Walkersville Resident Named Communications Director

At the recommendation of the Transition Team and as part of ongoing efforts to make government operations more open and transparent, today County Executive Jan Gardner announced the reorganization of her communications team. She created a Communications Department which includes the Video Services staff and the public information officer combined into a single unit under the direction of newly-appointed Communications Director Vivian Laxton. The department will be included in the Office of the County Executive.

“I’m delighted that Vivian is joining our team,” Executive Gardner said. “She brings a strong background in
government communications, and she’s knowledgeable about Frederick County and the issues we face.”

Laxton joins Frederick County Government after serving as director of public affairs for the Maryland Insurance Administration, a state agency. Previously, she was the public information administrator for Carroll County Government. In that position, she helped launch the county government’s television channel.

Before entering the public sector, Laxton worked as a print journalist, including time as editor of the Frederick Gazette. A Walkersville, Md., resident, Laxton earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Hood College and master’s degree in strategic public relations from the George Washington University. She is a fellow of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance.

Executive Gardner added that an administrative analyst position that was open in the County Executive’s Office
was converted to the communications director position.
In other management updates, Executive Gardner announced the retirement of Interagency Information
Technologies Director Sherry Weakley and expressed appreciation for her many years of service. Software Applications
Manager Rick Little was named acting director of the division. Also, Interim Budget Officer Michael Gastley has returned
to retirement and Assistant Budget Officer Kelly Weaver is now serving as acting budget officer.
In addition, the Division of Community Development will now be the Division of Planning & Permitting.