This team works closely with businesses located in Frederick County. Led by Jodie Bollinger, the team is made up of Solash Aviles, Shana Knight, Britt Swartzlander, Sharon Hipkins, and the Agriculture team including Katie Stevens and Rebecca Tucker. Known as “The Connectors,” they can be found visiting with business leaders, sharing resources and establishing and enhancing relationships. Approximately 60-80% of Frederick County’s job growth comes from existing businesses and this team works with businesses that are looking to start, grow and diversify. Individually, they work closely with industries reflected in FCOED’s GO Strategy including life sciences, manufacturing, technology, value-added agriculture, small businesses and underrepresented businesses.
Jodie Bollinger, Acting Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development
How long have you been with FCOED?
Over 20 years.
Describe your position/responsibilities.
Currently, I am the Acting Executive Director for the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and the Frederick County Workforce Services Division. Before becoming the Acting Executive Director, I was the Director of the Business Retention and Expansion team for FCOED. My team and I work closely to assist businesses with their expansion or location to Frederick County including site selection, permitting and zoning, financial incentives, workforce support, recruitment and training grants, marketing programs, small business and underrepresented business support and business networking and industry connections.
Favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with our businesses and helping our business community grow and become one of the region’s and country’s top places to work and live. Every day is different, which I really like, and I value the relationships that I have formed with our business community and economic development partners throughout all these years.
What was the last book your read?
The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon – leading through positive energy
Fun facts about you
- I have a twin brother – actually I am 7 minutes older!
- I took an amazing glider ride overlooking the Wine Country in San Francisco
- I helped (with my husband and sons) deliver 7 baby piglets…what an incredible experience!
Solash Aviles, Senior Business Development Manager
How long have you been with FCOED?
3 years.
Briefly describe your position/main responsibilities
I am a part of the Business Retention and Expansion team, with more focus on the Biotech and Technology industries. Connecting them with relevant resources, County and State Departments, and acting as a liaison during the planning and permitting process. Because of my background in Biotech, I also support the Attraction team on prospects in that industry.
Favorite part about your job?
The relationships I’ve made, from the great team I work with FCOED to the business community that loves to support each other. My job gave me the opportunity to participate in Leadership Frederick County, and that was just an incredible experience.
What was the last book your read?
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Fun facts about you
- Travel = Food. I really enjoy learning about different cultures through their food.
- Dance had taken over, I am now a “Dance Mom.”
- I grew up in Puerto Rico. ¡Wepa!
Shana Knight, Senior Business Development Manager – Diversity & Inclusion
How long have you been with FCOED?
Exactly one year!
Describe your position/responsibilities.
I work closely with underrepresented businesses and the service industry to help them start, locate and grow in Frederick County. I also manage FCOED’s EmPOWER Program which provides services for underrepresented businesses ranging from monthly networking events, a mentorship program, a business directory, and more. Anyone interested can learn more at www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower.
Favorite part about your job?
I really enjoy connecting with the talented entrepreneurs and business owners in Frederick County. Each time I meet with them, I get so excited about their ideas/businesses because of how passionate they are and how they will contribute to the economic success of our county.
What was the last book your read?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Fun facts about you
- I went to 8 different schools during my k-12 years growing up (and I was not a military child)
- I ran in the Frederick Half Marathon in 2019
- I do not know how to snap my fingers
Britt Swartzlander, Marketing Specialist
How long have you been with FCOED?
5 ½ years.
Describe your position/responsibilities.
I support FCOED in marketing, from writing content, to designing ads, to managing our social media. I spend my afternoons at the front desk of the ROOT building and am always happy to see visitors.
Favorite part about your job?
Definitely my team. Not only are these folks great to work and collaborate with every day, but I genuinely enjoy spending time with them.
Fun facts about you
- My first job out of college was an on-air news anchor for a small TV station
- I saw Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers eight times in concert (once traveling all the way to Ireland for a show)
- I won my school’s 2nd grade Spelling Bee
Sharon Hipkins, Special Events Coordinator
How long have you been with FCOED?
I joined the team in early 2011 and after a one-year retirement beginning in the summer of 2018, I rejoined FCOED in a part-time role as the Special Events Coordinator.
Describe your position/responsibilities.
The majority of my time is spent ensuring the logistics of each event are carefully planned and executed. I also assist with proofing of written materials, including the “Homegrown” and “Top 50” publications.
Favorite part about your job?
The best part of my job is being able to work with all the phenomenal members of our team; to see all the hard work that goes into the planning of our events and knowing that the team will pull off a flawless, successful event every time.
What was the last book your read?
The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave
Fun facts about you
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When I was eleven, I went hiking in the Catoctin Mountains with several of my friends and we decided to jump a fence and ended up in Camp David! The visit didn’t last long as Secret Service and their very loud guard dogs quickly met us and sent us scrambling back across the fence. Now my husband and I try to visit parks legally and have been marking off some of our beautiful national parks from our bucket list. That list includes several in Alaska that we will visit next summer.
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One of the main reasons I retired was to spend more time with my family, especially my grandchildren. Currently, that number stands at four, ranging in ages from 6 months to 8 years. Working part-time provides the best of both worlds - the opportunity to do what I professionally love, and to have plenty of free time for family, travel and friends.
*The Agriculture Business Team also falls under this team, and you get to know them in a previous blog.