Leadership Frederick County was established nearly four decades ago, with its first class graduating in 1988.
The program was created to connect professionals across Frederick County and develop stronger leaders through a deeper understanding of the community and its industries.
Since its founding, Leadership Frederick County has brought together individuals from diverse sectors to build meaningful connections and strengthen the region’s leadership pipeline.
Phoenix Mecano USA became part of this initiative in 2022, marking the beginning of an ongoing relationship with the program.
Phoenix Mecano’s Partnership with Leadership Frederick County
Phoenix Mecano USA’s involvement in Leadership Frederick County began with its first participant, Tammy Schaeffer, Vice President of Finance and IT.
Her experience quickly demonstrated the program’s impact on both leadership development and community connection. Reflecting on her time in LFC, Tammy shared:
“It pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but it became one of the most pivotal moments in my career. The experience fundamentally shifted my mindset, teaching me the importance of being an intentional leader and making a conscious commitment to continue pushing beyond my comfort zone. I gained a deeper understanding of Frederick, strengthened my leadership perspective, and built meaningful connections that feel like family in a professional way.”
That experience set the tone for continued involvement. Since 2022, Phoenix Mecano has supported participation in the program each year, including Chris Howes (2023), Will Green (2024), Tara Julian (2025), and Sean Abercrombie (2026).
What began with one leader’s experience has evolved into an ongoing commitment, reflecting Phoenix Mecano’s investment in developing leaders who are actively engaged in the community.
The Leadership Frederick Experience and Its Impact
Building on this partnership, participants enter a program designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive look at Frederick County.
Leadership Frederick County is structured as a nine-month experience that combines leadership development with hands-on learning. Participants take part in “content days,” each focused on a different sector, such as agriculture, public safety, business, and the arts. These sessions include leadership instruction in partnership with Hood College, followed by field-based experiences led by local leaders, offering insight into how each sector operates and contributes to the broader community.
Participants also complete both group and individual leadership projects, often collaborating with local nonprofits, reinforcing the program’s focus on real-world application and community engagement.
For Phoenix Mecano participants, the impact is both professional and personal. Many describe gaining a stronger understanding of how the Frederick community is connected, along with meaningful relationships that extend beyond the program itself.
As Sean Abercrombie, a 2026 graduate of the program, shared:
“I left Leadership Frederick County with a deeper connection to our community, meaningful relationships with fellow leaders, and a renewed commitment to giving back.”
Participants often carry these experiences forward, serving on local boards, volunteering with nonprofits, and mentoring others, reinforcing the program’s lasting impact on both individual leaders and the community.
Why Leadership Frederick County Matters
Leadership Frederick County plays a vital role in strengthening the region by connecting leaders across industries and providing a deeper understanding of how the community functions. The program equips participants with the knowledge, perspective, and relationships needed to collaborate effectively and contribute to meaningful change.
For emerging leaders, the value lies in both its structure and its impact, offering the opportunity to build professional networks, engage with local organizations, and develop a lasting connection to Frederick County.
At Phoenix Mecano USA, ongoing participation in Leadership Frederick County reflects a continued commitment to developing leaders who are not only effective within the organization, but also actively engaged in the community. What began with one participant has grown into a consistent investment in the program, reinforcing the company’s belief that strong leadership and strong communities go hand in hand.
Leadership Frederick County is a Core Initiative of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.leadershipfrederickcounty.com.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.