Agriculture Business and Workforce Services Team
The Agriculture team, made up of Katie Stevens and Becca Tucker, serves as a liaison to the county on behalf of the agriculture industry. They assist with permitting, zoning and land use issues related to agriculture. Katie and Becca work with agricultural businesses to provide resources and assistance as they move through the regulatory process. The goal is to serve farmers and citizens by promoting local agriculture and business in order to preserve the rich heritage of Frederick County. The Homegrown Frederick program has its own publication and website full of information on farmers markets, craft beverage makers, where to find specific local products, and more. In addition to Agriculture, Katie works closely with the leadership at Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS), which links businesses in need of qualified employees with individuals seeking employment opportunities. FCWS offers a wide variety of services for job seekers, and job search and career training programs for young adults.
Katie Stevens, Director of Workforce Development and Agriculture Business
How long have you been with FCOED?
I have been with FCOED for 7 years, I started as the Agriculture Business Development Specialist
Describe your position/responsibilities.
My position manages both the Workforce Development team as well as the Agriculture Business Team. My team consists of myself, Michelle Day, and Becca Tucker. On the Agriculture side, I work with the farm and craft beverage community to start, expand and diversify their operations. We do this by helping businesses through the zoning, permitting, and health dept. process as well as providing resources to help their businesses succeed. We also work to market this industry through Homegrown Frederick a yearly publication, social media, and website. Over the last 7 years, we have worked to grow Frederick’s craft Beverage community through the creation of the How to Start a Winery, Brewery, Distillery Guide and the Frederick County Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries Brochure in partnership with Tourism. We work with the Ag Business Council on local legislation affecting the Ag community.
I recently took on working with the Workforce Services team, as they continue to help businesses and employees fill their employment needs. Workforce Services is responsible for administering federal, state and local employment and training programs for un/underemployed, young adults and youth. They also support our local businesses in connecting them to skilled talent.
Favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job has always been working with our business community and seeing their successes. Frederick County is blessed to have a diverse and thriving business and I want to help the community as a whole continue to grow
Fun facts about you
- I grew up on a dairy farm in Frederick, we still farm today raising dairy heifers, growing corn, soybeans, hay and cut flowers.
- I have 3 girls all 3 and under. (life is a little hectic)
- I’m a beach girl there is nothing better than a little beach therapy.
Becca Tucker- Senior Business Development Manager of Agriculture
How long have you been with FCOED?
Since late December of 2021
Describe your position/responsibilities
Supporting Frederick County ag and craft beverage businesses. Connecting them with resources, guiding them through the regulatory process, and being their liaison with other County and State departments. Promoting our local direct to consumer businesses through the Homegrown Frederick brand.
Favorite part about your job?
The connections within the industry. Having a positive role within the community I grew up in. I am passionate about ag business sustainability and growth and the importance it has in our local economy.
Fun facts about you
1. I teach a cardio-based fitness class once a week.
2. I managed a dairy herd of 350 milking cows until 2019.
3. I was a Virginia Tech Cheerleader from 2005-2009. Go Hokies!