Top 50 Under 40 Devin Gaither

This year OED is recognizing and celebrating Frederick County’s young professionals who are leaders in their industry, give back to the community and add significant value to their company and its culture.  Join us as we get to know our Top 50 Under 40.


Devin Gaither, 32
Aerial Program Director, Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts
Business Analyst, Orases
www.lunaaerial.com and orases.com

Devin is Aerial Program Director at Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts, and a Business Analyst at Orases Custom Software. She has been the Stage Manager for the MET's production of A Christmas Carol for almost a decade. Devin's unique skillset in aerial fabrics, trapeze, and aerial hoop enable her to bring a unique experience to the residents of Frederick County.

Describe your greatest accomplishment.

Our partnership show with Frederick County Public Libraries at Sky Stage. The event was so well attended that it oversold by almost twice the venue size. Audience members rotated out during intermission - tons of happy children and adults alike.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why? 

Empathy and Ambition. You have to have both. People talk about following your heart or using your head, but if you can't do both and find that balance, you can't succeed in any form of business, whether it's software or circus.

Name one award you are most proud to have received.

Hood College: Rebecca Sullivan Award for Enthusiasm, Passion and an Unfailingly Positive Attitude // Mary Ellen Randolph Prize for Academic Excellence

What is your experience with volunteering and civic engagement?

Board Member: Frederick CUUPS at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick

I volunteer my time with Frederick CUUPS at the Unitarian Congregation of Frederick. We bring a unique offering of earth-centered spirituality events to the Frederick Community and are one of the largest and most active groups of our kind in the area.

What was your first job?

Onsite Assistant for Larry Allen Photography Company

What do you like to do for fun in Frederick County?

Spending time outside! There are so many amazing, beautiful natural sites in Frederick County!

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

My Mother. Perhaps it's a cheesy answer, but it's honest. She's the smartest and most dedicated person I know. She hasn't been dealt an easy hand, but she's always buckled down, persevered, and done what it takes to succeed, all with grace and kindness. But that doesn't mean that she doesn't know how to stand up for herself and set boundaries. I hope one day to be half the woman she is!

What is your favorite leadership book?

I'll be honest, I'm not one for traditional Leadership books. I have an MFA in Creative Writing, and I find that the best leadership comes from empathy, and there's nothing better to teach empathy than engaging storytelling. Maybe that's a memoir by someone that inspires you, but maybe it's also an adventure novel or dramatic stage play.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Right here in Frederick County, continuing to do exactly what I'm doing now - being involved in my community and bringing a little bit of whimsy to Frederick County however I can.