Rick Harcum Retiring As Frederick County Chief Administrative Officer

A nationwide search will begin for his replacement.Chief Administrative Officer Rick Harcum (Photo from Frederick County Government)Frederick, Md (KM) A top Frederick County government official is leaving. Rick Harcum will be retiring from the position of Chief Administrative Officer effective January 27th, 2023. .As Chief Administrative Officer, Harcum is in charge of all of the county’s 23 divisions and offices under the direction of the County Executive.”Rick led the day-to-day operations of County government  through one of the most challenging times in modern history, and we are on solid financial and operational footing thanks to his stewardship,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a statement. “It has been a privilege and honor to work with Rick, and I am incredibly grateful for his guidance and support during my transition into this office. His leadership will continue to leave its mark on Frederick County Government for years to come. He will be missed.”Harcum was hired in 2016 as the County’s Budget Director, and was appointed as Chief Administrative Officer in 2019. He previously worked for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for 25 years where he served as director of performance management, budget director and other budget-related positions. He also worked for the Maryland Department of Transportation as a financial planner; and he also worked with a telecommunications company as a financial analyst.Harcum earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration, and a master degree in finance, both at the University of Maryland.A national search is expected to get underway to locate a new Chief Administrative Officer. Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer Lori Depies will serve acting Chief Administrative Officer. Leslie Barnes-Keating will serve as acting Deputy CAO. She currently works as Deputy Director of the Division of Citizens Services, where she oversees child and family programs and emergency shelter responses during crisis events.By Kevin McManus