for future challenges while continuing to provide essential services across the Maryland region.

    Chelsea Kadish - Chief of Staff

    Chelsea Kadish, the Chief of Staff at Frederick County Government, directs internal operations and coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across county departments. Kadish manages the flow of information between executive leadership and agency heads to ensure alignment with public policy goals. By streamlining communication channels, the Chief of Staff optimizes organizational efficiency and supports the implementation of county-wide mandates. Chelsea Kadish facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to address complex administrative challenges within the Maryland jurisdiction. This role involves monitoring project timelines and ensuring that departmental outputs meet the rigorous standards required for effective local governance. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of governmental processes. Kadish drives the execution of strategic priorities, ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader mission of providing reliable services to the residents of Frederick County.

    Ragen Cherney - Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative

    Ragen Cherney, the Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative at Frederick County Government, architects the legislative agenda and manages interactions with regional governing bodies. Cherney oversees the drafting and review of county ordinances, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. By coordinating with the legislative branch, the Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative secures the passage of policies that enhance community infrastructure and public safety. Ragen Cherney monitors evolving legal landscapes to provide actionable guidance to executive leadership. This position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to build consensus on critical policy issues affecting the Maryland region. Through the management of legislative priorities, the Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative ensures that governmental actions remain responsive to the needs of the constituency. Cherney drives the development of long-term policy frameworks, fostering a stable environment for regional growth and effective public administration.

    Paul Dial - Chief Administrative Officer

    Paul Dial, the Chief Administrative Officer at Frederick County Government, manages the operational infrastructure and fiscal health of the county. Dial oversees the allocation of resources across diverse departments, ensuring that budgetary constraints align with service delivery requirements. By implementing rigorous performance metrics, the Chief Administrative Officer drives operational excellence and accountability throughout the organization. Paul Dial coordinates with other executive leaders to optimize the delivery of public services, ranging from infrastructure maintenance to community health programs. This leadership role involves the strategic management of human capital and the modernization of administrative systems to improve resident access to government resources. Through the oversight of large-scale operational projects, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the county maintains a robust and efficient service model. Dial secures the financial stability of the organization, supporting the long-term development goals of the Maryland region.

    Leslie Barnes-Keating - Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

    Leslie Barnes-Keating, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at Frederick County Government, supports the execution of administrative policies and manages specific departmental performance outcomes. Barnes-Keating oversees the implementation of internal programs designed to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. By analyzing departmental data, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and resource optimization. Leslie Barnes-Keating collaborates with the Chief Administrative Officer to ensure that all county functions adhere to established strategic objectives. This role involves supervising key administrative initiatives that impact the daily operations of the government. Through the management of cross-functional teams, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer drives the successful completion of projects that support the broader mission of the county. Barnes-Keating ensures that administrative workflows remain agile and responsive to the changing needs of the Maryland community, ultimately contributing to the overall effectiveness of the local government structure.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Frederick County Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Frederick County Government?
    Frederick County Government is led by Tawanda Bailey (President), along with executives such as Chelsea Kadish (Chief of Staff) and Ragen Cherney (Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative).
    Who is part of Frederick County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Frederick County Government includes leaders such as Tawanda Bailey (President), Chelsea Kadish (Chief of Staff), Ragen Cherney (Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Frederick County Government have?
    Frederick County Government has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Frederick County Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Frederick County Government includes roles such as President, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.