Council Confirms Goetz to Oversee Family Services;
Carpenter to Lead Planning & Permitting
FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announces the appointment of two division directors. Kelli Goetz will serve as Director of the Division of Family Services, where she has worked for over five years. Deborah Carpenter will take the reins as Director of the Division of Planning & Permitting. Both appointments were confirmed by the Frederick County Council this evening.
Ms. Goetz has led Family Services as Acting Director since April 8. The division, which was previously known as Citizens Services, includes the Child Advocacy Center, Family Partnership, and the Office for Children and Families. Ms. Goetz began her career with Frederick County in 2012 as a grant coordinator in Workforce Services. She rose to manage youth programs and career services in that office before moving to the Division of Citizens Services in 2017. Ms. Goetz served in progressively higher positions, from Fiscal Manager in the Office for Children and Families to Director of Operations for the Division. She continued to work as Director of Operations while serving as Acting Deputy Director and then Acting Director of the division.
“Kelli understands the Division’s mission of improving residents’ lives,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “She has strong relationships with staff and routinely goes above and beyond to serve our community. Her appointment will provide steady leadership while the Division undergoes change.”
Ms. Goetz earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland University College. She holds a Certificate in Leading Diverse Teams & Organizations from the University of Michigan and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership from Ithaca College. Her appointment takes effect July 29.
Ms. Carpenter currently serves as Director of Planning & Growth Management in Charles County, where she leads five divisions, including managing over 80 full-time employees and over 130 contractual employees. Prior to her time in Charles County, she spent 25 years in Garrett County’s Department of Planning & Land Management, rising from GIS Specialist to Director.
“Deborah has the experience, expertise, and energy necessary to make Livable Frederick a part of the culture of County government,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “Deborah brings her experience from Charles County, a rapidly growing jurisdiction facing an affordable housing crisis they are balancing against the challenges of preserving agricultural land and infrastructure demands, making her particularly well suited to help us address the issues facing Frederick County.”
Ms. Carpenter holds a master’s degree in geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems from West Virginia University, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental analysis & planning from Frostburg State University. Her appointment takes effect August 14.
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CONTACT: Vivian Laxton
Communications Director, 301-600-1315
JULY 18, 2023