FREDERICK, Md. – County Executive Jessica Fitzwater named Beth A. Woodring as the Acting Director of the Division of Economic Opportunity, effective November 21. Woodring brings over two decades of economic development, financial operations, and public service experience to the role.
“We are home to one of Maryland’s fastest growing and most diversified economies, and Beth Woodring will continue our work to retain and grow local businesses, attract new investments, and strengthen the pipeline between workers and employers,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “She shares our commitment to collaboration and will be an active partner to our business community and a resource for companies who want to invest and grow here.”
Woodring’s interim appointment follows the departure of Lara Fritts, who served as the Director for nearly three years and was recently named President & CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber in Wisconsin.
“Lara Fritts prioritized workforce development and pushed Frederick County to go big on business attraction, and the Division of Economic Opportunity is stronger as a result of her leadership,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “We are grateful for her service to our community and wish her all the best as she returns to her roots in Wisconsin.”
Woodring joined the Frederick County Office of Economic Development in 2019 and serves as the Division of Economic Opportunity’s Director of Financial Operations. She plays an important role in aligning the Division’s financial strategy with the County’s economic development agenda, oversees a $3 million budget, and manages procurement, risk management, and financial reporting efforts for the agency. She is also a 2025 graduate of Leadership Frederick.
The County will advertise the Division Director position this month and conduct an open and competitive process to identify a permanent leader.
The Division includes the Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Workforce Services, which provides resources for business expansion, workforce training, and inclusive economic advancement. For more information, visit DiscoverFrederickMD.com.
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CONTACT: Vivian Laxton
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Office of Communications and Public Engagement
601-600-1315