The Frederick Board of County Commissioners announced today the restructuring of the County Manager’s Office and two Frederick County Government divisions in order to strengthen operational effectiveness and provide $350,000 in projected budgetary savings. All restructuring improvements will become effective on Monday, October 1.

Finance Division Director Lori Depies, CPA, was appointed county manager and current County Manager David Dunn was named as the county commissioners’ liaison. Ms. Depies steps into her new responsibilities after serving for the past year as finance division director and previously the director of the Frederick County Treasury since 2006. Prior to that role, Ms. Depies served as accounting team leader in the county Finance Division.

While Ms. Depies will focus attention on the oversight of divisions and county programs and services, Mr. Dunn will be able to give more attention to his proactive role in improving communications and fostering positive interaction with municipalities, the Washington Council of Governments, the Maryland Association of Counties, the Frederick Chamber of Commerce and other local agencies such as the realtors and builders associations. Mr. Dunn was appointed as county manager in 2011 and previously served as assistant county manager. Prior to that, he served for 10 years as administrator for the City of Brunswick.

In addition, the Business Development & Retention Division will move organizationally under the Community Development Division and be renamed as the Business Retention Department. Helen Riddle was named as manager of the new department.

Transit Services Division will move under the Citizens Services Division and will be renamed as the Transit Department. Nancy Norris will assume the position of acting department director and the position of assistant director will be eliminated, providing budgetary savings.

Board President Blaine Young commented, "We commend Dave Dunn for his outstanding work that has resulted in greatly improved relationships and a much more cooperative spirit with our municipal officials. He will continue to be the eyes and ears for the commissioners with this change in his role in the County Manager’s Office. He will take charge of the board’s business-friendly outreach efforts and continue to improve our relationships with our various allied organizations.

"On top of that, we will have the best of all worlds with a financial expert such as Lori Depies running county operations with an eye to the bottom line and continuing to streamline local government to make it more efficient. The restructuring of our Transit and business retention offices will improve their effectiveness and provide savings. We see these changes as a sure way to strengthen our services and also achieve sizable savings for the taxpayers of Frederick County."

Mr. Dunn responded by saying, "I’m excited and look forward to the opportunity to be the eyes and ears and boots on the ground for the county commissioners. I will continue with my responsibilities as liaison with our very important municipalities as well as state and federal officials. Our emphasis on support for the business community will continue to be a priority. I know that Lori Depies will do a great job and look forward to helping her during this transition. She has my full support."

Ms. Depies thanked the Board of County Commissioners for appointing her as county manager. She said, "I am honored to be asked to serve in this challenging and very rewarding position and thank the board for this opportunity. I am very grateful for the support from our team of talented and outstanding division directors. Working together, we will continue to support the goals of this board and provide excellent services to the citizens of Frederick County."

The county commissioners further restructured the County Manager’s Office by moving the Budget Office under its jurisdiction and the direction of Ms. Depies.

As to the Finance Division, the director position will change in scope and the assistant director position will be eliminated, providing additional budgetary savings. Accounting Director Erin White has been named acting director of the division.