Jan Gardner 
Michael Hughes
That’s according to County Executive Jan Gardner during a recent appearance on WFMD’s Morning News Express.
Frederick, Md (NS) – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said Michael Hughes was brought in from North Carolina to be Frederick County’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer because the county had no one with experience or focus to fit the role.
On WFMD’s Morning News Express, Gardner explained why they hired from outside the county.
“We really had to have somebody there to do the work and somebody with experience in the work and that’s what we set out to do,” said Gardner.
In his 1-year report, Hughes said when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion in its workforce, Frederick County Government gets a grade of a “C.”
Gardner said training will play an important role.
“We really want to make sure that Frederick County is a place where everyone can belong and be successful and we know we have work to do on that. All of our metrics show that,” she said.
Gardner said having a dedicated Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer will allow the county government to accomplish its equity goals.