Fitzwater Appoints Chandler as Director of Family Services

FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater today announced the appointment of Leshia Chandler as Director of the Division of Family Services. Ms. Chandler brings more than 20 years of experience in child welfare, community partnerships, and public service to the role, including a decade of leadership within Frederick County Government. The County Council confirmed Ms. Chandler's appointment today.

"Leshia Chandler is a compassionate and strategic leader who has dedicated her career to strengthening families and protecting vulnerable children," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Her deep knowledge of our community and her unwavering commitment to equity and service make her the right person to lead the Division of Family Services into the future."

Ms. Chandler comes to the position after serving as Deputy Director of the Division since April of 2024. In that role, she also led the Frederick County Local Management Board. The LMB created a Neighborhood Action Plan to end high concentrations of poverty throughout the community. She also assisted the County's efforts to conduct a comprehensive childcare study. Before being named Deputy Director, Ms. Chandler worked as a local care team coordinator in the division, connecting families to community resources. She also teaches courses on foster care, child development, and family sociology at Mount St. Mary's University as an adjunct faculty member.

Prior to her work at Frederick County Government, Ms. Chandler worked at the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, supervising programs such as Court Appointed Special Advocates, Parent Coaching, and Health Families. She brings a decade of executive-level experience in early childhood education at Aramark Educational Resources, now known as KinderCare Learning Centers.

A Frederick resident, Ms. Chandler earned a master's degree in human and social services from Walden University and a bachelor's degree in English from Shippensburg University.

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CONTACT: Vivian Laxton, Director
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
601-600-1315