The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) announces that Director Helen Propheter is celebrating 25 years with Frederick County Government.
Ms. Propheter began her career in 1992 with Frederick County Workforce Services. She was a member of the Business Services team and then led the Youth Services team for a total of 15 years in Workforce Services. “ I was fortunate to begin my career having worked for and mentored by Marie Keegin. She taught us true leadership skills, public speaking skills and how to create partnerships. Having Marie as my director allowed me to learn management skills at a very young age,” said Helen. “Marie’s lessons in business and management have served me well 10, 15, 20 and even 25 years into my career.”
Ms. Propheter became Deputy Director of OED in 2007 and then moved into the Director role in 2012. “The past 10 years with OED have flown by. Being part of a team that has to work to win expansion deals and headquarters relocations has been exciting. Hearing from businesses that their headquarters have selected Frederick County as the location they will be adding hundreds of jobs to, never gets old,” stated Ms. Propheter. “More recently, unveiling projects like the FRED Awards, the new Business Innovation & Cultivation Center at 118 N. Market and the Minority Business Vision initiatives and being part of the team that achieved a AAA Bond rating for Frederick County all keep my job challenging and exciting.”
When asked what the future holds, Helen said, “I still have a lot to accomplish with OED! This is an incredibly exciting time for economic growth in Frederick. We are in the process of welcoming FITCI, Tech Transfer, and the Chamber into new partnerships at 118 N. Market St. In the next few years, we hope to have a Downtown Hotel & Conference Center on Carroll Creek. Cybersecurity is starting to grow in our advanced technology industry and distillers and brewers are booming in our already strong craft beverage industry.”
“I’ve seen real change in our County over the last 25 years. I consider myself so lucky to be able to work in the County that I love and see so much potential in,” she said.
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments over the past 25 years, Helen!