Frederick County Government Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to public service excellence, Frederick County Government delivers essential infrastructure and community resources to residents across the Maryland region while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparent governance standards.

Leadership Roles at Frederick County Government

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

    Chelsea Kadish, the Chief of Staff at Frederick County Government, directs high-level strategic initiatives and coordinates interdepartmental workflows to ensure alignment with county objectives. Kadish manages the executive office agenda, facilitating communication between department heads and the county executive to streamline policy implementation. By prioritizing efficient resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the delivery of public services across the Maryland jurisdiction. Chelsea Kadish monitors project timelines and evaluates the impact of administrative decisions on community outcomes. This role requires constant collaboration with internal stakeholders to address emerging challenges within the local government framework. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability and promotes transparency in all governmental processes. Kadish drives the execution of long-term goals, ensuring that every administrative action contributes to the overall prosperity and functional integrity of the county.

    Ragen Cherney - Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative

    Ragen Cherney, the Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative at Frederick County Government, manages the complex intersection of policy development and legislative advocacy. Cherney oversees the drafting and review of county ordinances, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while advancing the legislative agenda. By coordinating with the county council, the Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative secures support for critical infrastructure projects and community initiatives. Ragen Cherney analyzes the fiscal and social implications of proposed laws to provide informed guidance to executive leadership. This position demands precise communication skills to bridge the gap between administrative goals and legislative requirements. Through proactive engagement with regional stakeholders, the Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative fosters consensus on key policy issues. Cherney maintains a focus on long-term legislative strategy, ensuring that the county remains responsive to the evolving needs of the population while upholding legal standards.

    Paul Dial - Chief Administrative Officer

    Paul Dial, the Chief Administrative Officer at Frederick County Government, directs the operational infrastructure and internal management systems that support county-wide service delivery. Dial oversees the allocation of departmental budgets and ensures that administrative functions remain aligned with the strategic vision of the county executive. By optimizing procurement processes and human resource management, the Chief Administrative Officer enhances the efficiency of public service operations across the Maryland region. Paul Dial evaluates performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service delivery and organizational productivity. This leadership role involves close coordination with other C-suite executives to resolve complex operational bottlenecks and maintain fiscal health. Through the implementation of robust management protocols, the Chief Administrative Officer secures the stability of essential government functions. Dial drives continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that the administrative framework supports the long-term growth and operational resilience of the entire county government.

    Monica Bearden - Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

    Monica Bearden, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at Frederick County Government, manages the execution of internal support services and departmental performance standards. Bearden focuses on the optimization of public-facing administrative systems, ensuring that service delivery remains accessible and efficient for all residents. By supervising specific operational divisions, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer facilitates the implementation of technology-driven solutions to modernize government workflows. Monica Bearden collaborates with the Chief Administrative Officer to refine internal policies and improve the quality of community-focused programs. This role requires meticulous attention to detail in managing cross-functional projects that impact the daily operations of the county. Through the oversight of administrative staff and resource distribution, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer maintains high standards of service quality. Bearden drives the integration of new management practices, ensuring that the county remains agile and responsive to the administrative demands of a growing population.

    Leslie Barnes-Keating - Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

    Leslie Barnes-Keating, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at Frederick County Government, directs the strategic planning and execution of public safety and community development initiatives. Barnes-Keating oversees the coordination of inter-agency efforts to ensure that infrastructure projects meet the long-term needs of the Maryland region. By managing the logistical aspects of county-wide programs, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer supports the effective deployment of resources to critical service areas. Leslie Barnes-Keating works alongside executive leadership to assess the impact of administrative policies on regional growth and public welfare. This position involves the rigorous monitoring of project milestones and the mitigation of operational risks to ensure the successful completion of government objectives. Through the application of data-driven decision-making, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer enhances the effectiveness of community services. Barnes-Keating drives the development of sustainable operational strategies, ensuring that the county maintains a high quality of life for all residents.

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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 Chelsea Kadish (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Ragen Cherney (Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative) and Paul Dial (Chief Administrative Officer).
    Who is part of Frederick County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Frederick County Government includes leaders such as Chelsea Kadish (Chief of Staff), Ragen Cherney (Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative), Paul Dial (Chief Administrative Officer) 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 Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.