Mayor Michael O’Connor announced a strategic reorganization of City government that continues his ongoing commitment to make the executive leadership team the most experienced and diverse in City history.
The new City government structure, established with the adoption of the FY23 budget, establishes new roles and reporting structures for several City leaders across several departments, reiterating Mayor O’Connor’s commitment to creating a leadership cabinet that can best respond to The City of Frederick’s progress and growth.
Under the new structure, Katie Barkdoll will become the first woman to serve as Director of Budget and Administration. Gayon Sampson will serve as the City’s first Black Chief of Staff. These changes will take effect July 1.
“In my first term as Mayor, I committed to examining City government operations and identified strategic reorganization opportunities, with the Department of Housing and Human Services and in the Department of Public Works,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. “With the further identification of areas of opportunity, the timing for this reorganization is appropriate. This restructure supports my commitment to increase the efficiency of service delivery and interdepartmental collaboration as we build the most diverse, equitable and resilient City government workforce possible.”
Under this new structure, the Director of Budget and Administration will oversee the Human Resources Department, Finance Department, and Office of Risk, Safety, and Compliance in addition to the Information Technology/GIS and Purchasing Departments, which were already under this position’s purview.
In addition to the Office of the Mayor, the Communications Department, Office of Equity and Inclusion, the City Clerk will report to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff.
“Katie and Gayon have proven to be excellent leaders, and valuable collaborators, who are both dedicated to serving our residents and City staff. These changes facilitate improved communication and collaboration between many departments that share similar missions and responsibilities. I cannot think of two people more qualified to serve in these critical roles.”
Sampson, an 8th generation native of Frederick, was appointed to the City of Frederick in July 2018. Prior to joining the City of Frederick, Sampson served as community outreach advisor in the Office of Government and Community Affairs at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, he was employed as a policy associate at the Greater Baltimore Committee. Additionally, he has experience working both on Capitol Hill and for the Maryland General Assembly. Gayon is very active in his community serving on numerous boards and committees.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Towson University and his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maryland, College Park, School of Public Policy.
Barkdoll, a lifelong Frederick County resident, joined the City in 2009 after serving as the Finance Director for the YMCA of Frederick County. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Ms. Barkdoll is very active in the community and has served on the Board of Directors of several nonprofit organizations and is currently on the Board of the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association. Barkdoll has also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for 12 consecutive years.
These moves continue Mayor O’Connor’s work to build out key leadership positions within the City including his hiring of the top positions in the Frederick Police Department, the Department of Housing and Human Services, and the creation of an Office of Equity and Inclusion and the hiring of its first manager. With these changes, six of Mayor O’Connor’s eight executive leadership team members, represent minority populations.
“I am proud of the Mayor’s commitment to continue working toward building a more equitable and diverse workforce and leadership team in the City of Frederick,” said Sampson. “This reorganization not only reflects the Mayor’s priorities but it also benefits our residents in our effort to deliver more timely, efficient and higher quality services to them.”
“This budget cycle represented a true transformational opportunity for the City, and I believe this restructure by the Mayor represents a momentous shift for how City government works for its residents and its employees,” said Barkdoll. “I am thankful for the Mayor’s commitment to staff and the public, and am excited to continue the important work the City does on behalf of its residents every day.”
This reorganization continues The City of Frederick’s commitment to providing responsive, effective and innovative services that promote and enhance the well-being of all residents that live, work and play in the City of Frederick.